From destroyed buildings to modern facilities: Mariupol State University's achievements in two years of relocation

Mariupol State University has become a symbol of the resilience of higher education in Ukraine, recognized nationally and internationally.

In March 2022, during the siege of Mariupol, the university lost its educational buildings along with its material and technical equipment. Thanks to the incredible unity of the staff, it was possible to resume the educational process one and a half months later, on April 18, although much work awaited in the conditions of relocation. By the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine’s order, MSU was officially relocated to Kyiv.

The university acquired a building constructed in 1932. Thus, the Mariupol academic community gained walls, to add to them the lost sense of home, and an important mission, to create a modern educational environment.

Thanks to the support received from the European Union and the United Kingdom, the university underwent significant changes. This made it possible to develop in the digital space: electronic document management, a device-adaptive website with personal accounts for teachers and students, and a mobile application which is in the final stage of its development. Teachers have the opportunity to record video lectures in a specially designated media studio, and the classrooms are equipped with communication facilities to conduct lessons in a mixed format.

New laboratories with modern equipment are being opened for better education of the specialists — the cybersecurity lab is already operational, with others on the way for inclusive education, robotics, STEAM research, and foreign language proficiency (language lab). Before the new academic year, a SMART library will be launched, offering access to print and electronic publications, a comfortable environment to study, and meeting like-minded people. Additionally, a shelter has been equipped to allow classes or events to continue during air raids.

Mariupol University is actively represented in the international educational and scientific environment. The Ukrainian university has joined the Alliance of European Universities Transform4Europe, the European Association of Universities, the British Twinning project, and signed a number of cooperation agreements with leading universities around the world, all of which provide opportunities for MSU lecturers and students to participate in research and educational internships. It also made it possible to open its own representative offices so that Ukrainians abroad do not lose contact with their home country and can enroll in higher education institutions. Mariupol University's center has already started operating in Lithuania, and a new plan is underway to open another in Poland.

Recognizing that being merely an institution for higher education is not enough, the university has adopted a model of public orientation (the Civic University model) based on the experiences learned from European colleagues. This model enables individuals to take self-development courses, receive psychological or legal consultations, and attend cultural, educational, and scientific events - the renovated edifice of MSU is open to everyone.

The rapid transformation of the main building has further facilitated its expansion and consolidation in Kyiv. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has allocated a large area for a campus to Mariupol State University, marking a unique case among relocated educational institutions. The project, entitled "Invincible Campus of the Invincible University," received support from President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to MSU.

Being part of the invincible community carries a great responsibility for the future of the university, its students, tertiary education in Ukraine, and Mariupol after the Victory. Equally important, the invincible community is a large family, always happy to welcome new members.