Rector Pouyioutas thanked the Minister for his continuous support and focused on the University’s continuing international successes in the global university rankings. He then outlined the way in which courses and programmes of study will be offered during the Fall 2020 Semester, which begins on 28 September, in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. He underscored that all health and safety protocols will be duly followed, in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the entire University community, while also ensuring the quality of the education delivered.
The Minister congratulated the University’s leadership, as well as its faculty and administrative staff, for the University’s latest achievement in ranking in the top 1000 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021. He went on to emphasise that the momentum is such that it warrants further support, reaffirming that the Ministry will indeed continue to support the University of Nicosia in strengthening their already fruitful cooperation.
A discussion on current issues followed, touching also upon matters related to the Cyprus university sector. During the ensuing discussion, the Rector, the President of the Council and the CEO outlined the ways in which the University community will continue to contribute in the fight against the pandemic, while assuring the Minister that they will support his efforts in maintaining a safe learning environment and delivering high-quality education.
The Minister commended the University of Nicosia for the way in which it interacts with its students, standing especially on its smooth transition to online mode of delivery for all conventional (on-campus) courses during the Spring 2020 Semester. He remarked that since the handling of the virus has been successful up to now, the collective goal is to stay vigilant. Concluding, the Minister expressed his wish that the new Academic Year, though understandably different, run as smoothly and safely as possible.