Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

9

University governance measures

The activities of TSATU in 2024 demonstrate a high level of institutional sustainability, transparency of governance and active participation in the formation of national and regional policies, which is a critical contribution to the achievement of SDG 16. The university governance measures reflect institutional transparency, democratic governance and the involvement of external stakeholders.

The highest collegial body of the university is the Academic Council of TSATU, which is established for a period of five years, the composition of which is approved by the order of the rector. The management structure of the university provides for the democratic election and representation of key groups within the Academic Council. The Academic Council consists of the rector, vice-rectors, deans, directors of institutes, academic secretary, director of the scientific library, chief accountant, directors of colleges, heads of self-government bodies and elected bodies of primary trade union organizations of the university. The Academic Council consists of elected representatives from among scientific and pedagogical employees (in particular, heads of departments, professors, doctors of philosophy, doctors of sciences, etc.), as well as other employees of the university who work there on a permanent basis, elected representatives of postgraduate students, doctoral students, heads of elected bodies of primary trade union organizations of students and postgraduates, heads of student self-government bodies of the university in accordance with the quotas determined by the TSATU statute.

By decision of the Academic Council of the university or faculties, its composition may also include representatives of employer organizations. At the same time, at least 75% of the Council must consist of the university’s scientific and pedagogical staff, and at least 10% must be elected representatives from among the students (Clause 1.6 of the Regulations).

In 2024, the academic council of the university consisted of 50 people, including 33 scientific and pedagogical employees, 6 directors of separate structural units, the chief accountant, the head of the personnel department, the director of the scientific library, the head of the university trade union committee, the head of the university student council, the head of the student trade union bureau and 4 heads of student councils of the faculties.

The academic councils of the faculties, in addition to the dean, their deputies, heads of departments, scientific and pedagogical employees of the faculty, also include elected representatives of the student self-government bodies of the faculty, in particular by faculties:

  • Faculty of Mechanics and Technology – 3 students out of 13 members;
  • Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technologies – 2 students out of 13 members;
  • Faculty of Agrotechnology and Ecology – 2 students out of 16 members;
  • Faculty of Economics and Business – 4 students out of 18 members;
  • Educational and Scientific Institute of General University Training – 2 students out of 13 members.

Student Self-Government (SSG) and Student Trade Union Organization

The interests of students are represented by student self-government bodies, whose activities are regulated by the Regulations on Student Self-Government. The structure of the SSG of the TSATU includes:

  • The Student Board of TSATU as the main structure of the TSATU SSG, which includes the student council and student councils of individual faculties;
  • The Scientific Association of Students and Postgraduates “Intellect” as part of the Council of Young Scientists of TSATU;
  • Student Voluntary People’s Army;
  • Group Leader Unit;
  • Student Trade Union;
  • TSATU Student Cossack Hut

In order to unite citizens for the development of TSATU as a centre of education, science, culture and youth education, in 2017, graduates of TSATU initiated the creation of a public organization “Association of TSATU Alumni”. The public organization ensures equal partnership and interaction between graduates, employers, students and university employees.

Students are elected to leadership positions in student self-government bodies democratically. For example, the student language ombudsman Vlada Shmalii and the acting chairman of the Student Council Yevhen Petrushchenko represented the interests of students at the highest level (Ministry of Education and Science, President of Ukraine), which is a direct manifestation of democratic representation. The student self-government and the student trade union are recognized independent representatives of the interests of students and actively represent the interests of TSATU students. In particular, in 2024, the student council’s active participation in the following events:

Interaction with stakeholders

The university is guided by policies and procedures that ensure identification and engagement with local stakeholders through bilateral agreements and the Supervisory. The policy of ensuring communication and taking into account the recommendations of external stakeholders (employers, alumni, representatives of private and public institutions) is enshrined in clause 2.6 of the Regulations on the Survey of Participants in the Educational Process, clause 2.6 (p. 6).

TSATU involves external stakeholders in the decision-making process in the educational process and research work. Proposals of employers and alumni, provided based on the results of their participation in the survey, are taken into account in the processes of improving the quality of the educational process. Every year, at the meetings of working groups on improving and updating educational programmes, expert consultations are held with the involvement of employers, alumni and the academic community. Every year, guarantors of educational programmes invite employers and graduates to participate in the survey (p. 18 and 19 of the Regulations) and to formulate recommendations for improving educational programmes and improving the quality of the educational process. Monitoring of responses of employers and graduates is published in open access on the website of the department of monitoring the quality of educational programmes. For stakeholders initiating the provision of proposals for improving the educational and scientific process at TSATU, the opportunity to provide their recommendations is available by filling out the appropriate feedback form. Interaction with stakeholders also takes place in the formats of round tables, open lectures, scientific and practical conferences, etc.

Responses to stakeholder proposals are published in open access for all interested parties by posting the relevant documentation on the TSATU website by faculty.

Joint bodies for stakeholder engagement

The key joint body is the Supervisory Board of TSATU, which includes representatives of local authorities and the public:

  1. Novikov H.V., Chairman of the Agrarian Union of Ukraine Public Union, Chairman of the Supervisory Board (upon consent);
  2. Adamchuk V.V., Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Automation of Agroindustrial Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board (upon consent);
  3. Ishchenko T.D., Director of the State Institution “Scientific and Methodological Centre of Higher and Vocational Pre-Higher Education” of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Secretary of the Supervisory Board;
  4. Grishina Yu.M., People’s Deputy of Ukraine (upon consent);
  5. Davydenko O.H., Director of Scientific and Production Enterprise “Sortostantsia” LLC, Vilniansk district, Zaporizhzhia region (upon consent);
  6. Kremin T.D., Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language (upon consent);
  7. Maslov M.B., General Director of MP-Agro LLC (upon consent);
  8. Minko S.A., People’s Deputy of Ukraine (upon consent);
  9. Fedorov I.S., from January to February 2, 2024, Mayor of Melitopol, and from February 4, 2024, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military (State) Administration (upon consent).

In 2024, a meeting of the University Supervisory Board was held, during which the strategic objectives of TSATU for 2024 were discussed, including ensuring opportunities for dual education, the quality of the educational process, the involvement of local stakeholders, etc.

TSATU has established a consistent practice of involving the public in decision-making in the field of educational and scientific activities and educational work. The areas of cooperation are aimed at supporting inclusiveness, creating a space for public activity, integrating displaced people, implementing educational and psychological programmes, conducting trainings on psychological support for vulnerable groups of the population and displaced people in the process of adapting to living conditions in a new region. Conditions are being created for the integration of youth into the economic processes of the community, employment of graduates, and implementation of pilot leadership programmes in the agricultural sector. The university promotes the implementation of civil society values ​​as a component of national identity, in particular language policy. Following the recommendations of international partners, it develops transparency, accountability, and implements modern standards. It supports initiatives to create an environment for taking into account the needs of students, strengthening the potential of TSATU in project activities, and applying innovative technologies based on the principles of academic integrity, in particular in the field of youth policy.

Key areas of stakeholder engagement in 2024:

  1. Involvement in the processes of quality assurance and accreditation of educational programmes (SDG 4):
  • membership of employers in the State Examination Commissions, involvement of employers in assessing qualification work and determining the quality of graduate training (report of the rector of TSATU for 2024);
  • development and review of educational and professional programmes;
  • participation in a planned meeting-seminar on the topic “Features of monitoring and reviewing educational programmes” for guarantors of educational programmes;
  • employers are regularly involved in making proposals and reviewing curricula;
  • involvement of PhD. N. Kukina in the Register of Qualifications as an expert on accreditation of qualification centres provides an expert approach to ensuring that qualifications meet market requirements.
  1. Examples of cooperation on issues of dual education and practical training of studentss (SDG 4, 8).
  • Employers are the basis for dual education and practical training, which guarantees the employment of graduates. An example of the implementation of such cooperation is the development of a strategic partnership in the field of dual education based on the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with the auditing and consulting company Baker Tilly Ukraine. The company acts as a base for practical and dual training for students majoring in Accounting and Taxation, Finance, Banking, Insurance and Stock Market;
  • Stakeholders contribute to the organization of dual training for students majoring in Tourism, in particular, student Ksenia Popkova is studying under the dual system, working as an administrator at the Vozdvyzhenskyi boutique hotel (Kyiv);
  • Meeting with a representative of the MKhP company in order to establish close cooperation in the field of organizing dual training and further employment;
  • Certification of students for dual training takes place in the format of reporting on work at foreign enterprises and farms. Stakeholders participate in discussing the results of dual training and developing recommendations for improving practical training of students.
  1. Participation in joint activities and dialogue (SDGs 16, 17):

University principles on preventing and counteracting corruption and bribery

The university annually reviews the policy on combating corruption and bribery, and approves the Anti-Corruption Programme. This is a fundamental document that, which in accordance with the requirements of current legislation, establishes standards, requirements, and measures aimed at preventing corruption offences in the activities of the university. The Anti-Corruption Programme of TSATU is a set of rules, standards, and procedures for identifying, countering, and preventing corruption in the activities of TSATU, and is implemented on the basis of the approval of the annual Action Plan for Preventing and Counteracting Corruption in TSATU. The main components and objectives of the anti-corruption programme of TSATU:

  • obligation: state bodies, state higher education institutions, such as TSATU, are obliged to have such programmes approved by adopting a relevant regulatory document (order, instruction);
  • compliance with current legislation: the programme meets the requirements of current legislation, in particular the Model Anti-Corruption Programme and the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption“;
  • measures to combat corruption: the programme determines specific measures that must be taken to prevent corruption, in particular, making decisions on determining the persons and/or structural units responsible for the implementation of the anti-corruption programme, introducing procedures and standards that minimize the risks of corruption offenses;
  • control: the authorized person who performs corruption prevention functions is responsible for the implementation of the programme.

The university is guided by the Code of Academic Integrity and the Regulation on the Internal System of Education Quality Assurance in matters of preventing and combating corruption and bribery. These documents publicly enshrine the principles of zero tolerance for corruption, bribery and unscholarly behavior. Educational work to promote integrity among students is confirmed by the fact that a TSATU graduate received the 3rd degree diploma at the All-Ukrainian essay competition “Integrity in Education: Adherence Cannot Be Violated”, which confirms active educational work. The university has put into effect a number of internal regulatory documents: Regulations on the Authorized Person for the Prevention and Detection of Corruption at TSATU, Regulations on the Commission for the Assessment of Corruption Risks in the Activities of TSATU, Regulations on the Academic Integrity of Participants in the Educational Process at TSATU.

The Authorized Person for the Prevention and Detection of Corruption at TSATU is the First Vice-Rector, Oleksandr Petrovych Lomeiko. The main task of the authorized person is to organize measures to prevent corruption offences. Information about corruption by officials and employees of the TSATU can be reported:

  • by e-mail to: oleksandr.lomeiko@tsatu.edu.ua;
  • in writing to the address: 69600, 66 Zhukovskyi Str., Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, TSATU;
  • by phone: +380672976670 (mobile) or +380996148302 (mobile).

The information provided will be considered and verified in accordance with current legislation, and based on the results of its consideration, a response will be provided and appropriate measures will be taken.

Academic freedom policy

TSATU supports the academic freedom of teachers in choosing the areas of implementation of educational, methodological, scientific and organizational work, which is provided for by the Regulation on Planning and Accounting of the Main Types of Work of Scientific and Pedagogical Workers at TSATU. The Regulation is subject to annual review and update. The teacher plans the types of work within the framework of performing 1548 hours at 1.0 rate (clause 1.2 of the Regulation) and coordinates their activities with the head of the department. University researchers in the process of conducting scientific activities have academic freedom, which is based on the principles of freedom of speech, thought and creativity, dissemination of knowledge and information, free publication and use of scientific research results, taking into account the restrictions established by law. According to the Regulation on the Research Department when approving the topics of scientific research, scientific and technical councils take into account the interests of researchers, resource capabilities for conducting research and the needs of society, choosing relevant areas of scientific activity. TSATU supports the right of each teacher to choose materials and course content, teaching methods and technologies, choosing approaches to preparing training sessions, etc. The general moral principles and rules of ethical behaviour of people working and studying at the university, which they must be guided by in their activities, are enshrined in the Code of Honour, which is mandatory for all participants in the educational process.

The Code of Academic Integrity and the Regulation on the Internal System of Quality Assurance of Education of TSATU include principles for ensuring academic freedom, guarantee freedom of choice of areas of research and freedom of expression. These documents guarantee teachers the freedom to choose teaching methods, research and public expression within the framework of current legislation. The policy of academic freedom at TSATU is also implemented by granting teachers the right to independently choose an individual trajectory of professional development on the basis of the approved Regulation on the Professional Development of Scientific and Pedagogical Workers. Teachers have the right to independently choose the directions and forms of advanced training (in particular, international internships and professional courses), which is a key manifestation of freedom in choosing teaching and research methodologies. Freedom to choose an individual trajectory of professional development is manifested by granting teachers the freedom to choose courses and international internships in accordance with their individual needs and scientific interests.

TSATU ensures freedom of expression and scientific discourse, creates an environment where teachers can freely express themselves and discuss relevant, often sensitive issues. Examples that demonstrate this approach are that TSATU scientists publicly provided expert assessments of the destructive impact of occupation activities on the environment of the Melitopol region, which is a free expression of socio-political problems based on scientific research. TSATU professors published an article-analysis of the problem “How can we overcome the problem of domestic tractor and machine building” in the Agribusiness Today journal, freely expressing critical views on economic policy and industry. Conducting an online workshop “Academic Writing and Integrity” within the framework of professional development courses “Modern Ukrainian Language in Everyday and Professional Communication” contributes to creating an environment for ensuring the rights and freedoms of the academic community, increasing academic integrity, and teaching the skills necessary for free and ethical research and publications.

The awarding of the title of Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Higher Education of Ukraine to the rector of TSATU, Serhii Kiurchev, and the dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Iryna Kolokolchykova, in 2024 is a sign of the strength, recognition and stability of the university itself as a scientific institution. This institutional success characterises TSATU as a reliable partner of the state and testifies to the strengthening of the institutional strength and stability of the university through the recognition of its leaders at the national level.

The results of the financial activities of TSATU are published in accordance with the requirements of national legislation on transparency and accessibility of information about budgetary institutions. Data on the financial activities of the university are published on the official website in the Public Information and Rector’s Report for 2024 (page 80) sections.

Facilitating Expert Consultation with State Bodies

TSATU maintains structured and high-level cooperation with state authorities across all administrative levels, ensuring the provision of specialised expertise and supporting materials to inform policy development in multiple strategic areas, including:

  1. Expert consultations at national and regional levels on educational and financial policy matters, including the participation of the Rector of TSATU in a meeting with the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, and the Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, where the key issues related to the financing of higher education institutions (formula-based funding, grant mechanisms) and the challenges of the admission campaign in a front-line region were addressed. TSATU representatives are actively involved in the 7th Scientific and Methodological Commission of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and are listed among national experts authorised to conduct scientific and scientific-technical evaluations for the Ministry;
  2. Expertise in environmental protection is implemented by Prof. A. Volokh, who is a permanent participant and consultant to commissions for the protection of on the conservation of natural reserves and protected areas. In 2024, he participated as an expert in the field of hunting and fauna, took part in the Ukrainian Hunting Forum held in Kamianets-Podilskyi, which focused on optimising hunting practices, fostering hunting culture, and advancing education and scientific research, constituting direct expert consultation in the protection and management of wild fauna. Carrying out research and preparing analytical materials on the impact of climate change and military hostilities on rare flora species in the Pryazovia region (TSATU Rector’s Report, 2024stimulates student-led scientific activity, oversees scientific schools, and provides guidance to applicants engaged in biodiversity monitoring and protection in southern Ukraine under conditions of armed conflict which is an example of indirect yet sustained expert support (TSATU Rector’s Report, 2024).
  3. Expert consultations on issues of regional agrarian and economic policy, in particular through participation in the discussion of the draft Strategy for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Territories;
  4. TSATU leadership and academic personnel, serving as current public officials and deputies, provide sustained expert input to the activities of governmental bodies and regional administrations:
  • V.M. Kyurchev (D.Sc., Professor, and Rector’s Adviser), serves as a Deputy of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council and Chairman of the Budget Commission. He provides expert guidance in financial policy through his leadership of the Budget Planning and Monitoring Committee of Zaporizhzhia Region (financial policy);
  • Kiurchev S.V. (D.Sc., Professor, Rector) serves as a Deputy of the Melitopol City Council of the 8th convocation. He contributes expert opinions on the advancement of higher education and the functioning of the city of Melitopol under relocation conditions (educational and youth policy);
  • H.V. Ortina (D.Sc., Professor) – Deputy of the Melitopol City Council of the 8th convocation, provides expert opinions and recommendations on the involvement of young people in the revival of the city of Melitopol (social and youth policy);
  • I.Ye. Ivanova (PhD, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Agrotechnology and Ecology) serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Melitopol City Council. She provides expertise in administrative management by facilitating effective interaction between educators, governmental authorities, and local self-government bodies (administrative management);
  • Yu.O. Prus (Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of the Education and Research Centre) serves as a member of the Committee for Managing the Implementation of the Melitopol City Development Strategy until 2030; he provides expert opinions on strategic directions in agricultural development and education, contributing to the city’s long-term planning and sectoral advancement (strategic planning);
  • V.D. Tsap (Ph.D., Associate Professor) – deputy of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, judicial expert authorised to conduct economic examinations, and nationally recognised specialist in resolving issues related to accounting, tax accounting, financial and credit operations. Provides expert analysis (financial expertise).

Training of Policy and Legislative Specialists, and Information and Explanatory Work

The training of specialists under the educational programmes Public Management and Administration and Management represents a direct contribution of TSATU to the development of the potential of individuals responsible for shaping policies and legislation at all levels of governance. The university conducts targeted training to form the competencies of future and current managers, while also providing state certification.

The university delivers educational and professional training programmes for civil servants, heads of local state administrations, their first deputies and deputies, and officials of local self-government. The information on the content of educational programmes is posted on the Knowledge Management Portal of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service. Civil servants and representatives of local self-government bodies have free access to attend public lectures on managerial and policy-related topics. The university facilitates the single state qualification examination for the attestation of students majoring in Public Administration and Management. Advisory support for representatives of united territorial communities is provided through the Agro-Tavria Information and Consultation Centre. The training course “Business Etiquette of a Public Servant” was conducted for students and postgraduates of the Public Management and Administration programme, in collaboration with West Ukrainian National University.

TSATU ensures the organisation and conduct of the single state qualification examination for the attestation of students majoring in Public Administration and Management.

In 2024, several agreements and memorandums of cooperation were signed to facilitate the exchange of experience and provide advisory support to public authorities. Notably, an agreement was concluded with the Andrivka Village Military Administration to enable students of the educational programmes Public Management and Administration and Management to complete practical training within local government institutions.

The university provides training in European integration and political governance. University staff participated in the educational event “Regulation of the Cultural Sphere in the European Union”, organised in cooperation with the Centre for the Adaptation of the Civil Service to EU Standards. This collaboration promotes the integration of European principles into national policy and management practices. The online event “EU Institution: How Does It Work?” for students majoring in Management and Public Management and Administration was held, which is critically important for understanding the operational principles of the European Union in the context of public administration and governance.

TSATU actively promotes youth involvement in policy-making and public leadership. In particular, student Yevhen Penchuk participated in the Youth 2035 workshop organised by the Council on Youth Issues under the President of Ukraine. The proposals developed during this event were incorporated into the Concept of the State Target Programme “Youth of Ukraine” for 2026–2030, which confirms the direct contribution of TSATU students majoring in the relevant specialities to national policy formation. Students are also engaged in webinars hosted by the Educational Centre of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported by the USAID “RADA: The Next Generation” Programme on topics related to politics, parliamentarism and civic participation. Student Vlada Shmalii presented the Media Centre project at the Forum of Public Leaders-United for Victory organised in partnership with the Association of Invincible Communities, which is directly related to issues of reintegration and stability of institutions. The Department of Management and Public Administration held an event Local Self-Government in Action: The Path to Sustainable Development, which brought students together to discuss modern trends in community management and mechanisms of sustainable development.

The events organised by the university contribute to the formation of a fair and inclusive environment (mine safety training, Culture of Academic Integrity and Non-Security of Academic Dishonesty (in cooperation with the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance) events were held), national-patriotic education (the Language Arsenal “Ukrainian Language as a marker of national identity: from traditions to modernity” event, daily – observance of the national moment of silence in honour of national memory, participation in the Radio Dictation of National Unity 2024, engagement in the presentation of the new issue of the national almanac “Ukrainian Patriotic Cossacks”, developed with the support of TSATU, a meeting with a war veteran, etc.). The initiatives of TSATU staff in promoting national-patriotic education were honoured with the “Leader of Innovations in Education” award and a gold medal at the XVI International Exhibition “Innovation in Modern Education”. The recognition was granted for the project “Ukrainian Language as a Marker of National Identity: National-Patriotic Movement at TSATU”

Participation in research on state orders in 2024 is characterised by the fact that in 2024, TSATU received budgetary funding from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to support priority areas of scientific research, based on successful certification outcomes in the field of Agrarian Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, which is a direct state order for scientific activity. The findings of research by university scientists were defended at the “Rational Nature Management” section of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Ministry of Education and Science, which serves as a formal mechanism for ensuring accountability in the execution of state-funded scientific initiatives.

TSATU Creates Neutral Platforms for Dialogue and Problem-Solving

In alignment with Strategic Goal 9 of the TSATU Development Strategy (page 23), the university actively participates in the prospective development of the city and region, contributing to the formation of civil dialogue platforms and providing scientific and methodological recommendations for advancing the agricultural sector in southern Ukraine. The university regularly offers its academic platform for neutral, cross-sectoral discussions addressing current societal, economic, and environmental challenges. In 2024, the following events were organised and held: