The course of EU-CONEXUS so far is absolutely positive – Strategic decisions for the future of the Alliance – Frederick University’s role upgraded
Frederick University hosted on 13-15 May the Rectors of nine European Universities for the regular annual meeting of the Rectors’ Governing Board of the EU-CONEXUS Alliance of European Universities. The Rectors were welcomed at Frederick University in Limassol by Professor George Demosthenous, Rector of Frederick University and member of the EU-CONEXUS Rectors’ Governing Board.
“The meeting of the Council of Rectors of the 9 universities of the EU-CONEXUS European Alliance and the joint meeting with the Student Council and the External Advisory Committee was completed with great success. The Alliance’s progress to date was evaluated in an absolutely positive light and strategic decisions were taken to further strengthen our cooperation. I am particularly happy because all our partners were delighted by the excellent organization and the excellent hospitality they received, while they recognized the central and enhanced role of our University and its contribution to the successful course of our Alliance so far.”
During its meetings, the Council of Rectors took stock of the next steps of the Alliance and discussed ways to strengthen it. Other issues raised included further developing research activity towards sustainable development of urban coastal zones, and promoting the opportunities offered by EU-CONEXUS to its university community. In particular, the strengthening of joint study programmes was discussed (the consortium is already one of the few in the EU’s ‘European Universities’ initiative to have established a joint master’s degree programme, with its first graduates in 2024), the provision of joint doctoral degrees and the offer of short accelerated training programmes (micro-credentials), the enhancement of mobility and the promotion of the idea of a common European degree.
In addition, the Council of Rectors met with members of the EU-CONEXUS External Advisory Board. These are experts from the countries of the nine universities, who evaluate progress reports, provide guidance and propose strategies for the development of the Consortium towards sustainable coastal management. From Cyprus and on behalf of Frederick University, the External Advisory Committee is composed of Dr. Xenia Loizidou, Coastal Engineer and Sustainability and Climate Change Advisor.
A special moment was the meeting of the Council of Rectors with the Student Council of the EU-CONEXUS consortium. It was the first time that the two Councils met for a meaningful exchange of ideas and proposals for the future of the large EU-CONEXUS student community. During the meeting, students from the nine universities discussed ways to improve the educational experience and activities that can bring the community together and enhance mobility opportunities, while the Rectors’ Council took concrete decisions to meet students’ demands.
The members of the Council of Rectors and the External Advisory Committee had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Yannis Armeytis, who unfolded his vision for Limassol and stated how proud he feels that the Limassol Municipality is a partner in the EU-CONEXUS Alliance of European Universities.
The EU-CONEXUS consortium includes Frederick University, La Rochelle Université (France), the Agricultural University of Athens (Greece), the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (Romania), Klaipeda University (Lithuania), the Universidad Católica de Valencia ‘San Vicente Mártir’ (Spain), the University of Zadar (Croatia), the South East Technological University (Ireland) and the University of Rostock (Germany).
Source: Frederick University | News & Events (https://tinyurl.com/y23mnwpa)