We stand for Ukraine; it sounds from the university. UHK helps refugees and terminates contracts with Russia
The University of Hradec Králové (UHK) is terminating all partnership agreements with Russia. However, current UHK students of Russian nationality may finish their studies properly. The move follows the university's previous condemnation of the Russian Federation's aggressive actions in Ukraine. Now the university is focusing on helping its Ukrainian students and their families.
Our motivation for this move is obvious. Russia violates international law and is responsible for an unprecedented attack on a sovereign state, including the evident bombing of civilian targets. At such a moment, its institutions cannot be cooperated with.
"Our lawyers are already working on the termination of contracts with Russian universities, fifteen agreements will be affected," explains Leona Stašová, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at UHK.
There are currently 46 students of Russian nationality studying at the University of Hradec Králové, the vast majority of them in Czech study programs. "The termination of contracts also concerns short-term exchange programs. However, the stay of the five Russian students who are currently studying at UHK will not be affected," continues Vice-Rector Stašová, followed by the Rector of the University of Hradec Králové, Kamil Kuča, who explains: "Of course, we respect the law, those contracts have notice periods like all standard contracts, i.e., students within these short-term stays, thanks to the notice periods of contracts, will finish, for example, a semester, we will certainly not deport them. However, we will not accept any new Russian exchange students to study, just as we will not send any of the Czech students to Russia."
The University of Hradec Králové is currently focusing on helping its Ukrainian students. "We have provided them one-time support of CZK 10,000. Now we are also working on setting up long-term scholarships to support students in case the conflict continues," adds Leona Stašová, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, adding that the university is also looking for and providing accommodation for family members of Ukrainian students if necessary.
"We have set aside 35 places at University Halls of Residence for this purpose. Currently, three families have used this accommodation, which we provide free of charge to refugees," said Rector Kuča.
Information, Counselling and Career Centre at UHK also offers help with finding adequate employment for refugees. Of course, free psychological support is also available for our students. This is used not only by students of Ukrainian nationality but also by those of Russian nationality.
The University of Hradec Králové has also compiled a database of volunteers willing to help. The Diocesan Charity Hradec Králové, for example, draws from a list of almost 150 volunteers, which needs volunteers within the Regional Assistance Center for Assistance to Ukraine (KACPU) in Aldis Congress Centre.
