University Statute

Approved by the decision No. XI-2149 of 28 June 2012 of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania

Introduction

Appendix 1 to the decision No. XI-1194 of 30 November 2010 (new edition of the decision No. XI-2149 of 28 June 2012 of the Parliament of
the Republic of Lithuania)

Kaunas University of Technology has its roots from the University of Lithuania, founded on 16 February 1922 in Kaunas, when the Higher Courses, which had been established on 27 January 1920, were rearranged. The University of Lithuania was re-named Vytautas Magnus University in 1930, Kaunas University in 1940, in summer of 1941 the name of Vytautas Magnus was returned to the university, in 1944 it was called the Vytautas Magnus National University in Kaunas, in 1946 — Kaunas National University. In 1950, after the Faculty of Medicine was separated from Kaunas National University, the university was reorganised into Kaunas Polytechnic Institute, which became Kaunas University of Technology after the decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania in 31 October 1990. (Žin., 1990, No. 32-781)

The mission of Kaunas University of Technology (hereinafter — the University) is to provide tuition of international level based on scientific researches; to generate and transmit knowledge and new technologies for harmonic development of the society and spread of innovations; to form environment that would be open and inspiring for talented people and people with leadership qualities; to foster development of democracy and national culture.

General Provisions

Part I. General Provisions

Chapter I. Status of University
Chapter II. Goals and tasks of the University
Chapter III. Autonomy and responsibility of the University
Chapter IV. Academic freedom and rights of academic society
Chapter V. Teaching language

Chapter I. Status of University

The University is a national high school in which university tuition is performed, scientific research is carried out, and applied scientific and artistic activities are developed.
The founder of the University is the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter — the Parliament).
The University is a public legal person, acting as a public institution, possesses a seal with national coat of arms and its own name, and possesses accounts in Lithuanian and foreign banks.
The address of the University: K. Donelaičio st. 73, LT-44029 Kaunas. The name of the University in Lithuanian — Kauno Technologijos Universitetas (abbreviation — KTU). The name of the University in English — Kaunas University of Technology.
The University has its own flag, emblem, and other attributes, creation and usage of which is determined by the Senate of the University (hereinafter — the Senate).
The Statute of the University is approved by the Parliament.
The University is the centre of development of science, technologies, and innovations in Lithuania and is inseparable part of the academic society of Europe and world.
The University implements programmes of all tuition levels, onsidering the internal development of science and culture, needs of continuous perfection of person and societies, and aspirations to acquire proper qualification corresponding to publicly accepted standards.
The University acknowledges the Magna Charta Universitatum Europaeum and the European Charter for Researchers, declarations and provisions of general studies and scientific researches space of the European Union. The activities of the University are directed to the creation of welfare of people and harmonic development of the city, the State, and the world.
The main areas of the activities of the University — tuition, scientific researches, technological services. The University organises and performs tuition, provides scientific qualifications that are determined by the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter — the Law on Science and Studies), carries out scientific researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, applies the results of scientific researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, accumulates scientific knowledge, develops creative activities and culture, fosters the values and traditions of academic society.
The main types of the activities of the University — high university science, scientific researches and applied activities, development of qualifications of the faculty, implementation of innovations, and provision of technological services. The University, according to the procedure determined by the law, may perform activities of the other types, in order to realise its mission, goals, and tasks.
In order to realise its goals, the University follows the following principles:

1) democratic autonomy;
2) freedom of academic studies and scientific researches;
3) academic ethics and morale;
4) honest competition;
5) studies based on scientific knowledge, researches, and practice;
6) student citizenship, national identity, patriotism and independence of students, active participation in students self-government, and encouragement of performance of scientific, public, and artistic activities and also in the sports;
7) competence, professionalism, and development and appreciation of the sense of responsibility;
8) initiative, innovations, and support of the newest work methods;
9) continuous aspiration towards education;
10) integration into the life of the State and society of Lithuania;
11) orientation towards international quality standards;
12) aspiration towards international level of cooperation;
13) respect and fostering of traditions;
14) openness and accountability towards society.

Chapter II. Goals and tasks of the University

To perform studies, which will provide high university education based on scientific researches and which complies with modern knowledge and technological level:

1) to offer wide choice of programmes of studies of all levels considering the development tendencies of society, science, technologies, and labour market;
2) to develop universally educated, ethically responsible, creative and enterprising person;
3) to provide circumstances for lifelong learning, improvement of the acquired qualification, and re-training;
4) to illuminate society, to develop its humanitarian, technological, and engineering culture, moral values, public spirit, and civil consciousness;
5) to guarantee equal possibilities by creating universal educational environment, in which individual qualities — sex, age, nationality, social status, disability, or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political views — are acknowledged and valued;
6) to encourage creativity and initiative of students, so that they would educate their personality and intellect, would be able to determine, define, and solve problems, would realise professional and ethical responsibility, would be competently prepared to continuously strive for perfection and accept general challenges;
7) to encourage participation of students in the self-government of the University, in scientific, artistic, and social activities and in the sports;
8) to create effective system of internal studies, which would guarantee the quality of scientific and technological researches, to involve students in activities of all levels and in decision making process;
9) to guarantee healthy and safe work environment, to improve the development of staff, and to strive to the highest professional standards;
10) to develop cooperation relations with partners in Lithuania and abroad;
11) to foster the development of identity of the nation and the State, the Lithuanian scientific and technical terminology, humanistic traditions of Europe.

To harmonically develop popularity of various areas and to create new scientific knowledge, to carry out high level scientific researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, to prepare scientists:

1) to relate fundamental and applied researches carried out in the University with the needs of the country economy;
2) to accede to the general space of the European scientific researches, to encourage international science integration, to develop connections with global academic society, to spread the originality of the Lithuanian culture;
3) to guarantee the unity of science and studies;
4) to publish the results of scientific researches, to prepare and publish monographs, textbooks, and other publications of science and studies;
5) to prepare creative scientists with knowledge of the newest methods of researches;
6) to create knowledge society;
7) to preserve and develop heritage of nature, science, and culture, and introduce it to society.

To encourage advanced development of the State by cooperating with partners from society and economy, to develop implementation of innovations, creation and transmission of technologies:

1) to spread the ideas of development of science, engineering, technology, and innovations, to popularise advanced technologies;
2) to develop patent and licensing activity;
3) to educate society to be open to science and knowledge, to be able to be competitive in the market of high level technologies, products, and services;
4) with the help of creative and intellectual contribution of the University, to contribute to economy and favourable social and economic development of the State, to maintain close connections with representatives of industry and business, with institutions of state government and municipality, to carry out mutual projects and provide services;
5) to accumulate funds for performance of activities of the University, realisation of strategic goals, and providing for social needs.

Chapter III. Autonomy and responsibility of the University

The University has autonomy, which includes academic, administrative, economical, and finance management activities that are based on the principle of self-government, academic freedom, respect to human rights and that is defined in the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, in constitutional octrine, in the Magna Charta Universitatum Europaeum, and in this Statute. The autonomy of the University is realised according to the procedure determined by this Statute and the Republic of Lithuania. The autonomy of the University is determined by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and the laws are adjusted with accountability to the society and the founder.
The University has the right:

1) to choose the directions and forms of studies and personality development, scientific researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, professional artistic activity, cultural and scientific knowledge spread;
2) according to the procedure determined by this Statute, to establish self-government institutions;
3) to determine the order and forms of studies;
4) to determine the price of studies based on the Law on Science and Studies;
5) to prepare and confirm requirements determined by the laws in accordance with the programmes of studies;
6) to administer qualification degrees and professional qualifications, cientific degrees, pedagogical and honorary names;
7) to provide other education, qualification, refresher course, expert services;
8) to publish literature of tuition and science;
9) to admit and dismiss students and audit students;
10) to provide scholarships for students from their own means or sponsors;
11) pursuant to laws and other legal acts, to determine the structure, internal work schedule, quantity, rights, duties, conditions of remuneration, and duty requirements of the staff, the order of organisation of competitions, and the usage of other funds of the University;
12) to determine the procedure of assigning allocations of national budget and the usage of other funds, and the costs for works performed and services provided;
13) to develop and realise development plans of the University;
14) to organise scientific and other events;
15) to determine forms of cooperation with natural and legal persons of the Republic of Lithuania and abroad;
16) to manage and use assets and dispose of them according to the procedure established by legal acts;
17) to establish legal persons of limited liability and to invest in them according to the procedure established by legal acts;
18) to participate in economic commercial activity, which abides with the laws and which is inseparably connected with the goals of the activities of the University;
19) to establish scientific or tuition institutions and other associations according to the procedure established by legal acts;
20) to preserve in its archives manuscripts of scientists and representatives of literature, culture, and art, legally inherited assets of Kaunas National University, and also preserve archive documents of the University and other materials that are of value for scientific and cultural history;
21) to use the right of immunity of the territory and buildings of the University: with the approval of the Council of the University (hereinafter — the Council), the University has right to change the limits of the territories which were handed to the University by the State or the dependence of buildings has only the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter — the Government). If the Council does not approve, the territorial limits and dependence of buildings can be changed only by the Parliament;
22) to use other rights according to the procedure established by legal acts.

The University must:

1) guarantee academic freedom to the members of academic society;
2) inform the founder and the society about the means of guaranteeing the quality of studies and scientific activity, about financial, economic, and scientific activity of the University, and the usage of funds, about the results of external evaluation of quality of study programmes and accreditation until 31 March of the next year;
3) duly provide such official information (statistical data and objective information) to accredited institutions of the State which is needed for government and observance of the system of science and studies:
4) advise studying persons on career issues;
5) perform other duties established by legal acts.

Chapter IV. Academic freedom and rights of academic society

The academic society of the University which is constituted by students, lecturers, science workers, other researchers and professors emeritus uses the academic freedom and follows the Code of Ethics of lecturers, science workers, and other researchers which is approved by the Senate.
The academic freedom, which is guaranteed for the members of the academic society of the University, comprises:

1) freedom of thought, word, world-view, and faith;
2) freedom of choice of methods of and approaches to, which corresponds with acknowledged ethical principles, science (art) and pedagogical activity;
3) equal rights to participate in competitions for the performance of duties of lecturers and science workers, the right to participate in study competitions, disregarding their sex, race, political and religious beliefs, nationality, and citizenship;
4) security from restrictions of and sanctions for the publication of their research results and beliefs, with exception of cases when the published information is a national secret and/or when the published information violates the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, or can do damage to society.

The academic society is also guaranteed:

1) copyrights of creative and intellectual work, determined by the laws of the Republic of Lithuania and by international contracts;
2) equal rights to participate in competitions of the University, Lithuanian, and international level, in order to perform scientific programmes and to receive support for study funds;
3) impartial and public reviewing of scientific works;
4) right for lecturers, science workers, and students to participate in the self-government of the University according to the procedure established in this Statute;
5) right to participate in preparing and accepting documents that regulate the activity of the University and its departments, and its development plans, taking into consideration the activity of the University and its departments;
6) right to participate in the activities of public political organisations and associations, legally working in Lithuania and abroad;
7) right to work independently or to join creative groups, associations, societies and clubs, to establish non-political public organisations of the University;
8) right to independently announce the results of one’s intellectual (scientific) activity according to the procedure established by laws or contracts;
9) right to improve and develop professional skills.

Chapter V. Teaching language

The teaching language of the University is Lithuanian. Other languages can be used for teaching when:

1) the content of the study programme is related with the other language;
2) the teaching and other academic occupations are run by foreign lecturers;
3) the tuition is carried out according to joint study programmes, or study programmes and double-qualification degree are granted after their completion and part of these programmes is carried in independent high schools in other countries, in which the teaching language is not in Lithuanian or corresponds with the cases mentioned in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article;
4) tuition is carried out according to tuition programmes meant for foreigners or in the case of study exchange.

Administration of the University

Part II. Administration of the University

The University has collegial administrative bodies — the Council and the Senate, and a one-person administrative body — the Rector.
The University also has self-government bodies — the Faculty Council and Student Council.
The University has advisory organs: Rector — Rector Department, dean — Deans’ Office, science institutes, and directors of the research centres — Advisory Councils.

Chapter I. The Council

Chapter II. The Senate

Chapter III. The Rector

Chapter IV. Student Council

Chapter I. The Council

The Council carries out these functions:

1) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council confirms the vision and mission of the University, and the plan of strategic activity, proposed by the Rector;
2) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council proposes to the Senate changes to the Statute;
3) discusses and confirms structural re-arranging plans of the niversity proposed by the Rector;
4) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council assigns the funds of the University (also the funds meant for the remuneration of the employees of administration and other) and also the procedure of control, usage, and disposal of assets, which is governed by the property rights;
5) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council confirms the procedure of the elections of the Rector of the University in the way of public competition. The Council elects, appoints, and dismisses the Rector. Taking into consideration the proposals of Rector, the Council appoints vicechancellors. Vice-chancellors, which carry out the functions of organising science and study programmes are chosen from the scientists;
6) determines the principles of selection and evaluation of the employees of the University administration and other;
7) confirms the rules of internal order in the University;
8) after evaluating the proposals of the Rector, the Council determines the amount of costs of studies and payments, which are not directly connected with the realisation of the study programme;
9) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council confirms the general number of study places, taking into consideration the possibilities to guarantee the quality of studies and science, and artistic activity;
10) within a period of one month, the Council confirms the annual estimates of revenue and costs of the University proposed by the rector, as well as report on the performance of this revenue; the Council may initiate economic and financial audits of the University;
11) within a period of one month approves the annual report of the activities of the University prepared by the Rector, evaluates the conformity of the activity to the strategic action plan of the University, the achieved results and their implications;
12) guarantees the accountability of the University and communication with the public and founder, and each year in the publications and on the website of the University, the Council informs the public about the results of the implementation of the strategic action plan of the University until 31 March of the next year;
13) along with the Senate and the administration, the Council takes care of support of the University and ensures its operational funding;
14) after evaluating the proposals of the Senate, the Council approves the plans for reorganisation or liquidation of the University and submits them to the Parliament;
15) prepares an annual report on the activities of the Council every year until 1 April, and announces it publicly on the website of the University;
16) carries out other functions determined in this Statute and in other legal acts.

The Council consists of 11 members as follows:

1) one member of the Council is appointed by the Student Council according to the procedure determined in the Statute. If there is no Student Council, the member of the Council is appointed in the general student meeting (conference);
2) five members of the Council are appointed from the teachers and research workers whose main place of work is the University and who holds the office based on competition. They are elected by teachers and research workers whose main place of work is the University and who hold office based on competition at the meeting of more than half of the votes of the participating representatives of the majority. The representatives are elected at the University departments in accordance with the principle of proportional representation, where one representative is elected out of ten professors and research workers who hold the main office at the University;
3) five members are elected, appointed, and recalled by the Senate in a pre-determined procedure from the individuals not belonging to the staff and students of the University; one member of these five is elected by the Student Council according to its procedures. These five members are selected through open competition and are appointed after assessing the evaluation carried out by the Higher Education Council;
4) the Election Committee formed with the order of the Rector informs the University community of the meetings (conferences) (time, location, agenda, nomination procedure) on the Internet no later than within a period of 20 calendar days;
5) the candidates with the majority of votes will be considered elected to the Council. If several candidates receiving the majority of votes receive the same number of votes, and there should be less elected members, repeated voting is arranged and only the candidates who received the same number of votes are included in the ballots. During the repeated voting, the elected candidates are considered those who have received the most votes;
6) a person may be elected a member of the Council if it complies with the requirements of the Law on Science and Studies.

Composition of the Council is publicly announced by the Chair of the Senate. The Council, by a majority of votes of its members, elects and recalls the Chair of the Council. If two candidates receive an equal number of votes or none of the candidates obtains the majority of voices, a repeated voting is arranged and only two candidates who had received the same number of votes are included in the ballots. The Chair of the Council cannot be a person or student belonging to the staff of the University.
The term of the Council is 5 years. No later than one month before the end of the term of the member of the Council, the Chair of the Senate announces the composition of the new Council.
Starting the term of office, a member of the Council at the first Council meeting, where the members of the Senate and other academic community of the University are invited, signs the commitment to follow the interests of the University and public and honestly carry out the functions determined in the Law on Science and Studies.
The Council confirms its own Rules of Procedure. The Council adopts decisions according to a simple majority of the votes of the members of the Council. Meetings of the Council are considered valid if attended by at least 7 members of the Council. The Council announces its decisions publicly on the website of the University.
If a member of the Council does not properly perform the functions determined in the Statute, Rules of Procedure of the Council, or Law on Science and Studies, or does not sign or does not obey the obligation to follow the interests of the University and public, the Chair of the Council has the right, upon approval of the Council, to turn to the person who has appointed this member and ask to withdraw the appointed member of the Council.
If the term of the mandate of member of the Council ceases before the end of the term of the office, a new member of the Council for the remaining term, in accordance with the Article 27 of this Statute, is appointed by the person, who had appointed that member of the Council whose term of mandate has ended. A new member of the Council takes office after the appointment is announced by the Chair of the Senate and the member of the Council has signed the commitment indicated in the Statute.
The Rector may participate in the meetings of the Council with the right of advisory vote.
Members of the Council are paid an allowance for their activities as members of the Council from the funds of the University. The amount of the allowance is determined each year by the Senate, taking into consideration the results achieved by the University.
Organisational conditions necessary for the activities of the Council are guaranteed by the rector.

Chapter II. The Senate

The Senate is a collegial body for the control of the academic affairs of the University.
The Senate performs the following functions:

1) chooses, appoints, and dismisses members of the Council, as provided for in the Statute;
2) approves the programmes of study, scientific research and experimental (social, cultural) development, art and submits proposals to the rector for financing of these programmes and restructuring the University, necessary for the implementation of those programmes, evaluates the results of the researches carried out and the quality and level of all academic and artistic activities of the University;
3) determines the procedure of studies;
4) approves the Academic Regulation and regulations for the firstlevel academic units;
5) composes permanent and temporary commissions and committees of the Senate;
6) approves the internal education quality assurance system and controls its implementation;
7) evaluates and presents conclusions to the Council about the compliance of pedagogical and research activities of the candidates for Rector office with the requirements of the University;
8) with a simple majority of votes in a secret voting chaired by the ector, approves, and revokes faculty deans, and other managers and heads of departments of the first-level academic units. If the Senate does not approve the submitted nominations, Rector provides another candidate;
9) in accordance with the principles of personnel selection and evaluation determined by the Council of the University, determines the qualification requirements of lecturers and research workers, determines procedure of certification of lecturers and research workers and procedure of competitions for holding office;
10) grants the status of Associate Scientist for a scientist who has worked at the University and who is in scientific relations with the University, but only temporarily (no longer than until the end of the term) is employed elsewhere;
11) convenes the meetings (conferences) of the academic community of the University in order to discuss important questions of the activities of the University. Informs the academic community of the decision to convene such a meeting (conference) on the website of the University within a period no later than 7 calendar days before such meeting (conference);
12) after the proposal of the Academic Council, after taking into account the results of pedagogical and (or) any other activity of a person significant for the public and University, grants titles of University Honour, Professor Emeritus, pedagogical Professor, dean, and other titles;
13) provides an opinion to the Council regarding the strategic action plan of the University which is provided by the Rector, restructuring plans of the University, and reports of the activities of the University;
14) proposes to the Council amendments to the Statute and provides an opinion of the amendments to the Statute which the Council provides to the Parliament, also the plans reorganization or liquidation of the University;
15) considers and submits proposals to the Council for the vision, mission, and strategic activity plan of the University;
16) discusses and submits proposals to the Council on the funds of the University (including funds for the remuneration of the employees of administration and other) and on management, usage, and disposal procedures of the property owned by ownership;
17) considers and submits proposals to the Council concerning general determination of the number of study places, concerning the possibilities to ensure the quality for study and research, artistic activity;
18) performs other functions determined in legal acts and the Statute of the University.

The Senate is composed for the period of 5 years and consists of 49 members.
The members of the Senate may be members of the academic community and administration members of the University, who access the Senate because of their office, as well as other eminent scholars, teachers, acknowledged artists, and students from other scientific and study institutions. The Senate must consist of 10 representatives appointed by students, 24 members holding the position of a professor or a supreme research worker, 14 members holding the position of a dean or superior scientific worker. The Rector is a member of the Senate according to the office.
Student representatives, representing all levels of study, are appointed to the Senate by Student Council, and in the absence of it — by the general student meeting (conference), by the majority of votes of more than half of all its members.
Members of the Senate, with exception of student representatives, are elected in the following order:

1) the Senate Electoral Committee and its Chair by the provision of the Chair of the Senate are approved by the Senate no later than 2 months before the end of the term of the Senate. Senate Election Committee appoints the Senate election date, place, and time, approves the lists of voters, and announces the composition of the Senate. Senate election must take place no later than 10 days before the end of the term of the Senate;
2) in the Senate, every scholar and recognised artist, holding the main office at the University and who works at least part-time, has the right to vote and the right to be elected for a membership to the Senate;
3) members of the Council or staff of faculties and other academic departments of the University have the right to nominate candidates for the membership to the Senate . The person who has nominated himself can be included by the Senate Electoral Committee into the list of candidates only when a person collects at least 10 supporting signatures from the researchers or acknowledged artists of the University with the right to Senate election;
4) the scientists and acknowledged artists of the first level of academic departments who are the representatives in the Senate are elected on a parity basis by the scientists meetings of these divisions. Meetings are convened by the rector;
5) the members of the Senate are elected by a secret vote. Elections are considered to be valid if more than half of the voters take part in it. The candidates are considered elected if they receive the majority, but no less than half of votes. If some candidates who won the majority of votes receive the same number of votes, a repeated voting is organised and only the candidates who had received the same number of votes are recorded in the ballots. During the repeated voting, those candidates who received the majority votes, are considered elected;
6) if the number of elected representatives of respective departments is less than specified in Article 39 of this Statute, repeated voting is organised. During the repeated voting, the candidate (candidates), who collected the majority of votes, is (are) considered elected;
7) when the elected member of the Senate cannot be a member of the Senate or becomes a member of the office he is holding, an election is organised to elect a new member of the Senate, if no less than one year remains until the end of the term of the Senate;
8) the mandate of the member of the Senate expires at the end of his term, or if he resigns from the Senate, or in other cases determined by the law.

The term of the Senate is 5 years.
The first meeting of the newly elected Senate is convened not later than one month after the election of the members of the Senate and is presided by the Rector until the Chair of the Senate is elected.
At the first meeting of the newly elected Senate, the Senate by a simple majority elect by secret ballot the Senate President, the Vice-President and Secretary. Candidates for the office of the Chair of the Senate are suggested by the members of the Senate. Elections of Vice-President and Secretary of the Senate are held after the election of the Chair of the Senate. The candidates of the VicePresident and Secretary of the Senate are suggested by the newly elected Chair of the Senate. The candidates are considered to be elected if they have received the majority of votes. If some of the candidates having received the highest number of votes receive the same number of votes, at the same meeting a repeated voting is organised and the only candidates who had received equal number of votes are included in the ballots. If after the repeated voting the candidate is not elected, the other candidates are offered to hold the offices of the Chair of the Senate or his deputy, or the Secretary. They can be recalled by a 2/3 majority of the votes of the members of the Senate. The Rector cannot hold the office of the Chair of the Senate.
The Board of the Senate, consisting of a chair, deputy, secretary, and chairs of standing committees, has to be informed on the activities of the Senate. The Board of the Senate also includes the Rector and chairman of the academic ethics college as members.
Chairs of standing committees are elected by the committees, Chairs of temporary committees are appointed by the Chair of the Senate.
The Senate shall be governed by the rules of procedure confirmed by the Senate.
Senate meetings are convened by the Chair of the Senate at least twice in a semester. An extraordinary meeting of the Senate must be convened when here is a written request of at least 1/3 of members of the Senate or Rector. An extraordinary meeting of the Senate must be convened in a period no later than 10 days after the submission of the proposal to the Chair of the Senate. In this case the meeting is presided by a member of the Senate, which has been elected as the Chair of the meeting. Senate meetings are valid if attended by at least 2/3 of members of the Senate.
Senate resolutions are adopted in meeting by the majority of votes of participating members of the Senate. The resolutions are adopted by a majority of votes in the Senate, when:

1) it has to be determined whether the person elected or approved by the Senate may continue to hold office;
2) the titles of professor or dean are granted, as well as the names of the Honour of the University and Professor Emeritus.

Resolutions adopted by the Senate are announced publicly. Senate resolutions take effect on the next day after the publication, if the Senate does not establish a later date. Senate resolutions are binding to all staff, students, and audit students of the University. Senate resolutions are announced by the order of the Rector.
If the Rector does not announce the Senate resolution as the order and returns it for reconsideration, the Senate re-examines this resolution. If the same resolution is accepted by the majority of the votes of members of the Senate, it becomes mandatory.
Senate periodically informs the community of the University of its decisions on the website of the University, and once a year reports to the community of the University on its actions.

Chapter III. The Rector

The Rector is the sole governing body of the University, acting on the behalf thereof and representing it.
The Rector shall have the following obligations:

1) to govern the University and to organise its activities, ensuring the implementation of the University’s strategic action plan;
2) to issue the orders and binding instructions to employees, students and audit students;
3) to employ and dismiss employees;
4) to admit and expel students and audit students in accordance with the Statute;
5) to encourage staff and students, to impose disciplinary sanctions;
6) after assessing the proposals of Student Council, to present to the Council for approval the tuition costs and fees that are not directly related to the implementation of the study programme;
7) to establish the beginning and the end of the academic year, semester and holiday periods;
8) to be responsible for the University’s financial activity, adequate management, use and disposal of the funds and assets. To consider and adopt decisions related to the University funds (including funds intended for the remuneration of and administrative staff and other employees) and property management, use and disposal thereof. Before creating property rights in real estate lien or transfer transactions, the Rector must receive an evaluation from the Senate and approval from the Council;
9) to determine the structure and functions of the University’s economy, finance and other administrative and service staff;
10) to approve job descriptions, the statutes or regulations of the University’s non-academic departments and organisations;
11) to submit to the Senate for consideration and to the Council for approval and to publish an annual report on the activities of the University, the annual revenue and expenditure estimates, as well as an implementation report;
12) to submit to the Senate for consideration and to the Council for approval the University’s strategic business plan and the University’s restructuring plan;
13) to submit to the Senate for approval and withdrawal of the candidacies of faculty deans, institute directors and other first-level Faculty deans and heads of other academic departments are usually selected through a selection process (among acknowledged artists);
14) to appoint faculty deans;
15) after the approval of the Senate, to appoint and dismiss the heads of academic departments;
16) to appoint and dismiss the heads of non-academic departments;
17) to conclude contracts with Lithuanian and foreign scientific and educational institutions and other organisations and businesses;
18) by issuing orders to announce the resolutions of the Senate or to return them for reconsideration by submitting a written explanation. If the Senate adopts the same decision again with a majority of votes of the members of the Senate, this decision is binding to the Rector;
19) has the right to suspend the Council resolutions of faculties and other first-level academic units and to submit questions for consideration to the Senate;
20) has the right to cancel the management regulations of the faculties and other first-level academic units;
21) has the right to delegate some of its functions for vice-chancellors to perform, and functions, which require specialised knowledge- — to the heads of the University departments. The Rector is responsible for the actions of the selected agents;
22) to convene meetings of the Rector;
23) should a student submit written requests, complaints or reports of statutory rights or legitimate interest violations, to investigate and respond in written form or to authorise another person to do it within a time period of 15 calendar days ;
24) to propose amendments to the Statute to the Senate;
25) to perform other functions provided for in legal acts and in this Statute, including those functions that are not directly attributed to the competence of the Council or the Senate.

The Rector is elected, appointed to the office by announcing a public competition and dismissed from the office by the Council.
A public competition for the post of the Rector is announced by the Council. The Rector is considered elected if at least 3/5 of all members of the Council have voted in favour of him. If in the first vote no candidate is elected to the office of the Rector, a repeated voting is organised and not more than two candidates from those who received most votes during the first vote may participate in this competition.
Such person may be appointed as the Rector who has an academic degree or is an acknowledged specialist with teaching and management experience.
The compliance of the candidates with the Rector’s office in the field of the teaching and research activities with the requirements of the University is evaluated by the Senate, which presents its conclusion to the Council.
The employment contract with the elected Rector for the term of his office is signed by the Chair of the Council or any other person authorised by the Council on behalf of the University.
The Rector’s term — 5 years. The same person may be elected for no more than two consecutive terms, and no sooner than 5 years after the end of the last term, if the last term was the second in a row. The Vice-Chancellor’s term of office is limited by the Rector’s powers.
If an annual report of the University’s activity submitted by the Rector is not approved by the majority of votes of all the members of the Council, he Rector is dismissed from his duties in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the legal acts if there is a majority of at least seven votes of the members of the Council.
Some of the obligations of the Rector on his commission are fulfilled by Vice-Chancellors and Heads of the University departments. In case of Rector’s trips or vacations, the Rector has the right to delegate one of the ViceChancellors to substitute him during his absence. If the Rector is unable to perform his obligations, one of the Vice-Chancellors is assigned to temporarily hold the Rector’s office by the Council’s decision.
For the Rector and Vice-Chancellors, who completed their terms, the University provides without competition the office of a lecturer or researcher for 5 years held before or during the term.
The Rector’s advisory body is the Rector’s Office.
The Rector’s Office is composed of the Rector, Vice-Chancellors, faculty deans, the President of the Student Council and also other heads of departments appointed by the order of the Rector. Meetings of the Rector’s Office are presided by the Rector.
The Rector’s Office shall have the following functions:

1) to prepare a strategic business plan and restructuring plan of the University;
2) to consider education, science, economic issues;
3) to prepare the project of the University’s estimates;
4) to prepare an annual report on the activities of the University;
5) to prepare educational, scientific workload standards and other work standards;
6) to hold the projects of tuition costs and fees, which are not directly related to the tuition programme.
7) to prepare the project of the admittance rules to the University;
8) to coordinate the work of the University departments;
9) to consider the statutes or regulations of the University departments and organisations;
10) to consider and prepare drafts of internal documents;
11) to consider revenue and expense projects of faculties and other departments;
12) to consider the questions of the distribution of the University premises and territories;
13) to consider the questions of the establishment and elimination of the University departments;
14) to advise the Rector on relevant issues.

The Business Council is an advisory body of the Rector in order to strengthen the University’s relations with business, as well as other strategic issues.
The Business Council consists of business leaders of the national level interested in academic issues, and having the chance with the help of their knowledge and experience to contribute to the strengthening of the relations between the University and business. The number of the Business Council members and the composition thereof is determined by the Rector. The Business Council operates under the Rules of Procedure confirmed by the Rector.

Chapter IV. Student Council

The interests of the University students are represented by the Student Council and its divisions operating in each faculty. The Student Council and its units consist of the students elected in the General Student Meeting (conference). The Student Council, performing its activities, follows the Law on Associations of the Republic of Lithuania, this Statute, the regulations of the Student Council confirmed by the General Student Meeting (conference) and other legal acts.
The General Student Meeting (conference) is valid if more than a half of all students (delegates) participate therein. The decisions of the General Student Meeting (Conference) are considered adopted if there are votes of more than half of all the students participating in the meeting (conference).
In the regulations of the Student Council the order must be determined by the articles of organisation of the General Student Meeting (conference) and delegation of students to the University, and to the autonomic institutions of its departments following the proportions of student representation in autonomic institutions for every tuition level determined by the Senate. Delegated students participate in the activities of autonomic institutions with the right of decisive vote.
The University supports the Student Council in accordance with the determined order, appoints by the premises and funds for the activities of the Student Council. The Student Council reports on issues related to the use of the University funds to the Rector within 3 months after the end of financial year.
The Student Council has the right to obtain information and xplanations from the University and its departments of autonomic institutions concerning all questions about tuition and social questions of studying persons.
The Student Council has the right to express its views on all issues of concern to students and to require reconsideration of decisions adopted by the University, the University’s autonomic institutions concerning tuition and social questions of studying persons.
The Student Council in accordance with the determined order in its regulations delegates its representatives to the Council, the Senate, the Rector’s Office, faculty councils, college of academic ethics and other university management and self-government bodies.

Chapter V. Procedures

The Council, Senate, Councils of Academic Departments can operate if according to the determined order at least 3/4 of their members are elected, a quorum consists of 2/3 of elected members.
New members of the Senate or of the Councils of Academic Departments are appointed or elected to vacant posts until the end of the office term of the Senate (Councils of Academic Departments).
The meetings of the Senate and the Councils of Academic departments are open; the date, venue and agenda are announced publicly no later than 3 working days in advance. Electronic meetings and voting may also be held.
The decisions of the Council, the Senate and the Councils of Academic Departments are considered adopted if they have received more than a half of the votes of the participants of the meeting, unless the Statute or other documents approved by the Senate determine otherwise.
Secret ballot is used when selecting candidates to hold office and for granting the titles of the University of Honour and other titles.
Term duration of the Rector, faculty deans, directors of research institutes and centres, department managers, collegiate and municipal institution (except the Student Council) leaders and members (except student representatives), lecturers elected via public tender, research workers and other researchers is 5 years.
The office of the Rector, faculty deans and department managers can be held for a period that does not exceed two consecutive terms.
Competition for folding the office of lecturers, research workers and other researchers is announced not later than 3 months, whereas the competition to hold managers office — one month before the end of their term.

University structure

Part III. University structure

Chapter I. Units

The University consists of academic and non-academic units. The academic units include units whose principal activity is the performance of studies and (or) research and experimental (social, cultural) development.
The University’s academic units are faculties and their departments, research institutes, research centres, arts centres and other equivalent units. The first-level academic units are the faculties, research institutes and centres which do not fall into the category of other units.
The University’s non-academic units are the following: library, publishing house, agencies, counselling centres, administration institutions, services, agriculture units and other units necessary for studies, science, and student activities.
The objectives, tasks, management assets and responsibilities of the faculties and other first-level academic units are determined in the regulations approved by the Senate.
The regulations of non-academic units are approved by the Rector.
In accordance with the Law on Science and Studies, the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania and other legal acts, the University may establish faculties and representation offices in the Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries. The decision of the establishment of the University faculties and representation offices and the suspension of their activity is adopted by the Council.

Chapter II. Faculty

The faculty is the major academic unit of the University engaged in research of one particular area of studies or science or related fields of studies and scientific research. The faculty organises the studies and constantly improves the quality thereof, initiates and carries out scientific research and other projects, announces the results of the research, communicates with industry, business representatives and other social partners, promotes its study programmes, attends to the personality development of the persons studying therein, develops life-long earning, collects and maintains research and study equipment, prepares and submits study programmes to the Senate for approval.
The faculty consists of departments, science, art, informal education and counselling centres, teaching and research laboratories.
The faculty is governed by the academic self-governance institution — the Faculty Council and the Dean.
The Faculty Council shall have the following functions:

1) to adopt decisions on key issues, such as faculty organisation, education and others;
2) to consider the draft of the faculty’s operational plan and to submit it to the Rector;
3) to consider the questions of the establishment, reorganisation and elimination of the faculty’s units, according to the regulations of the academic units approved by the Senate;
4) to consider the study programmes of the faculty and to submit them for approval to the Senate;
5) to consider the candidates for the granting of the titles of Professor Emeritus, Honorary Doctor, Honorary Professor, Associate Professor and Professor and submits its opinion to the Senate;
6) to submit its opinion to the Rector on its proposed candidate (candidates) to hold the Dean’s office;
7) to offer candidates to the Rector in accordance with the Dean of the Faculty, from recognised scientists and artists, to hold the offices of the department managers;
8) to hear out and to approve the annual faculty activity report submitted by the Dean each year within 2 months after the end of the financial year of the University. If it is not approved, the Faculty Council submits a proposal to the Rector for the dismissal of the Dean.

The Faculty Council is composed of 15-17 members. It is composed by the principle of parity by the scientists of the faculty units, whose main place of work is the University, the lecturers delegated in the meetings and research workers, the Dean and students. At least 2/3 of the Faculty Council consists of scientists. No less than 20 per cent of the Faculty Council members are faculty students delegated from the Student Council. 2-3 faculty members of the Faculty Council may represent other organisations. The order of the organisation of the Faculty Council is determined in the regulations of the organisation of the Faculty Council approved by the Senate. The Faculty Council at its first meeting elects the Chair and the Secretary. The Dean cannot be the Chair of the Faculty Council.
The Faculty Council is elected for a period of 5 years.
The Faculty Council meets at least twice per semester. Upon a written proposal of at least 1/3 of the members of the faculty, an extraordinary meeting of the Faculty Council is convened no later than 5 days after the submission of the proposal to the Dean. The proposal specifies the subject of the meeting. Meetings of the Faculty Council are valid if attended by at least 2/3 of the faculty members. The Faculty Council decisions are adopted by a simple majority.
The Dean of the faculty, performing the requirements of this Statute, the Rector’s orders and the Faculty Council decisions, governs the faculty, acts on its behalf, represents it and manages the assets of the faculty. The candidacy for the position of Dean is submitted by the Rector and is usually approved by the Senate among scientists or acknowledged artists.
Term of the Dean’s office — 5 years. The same person may be appointed to the office of the Dean for no more than two consecutive terms, and no sooner than 5 years after the end of the last term, in case the last term was the second in a row. For the Dean who completed the term, the University without competition shall provide an office or position, held before or during the term of the office, of a lecturer or research worker for 5 years.
The Dean shall have the following obligations:

1) to coordinate the activities of the faculty units, to organise the tuition process and scientific activities of the faculty, to implement the decisions adopted by the Senate and the Faculty Council, as well as the Rector’s orders;
2) to approve mandatory regulations for faculty workers, students and audit students and to provide instructions to them;
3) to represent the faculty;
4) is responsible for the order at the faculty;
5) to submit proposals to the Rector regarding the acceptance and exclusion of the students and audit students according to the procedures prescribed by the academic regulations;
6) to encourage students and to impose disciplinary penalties on them according to the procedures prescribed by the academic regulations;
7) to submit proposals to the Rector regarding the candidates to hold the office of the faculty deans. After the end of the Dean’s mandate, also the powers of pro-deans end;
8) to provide suggestions and opinions to the Faculty Council and the Rector regarding the candidates to hold the office of department managers;
9) to submit the annual report to the Faculty Council regarding the faculty activity within a period of 2 months after the end of the financial year.

The advisory body of the Dean is the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office consists of the Dean, Deputy Deans, heads of departments and other academic units, forming part of the composition of the faculty, directors. Meetings of the Dean’s Office are presided by the Dean. The Dean’s Office reviews organisational, educational, economic and other issues of the faculty, prepares documental projects and reports, helps the Dean to implement the resolutions of the Council, the Senate and the Faculty Council, as well as the Rector’s orders. The Dean’s Office examines questions concerning students together with the delegated representative of the Student Council.
The Chair — the main Faculty of Education and Research unit, implementing programmes or parts thereof, as well as conducting scientific research.
The Chair shall have the following obligations:

1) to organise studies, workshops for students, to supervise their work, performs methodological work and research;
2) to organise and to develop study programmes, schedules of study subjects, to prepare textbooks, teaching aids, summaries, and other methodological materials necessary for studies;
3) to implement advanced study forms and methods in the study process;
4) to review doctoral dissertation manuscripts, monographs, articles, textbooks, teaching aids and other publications;
5) to examine and evaluate the quality of studies and readiness of the graduates for practical work, taking into account the comments received from the graduate recruitment institutions, to prepare proposals on the improvement of the training of specialists;
6) to assess candidates for the post of the Dean and a professor, as well as candidates for the posts of competitive offices, and to present the opinion to the Faculty Council or to the Commission of Certification and Competitions;
7) to propose candidates for the offices of lecturers and research workers who are employed via a non-public competition;
8) has the right to conclude cooperative contracts (except those that can be made only by a legal entity) with science, education and other institutions.

The Department is headed by the Department Head. The Department Head can be a scientist or an acknowledged artist. The Department Head is appointed by the Rector with the approval of the Senate from the candidates or other persons proposed by the Faculty Council and the Dean. If the Senate does not approve or a satisfactory candidate for this position cannot be found, the Rector may appoint the interim Department Head for a period that does exceed one year.
The term of the Department Head — 5 years. The same person cannot be appointed the Department Head for more than two consecutive terms.
The Department Head shall have the following obligations:

1) to preside over the Department, to act on behalf of it and to represent it;
2) to organize scientific and pedagogical activities for the Department staff and graduate students;
3) to coordinate research works and the activity of laboratories, as well as other units;
4) is responsible for the management and use of the assets of the Department;
5) is responsible for the execution of instructions and orders of the Rector, the Dean, as well as the University law acts;
6) to report annually to the Faculty Council and the Dean within a period of 2 months after the end of the financial year about the annual activity of the Department.

Chapter III. Research Centres and Institutes of the University

The University Research Institute (hereinafter — Institute) or the first-level Science Centre (hereinafter — Centre) is an academic unit.
The Institute (Centre) shall have the following functions:

1) to carry out high-level scientific research of particular long-term direction and experimental (social, cultural) development of the commissioned works, to prepare scientists, to initiate and to implement projects, to cooperate with domestic and foreign partners in the field of science, liaises with industry, business representatives and other social partners, to provide methodological, methodical and other assistance;
2) to spread scientific knowledge to the public, to contribute to the creation of economy based on innovations and knowledge, and to the education of knowledge-responsive public;
3) to take care of the personality development of students and researchers;
4) to collect and to maintain the scientific equipment.

The Institute (Centre) consists of centres, laboratories and other units.
The Director governs the Institute (Centre), acts on its behalf and represents it. The Director is responsible to the Rector.
The Director shall have the following obligations:

1) to be responsible for the activities of the Institute (Centre), its financial and asset management, and the use thereof;
2) to submit to the Institute (Centre) Council for consideration and for the approval of the Rector the main directions of the Institute’s (Centre’s) scientific activities, performance plan for the upcoming 5 years, detailed annual plan and annual performance reports, annual income and expenditure estimates, as well as their completion reports.

The term of the Director of the Institute (Centre) — 5 years. The director of the Institute (Centre) can only be a scientist.
The Institute (Centre) has the Council confirmed by the Rector’s orders, which is the advisory body of the Director of the Institute (Centre). It consists of 5-7 members, of which 2 (3) are elected by the Institute (Centre) scientists to whom the Institute is the main workplace, and 2 (3) are appointed by the Rector. The fifth (seventh) Member of the Board is the Director according to his position. The term of the Institute (Centre) — 5 years. The exact number of members of the Institute (Centre) Council, the quotas of the elected and appointed members are determined by the Rector, in respect of the size of the Institute (Centre) and the nature of its activity.
The Council shall have the following functions:

1) to offer the basic directions of the scientific activities of the Institute (Centre), to evaluate the progress and the results of the ongoing research programmes and projects;
2) to consider and to approve the plan for the upcoming 5 years of the Institute (Centre) submitted by the Director of the Institute (Centre), as well as to consider and to approve the detailed annual plan, revenue and expenditure estimates and their implementation reports and annual activity report;
3) to submit to the Senate the proposals for the revision of the regulations of the Institute (Centre).

The Institute (Centre) Council adopts the decisions at meetings convened at least twice a year. The Director, the Chair of the Council or not less than 1/3 of the Council members have the right to the initiative to convene the meetings of the Institute (Centre) Council.
A meeting of the Institute (Centre) Council is considered valid if attended by more than 2/3 of the Council members. The Institute (Centre) Council decisions are considered adopted if voted by more than half of all the Council members.

Chapter IV. University Community

The University Community (staff) consists of the academic community, the workers of the administration and other non-academic units. The academic community consists of students, teachers, research workers, other researchers and professors emeritus.
The University labour relations, social security of the employees, rights, obligations and responsibilities are determined by the law, this Statute and other legal acts, as well the legal act adopted by the University’s governing bodies.
The University staff, according to the laws, has the following right:

1) within the scope of their competence, to participate in competitions in order to ensure education programmes and to receive support for study funds;
2) to participate in competitions for internships in Lithuania and abroad;
3) to receive the necessary information for scientific works from state institutions (if such information is a state or official secret, it is provided and used according to the procedures prescribed by the legal acts);
4) to work in accordance with the institution’s Statute (statutes, regulations) and plans of action;
5) to participate in various trade unions and associations, including those that operate abroad;
6) to work on their own or to join creative groups;
7) to publish independently their research works.

The University staff involved in research and study activities must comply with academic ethics and perform other duties determined in the Statute of their institution (rules, regulations) and work contracts.
A person who wants his second job to be at the University must indicate in his application for the position of lecturer or researcher the position (current workplace) in the main and all secondary workplaces.

Chapter V. Students and Audit Students

University students are persons studying according to the study programmes or doctoral studies.
Persons are admitted to the University’s first-level study programmes by competition, if having obtained at least secondary education, according to their study results, entrance examinations and taking into account other criteria established by the University.
Persons are admitted to the University’s second-level study programmes by competition if having obtained higher education qualifications and meet the requirements determined by the Senate.
Persons are admitted to the University’s third-level (doctoral) study programmes by competition if having obtained a master’s degree or an educational qualification equivalent to it and meet the requirements determined by the Senate.

126 Study contracts are concluded with all of the University’s students.

Students receive student cards of a standard form.

128 The audit students can study at the University in accordance with informal education programmes or individual study subjects (their groups) or parts of study programmes according to the procedures prescribed by the University.

The study conditions, rights and obligations are established in their contracts with the University.
Students have the right to:

1) acquire the selected study programme;
2) study according to an individual study plan in accordance with the order determined by the University;
3) study under more than one study programme or other subjects at the University or in other educational establishment;
4) evaluate the teaching quality of the acquired subjects, and implementation of the study welfare and study programmes;
5) choose lecturers if the same topic is taught by several lecturers;
6) propose the topic of their thesis or choose from the proposed topics;
7) to account for subjects and different tasks using alternative methods if they have a disability that impedes to account in the determined order, and the alternative method of account ensures the achievement of the determined objectives of the studies;
8) apply to the University administration to include the results of the studies at the University or any other Lithuanian or foreign higher educational establishment;
9) apply for the violation of their legitimate rights and interests to the University administration, to the committee of the examination of the disputes between the students and the administration staff (hereinafter — Litigation Committee);
10) after submitting a written request to the Rector and on the basis of his order, to suspend the studies due to childcare or due to other important personal reasons, but not longer than for a period of one calendar year;
11) take an academic leave because of impaired health — according to the recommendations of the medical committee;
12) terminate the studies upon a written request;
13) freely express one’s thoughts and beliefs;
14) obtain all the information related to the studies;
15) participate in the University government bodies;
16) to elect the Student Council and to be elected to it, freedom to join other associations, join clubs, societies, public student organisations;
17) use other rights determined in laws, this Statute and other legal rights.

In certain cases determined in the Law on Science and Studies, as well as other legal acts, students have the right to receive incentive and social grants, as well as loans to pay for their studies and cover their living expenses.
Students are required:

1) to study diligently, to comply with the requirements of study programmes and to carry out the tasks determined in the program of studies;
2) to observe the moral and ethical standards;
3) to comply with this Statute, regulations and requirements of internal order, execute the Rector’s orders and regulations and guidelines of the Dean;
4) to protect the University’s property;
5) to repay the granted loans in the cases determined by the law.

A student, who believes that his or her rights or legitimate interests have been violated, may contact the Rector or the authorised persons thereof. The Rector or the authorised persons thereof, after receiving written requests, complaints or reports of the students, must investigate the case and provide a response in written form within 15 calendar days. Should the student be dissatisfied with the Rector’s or the authorised person’s response to the request, a complaint or a report, or in the case of the absence of the response within 15 calendar days, the student has the right to apply to the Redress Committee.

The Redress Committee is composed by the order of the Rector. This committee is a permanent institution composed of 6 authorised persons. The Redress Committee is composed of an equal number of authorised persons — from the University administration and the Student Council. The Committee after receiving a complaint from a student must examine it within one month. The Committee’s meetings are valid if at least 2/3 of the Committee members participate therein, and decisions are adopted by more than half of all the majority of the member votes. The Redress Committee informs the student of its decision in written form, as well as the Student Council and the Rector. The decision of the Redress Committee is final at the University.
In case of a failure to observe the obligations of the student or audit student, according to the procedures prescribed by the academic regulations, the following penalties may be imposed: warning, reprimand, censure or expulsion from the University.
A student may be expelled from the University:

1) if the University’s internal or public order has been violated and the fact of violation is confirmed by the Dean’s or the Rector’s decision;
2) due to a failure to comply with the requirements of the study programme.

Disciplinary penalties are imposed by the Rector’s order. The Rector may authorise the Vice-Chancellors and faculty deans to impose penalties and incentives (except for the expulsion from the University),
If a disciplinary penalty is imposed on a member of the Student Council, the consent of this Council must be obtained, unless the disciplinary penalty is imposed due to non-compliance with the requirements of the study programme. If there is no agreement from the Student Council, the disciplinary penalty can be imposed to a member of the Council by the Senate’s consent.

Chapter VI. Teaching Staff

The positions of the teaching staff of the University are as follows: professor, docent, lecturer, and assistant.
A professor’s position can be filled by a researcher or an acknowledged artist. A researcher in a professor’s position must prepare researchers, teach students to conduct research works and experimental (social, cultural) development to govern them and announce the research results. The acknowledged artist in a professor’s position must prepare professional artists, teach students to participate in art activities and (or) form artistic, and scientific research directions, govern the students and announce the research results.
A docent’s position can be filled by a researcher or an acknowledged artist. A researcher in a docent’s position must teach students, conduct research works and experimental (social, cultural) development to govern them and announce the results of this activity. The acknowledged artist in the docent’s position must prepare professional artists, teach students to participate in art activities.
A lecturer’s position can be filled by a researcher or a person with at least a master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualification. The lecturer must teach the students and participate in methodological work.
An assistant’s position can be filled by a person with at least a master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualification. The assistant must lead the students’ practical occupations (practical work, exercises, students practice, etc.), help in the research and experimental (social, cultural) development work. The latter requirement may not be applied for assistants of arts studies at the University.
The teaching staff qualification requirements for the positions, organisation of the competitions for the positions and the order of teaching staff certification are determined by the Senate.
Every 5 years the teaching staff in accordance with the order determined by the Senate, for a period no longer than one year, may be exempt from the pedagogical work in order to conduct scientific researches and to improve scientific, artistic and pedagogical qualifications. The teaching staff must report to the unit council regarding scientific (artistic) or educational activities of this period. During this period, the teaching staff receives its average salary.

Chapter VII. Research Workers

The University research workers are researchers filling the positions of: a supreme researcher, a senior researcher, a research worker, a trainee scientist and other researchers.
The position of a supreme researcher can be filled by a scientist. The supreme researcher must train scientists, lead researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce the research results.
The position of a senior researcher can be filled by a scientist. The senior researcher must lead researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce the research results.
The position of a research worker can be filled by a scientist. The researcher must conduct researches and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce the research results.
The position of a trainee scientist can be filled by a person with at least a master’s degree or higher education qualification equivalent to it. The trainee scientist must carry out or assist in conducting research and experimental (social, cultural) development work, prepare to enrol in doctoral studies.
The duties of research workers, except for trainee scientist positions, as well as the minimum qualification requirements for the positions are determined by the Research Council of Lithuania, and for other researchers — the Senate.
The duties of the researchers, except for trainee scientist positions, requirements and the order of the organisation of competitions to hold these positions, except for competitions to hold the positions of trainee scientists, are determined by the Senate.
Qualification requirements to hold the obligations of trainee scientists, the order of appointing to this office, and the financing of their traineeships are determined by the Government.

Chapter VIII. Visiting Lecturers and Research Workers

The University may invite teaching staff and research workers for a period that is not longer than 2 years to work under a fixed-term contract. The order determined by the Senate regarding the appointment to the office does not apply to visiting lecturers and research workers.

Chapter IX. Associated Persons

The status of an Associate Scientist, upon the decision by the head of the first-level academic unit and the Senate, may be granted to the scientist who has worked at the University and who keeps scientific relations with the University, but temporarily (until the end of the term) works elsewhere.
The Associate Scientist, with the consent of the academic unit and the Senate, may return to the previous position without competition and continue working there for the unfinished term of office. The term of the office includes the time periods when it was working elsewhere.
Upon the decision by the head of the first-level academic unit and the Rector, the status of the legal person may be granted to a person who has contributed significantly to the University’s development. This status is granted for a fixed period of time. Individual rights and duties of the associate legal person are determined in the contract of the University and this person.

Chapter X. Professors Emeritus

For professors, who have been actively engaged in research and pedagogic work at the University and for their outstanding contribution to science or the arts, the Senate can grant the title of the Professor Emeritus.
For Professors Emeritus as for the other scientists of the University the conditions are provided to participate in the research and other activities of the University.
In accordance with the order determined by the Senate, a fixed monthly allowance intended for the Professor Emeritus is paid to the Professor Emeritus from the University funds, the amount of which is determined by the Council.

Chapter XI. Recruitment of Teaching Staff and Research Workers

Persons to be recruited as the teaching staff and research workers at the University are selected via a competition for the term of 5 years. The order of organisation of certification and competitions to hold the offices of the teaching staff and research workers are determined by the Senate.
Persons to be recruited as the trainee scientists are appointed according to the order determined by the Government for a period that is not longer than 2 years. This period, according to the order determined by the Government, may be extended for another year.
At least 3 months prior to the end of the term of office of the teaching staff and the research worker, a public competition to hold this office is announced. The person who holds this office can also participate in the competition. Notice of the competition to hold this office is announced on the websites of the Research Council of Lithuania and the University and in the media.
A fixed-term contract regarding the employment in a specific position is concluded with the person, who for the second time in a row wins the competition for the same office of a lecturer or research worker, according to the order determined by the Law on Science and Studies. This person is certified every 5 years in accordance with the order determined by the Senate. A non-certified teacher or research worker is eliminated from his office according to the order determined by the law. The senior lecturer or researcher is recruited through an open competition.
The candidates for the office of lecturers and research workers, with the exception of trainee scientists, are evaluated by the Commission of Certification and Competitions, based on the order determined by the Senate. At least 1/3 of the Commission members are composed of persons not working at the University. During the organisation of the competition for holding the office of the supreme researcher or professor, the Commission must include at least one international expert.
According to the order determined by the Council, the extraordinary certification procedure for the University professors and research workers may be organised.
Teaching staff and research workers are admitted and are eliminated from the work by the Rector’s orders in accordance with the order determined in the legal acts.
Labour disputes are heard out by the Labour Dispute Committee according to the determined order of the Lithuanian Labour Code (hereinafter — the Labour Code).

Chapter XII. University Administration

The University has the administration necessary for the performance of the functions of the University and its units, as well as administrative and other staff, necessary for the implementation of the objectives of the University study, research and experimental (social, cultural) development projects and economic activity.

The administration consists of the University staff, with exception of the University’s academic units, forming parts of the other academic departments, employees who have the right, according to their competence, to give binding instructions to subordinate employees. The heads of academic departments, in addition to administrative duties, can be engaged in pedagogical and (or) scientific work and carry out a project-based activity.
In respect of the Rector, Vice-Chancellors, Dean and other first-level academic heads, the University without competition accords the office held before or during the term of office of a lecturer or research worker for a period of 5 years. Other heads of academic units and their deputies after the completion of the determined term of office must return to their previous positions of lecturers, research workers or other researchers for the unfinished term of office, and if it is less than one year — for one year.

Chapter XIII. Other Staff

The number of other University staff, their rights, functions and the order of appointment and dismissal from their office are determined by the Rector.

Chapter XIV. Academic Ethics

The University operates in accordance with recognised ethical principles and practices, using the freedom of thought and speech.
The University does not tolerate the discrimination based on sex, age, ethnicity, nationality or social origin, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, language, disability, political opinion, social or economic status.
The University fosters and protects intellectual property of institutions and authors, does not tolerate plagiarism and other violations of the property and non-property rights.
The principles of academic ethics are determined by the Ethical Code of the lecturers, research workers and other researchers and by the Student Code of Ethics, drafted in accordance with the recommendations of the inspector of academic ethics and procedures.
Academic ethical issues are considered and decided upon by the Academic Ethics College (hereinafter — College), operating under the regulations approved by the Senate.
The College consists of 7 members. The College is elected by the Senate from the faculty councils and the candidates proposed by the Rector. One member is delegated from the Student Council. The work of the College is directed by the chairman elected by the members of the College. The College members may not be the administration workers.
The college responds to the violations of academic ethics, investigates the statements of university staff and students about the violations of scientific, professional, communication and behavioural ethics.
The College informs the rector regarding the adopted decisions on the matter in writing.
In the event of a dispute concerning the College decisions, the College may seek advice of the inspector of academic ethics and procedures.
Students’ statements are examined by the College in the presence of the delegated representative of the Student Council.
Disciplinary violations of the employees are being dealt with in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Labour Code, and the academic discipline violations of students and audit students — according to the procedures prescribed by the academic regulations.

Studies and Research

Part IV. Studies and Research

Chapter I. System of the Studies

The unity of the scientific (arts) activities and the studies at the University are guaranteed by the participation of lecturers and students in scientific research and experimental (social, cultural) development (art activities), the participation of science (arts) employees in the educational process, the conveying of the scientific knowledge and scientific (artistic) work skills in the second level tudy programmes and doctoral programmes. Second-level studies are associated with the results of science (arts) activities conducted at the University. Research activities are mandatory for the third-level students.
Studies are conducted in accordance with the degree and nondegree conferring programmes, which are included in the register of the Studies, study programmes and qualifications. Studies, according to the procedures prescribed by the Senate, can be conducted along with other institutions in Lithuania or abroad. The qualification is granted upon the completion of studies at the University and is indicated in the study programme.
The University has three levels of studies:

1) First — Bachelor’s studies;
2) Second — Master’s studies;
3) Third — Doctoral studies.

The first-level study programmes at the University focus on universal general education, theoretical preparation and the highest level of professional skills. A bachelor’s degree and qualification are granted according to the respective area (areas) of studies to persons, who have completed the first-level study programmes at the University.
Master’s degree programmes are designed to prepare an independent research work or other work that requires knowledge and analytical skills. A master’s degree and qualification are granted according to the respective area of studies to persons, who have completed master’s study programmes.
Scientific doctoral programmes are designed to prepare researchers, who will be able to carry out independent researches and experimental (social, cultural) development works and to solve scientific problems. Doctoral studies are conducted in accordance with scientific doctoral regulations approved by the Government. Persons, who have defended their dissertation, are awarded with a doctoral degree.
Studies are of two forms: ongoing and extended. The calendar of the ongoing and extended studies is approved by the Minister for Education and Science. Studies may be have various intensity, various study methods and technologies may be applied to them. Study forms are determined when the study programme is approved.
The scope and duration of the studies are determined by the Law on Science and Studies and the regulations of the Senate.
Additional studies are organised at the faculty, the size and composition of which is determined by the academic regulations confirmed by the Senate, to persons whose acquired higher education knowledge and skills are not sufficient to participate in study programmes of higher levels.
Continuous studies are organised to conduct the retraining, maintaining and improvement of professionals.
The enrolment procedure to the study programmes is determined by the Senate.
Admission to studies, the list of competitive educational subjects according to the directions of studies, the principles of the composition of competitive score, the minimum score for admission and other criteria are announced by the University no later than 2 years before the beginning of the academic year.
The University issues a confirming diploma of a determined form to a person who has completed any programme of any level.
A person gets a certificate if he has studied at the University according to the part of study programme, which provides knowledge and skills that are evaluated in accordance with the determined order of the University.
In accordance with the determined order, the University recognises the education acquired in other higher education establishments and promotes student and teacher exchange.
The University is responsible for the quality and culture of the studies. Performance indicators are publicly announced according to the order determined by the Senate. A quality assurance system is set up to evaluate and improve educational activities.
The University study system and its organisation in the University are determined by the academic regulations.

Chapter II. Scientific Activities

Research activities include the creation, accumulation and spread of scientific knowledge, scientific research and experimental (social, cultural) development, as well as innovative activities. This activity should provide research methodology skills to students, improve professional qualifications of the University staff, and provide conditions to continuously update study subjects with the latest scientific and practical knowledge.
The University research activities are organised in a way that ensures unity of science, studies and innovations.
The University owns the intellectual product created therein, unless otherwise it has been determined in the contracts of the University, employees, students, and (or) customers.
Research directions, scope and topics are determined by taking into consideration the needs of the society, educational, cultural and economic priorities, the University demands, the available material resources and scientific potential.
The University values and encourages participation in the implementation of national and international programmes and projects, cares about the implementation of research results, the development of a technical base for cientific laboratories, centres and institutes, and integration into the international education area.
Students are granted access to participate in the University’s scientific activities. The University has a Student Science Society.
The University organises scientific seminars, conferences and other events.
The University encourages the professional scientific and artistic activities between staff and students related to the unity of technology, practice and studies.
The research system and organisation of research activities at the University are determined by the academic regulations.
The University grants academic degrees according to the order determined by the legal acts.
In order to contribute to the creation of knowledge and increase Lithuania’s competitiveness, the University can create and (or) participate in the activities of integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys), and science and technology parks.

Funding of the University and its Property

Part V. Funding of the University and its Property

Chapter I. Funds

The University funds are as follows:

1) State budget funds for studies;
2) funds of the State budget for the basic funding;
3) income received as payment for the studies;
4) income from the scientific and economic activities and the provided services;
5) funds from sponsors;
6) funds received as inheritance or gifts;
7) funds of public investment programmes and public investment projects;
8) funds received as a project-based competitive research funding;
9) State funds;
10) funds from international and foreign foundations and organisations;
11) income from management and the use of university property and disposing of it;
12) income obtained from the results of intellectual activity;
13) other legally obtained funds.

Chapter II. Property

The University manages, uses and disposes of the assets following the principles of the public benefit, efficiency, rationality, accountability to the public and the autonomy of economic activity.
The University property consists of:

1) tangible fixed assets owned by the State according to the property right transferred to the University under an agreement of property trust;
2) the University’s assets owned by the property right.

Assets, which the University owns, uses, and disposes of by the property law, are:

1) the assets invested by the State;
2) income received as payment for tuition, as well as income from the economic, scientific activities and the provided services;
3) funds and other assets received as aid according to the Law on Charity and Sponsorship of the Republic of Lithuania;
4) other funds, except for the State budget funds;
5) acquired assets from the State budget funds and from the funds referred to in this part, referred to in Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, with an exception of immovable property acquired within the scope of the support of the European Union, the State budget and State funds;
6) donated property;
7) inherited property;
8) property rights resulting from intellectual activity;
9) income, assets or other benefits, obtained by way of management, using the funds or other assets and utilising them as specified in Paragraphs 1-8 of this Article.

The University manages, uses and disposes of the assets owned by the property right in accordance with legal acts.
The University manages, uses free of charge and disposes of longterm material assets, which are owned by the State, according to property rights and according to the contracts of property trust right and national property trust right are transferred to the University according to the order determined by legal acts.
The University manages, uses and disposes of its funds and assets independently according to the order approved by the Council.
The University uses its right of its immunity of territory and buildings. State land for the University is granted for an indefinite period of time. Only the State Government has the right to change the boundaries of the University or the managers of state buildings, in the case of no less than 3/5 of the members’ consent. If the Council does not provide the consent, the territorial boundaries or managers of state buildings may be changed by the Parliament.
In the territory of the University Campus, State, municipal or other institutions and other legal and natural persons cannot perform the works (except for the immediate emergency works) without the permission of the Rector or a person authorised by him.
The University has the right to borrow, to enter into contracts of loans, financial leases and other documents of debt according to the order determined by the laws.
The University, funded by the state, preserves and multiplies its property.
The rector is responsible for the management, use and disposal of the University’s funds and assets.
Under the trust agreement, transferred assets must be recorded separately from the other assets of the University.
Each year (no later than March) the University publicly provides annual activity reports to the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science and the Parliament, and also publicly announces and publishes annual income and xpenditure estimates and their accomplishment reports.
The University funding, management, use, disposal of the assets, accounting, tax, acquisitions and sales of the property, write-offs, auditing and other financial activities are determined in the finance regulations.

Organisation and Attributes of the Univeristy

Part VI. Organisation and Attributes of the University

Chapter I. University Organisation

The University allows the conditions to operate the units of professional organisations or associations of the University departments, sections and units validated in the Republic of Lithuania.
To fulfil the professional, creative, cultural, sports, and social needs of the University staff and students, non-political organisations, associations, circles and clubs can be established at the University, taking into account that their regulations would be in accordance with this Statute and other legal acts.
The University organisations, societies, circles and clubs operate under their own regulations or according to laws adopted in the assembly of members or registered by the Rector.

Chapter II. Attributes of the University

The University, its faculties and other units of the first-level have a Senate-confirmed authentic flags and signs, and members of the Senate, the Rector, Vice-Chancellors, the Chair of the College of Ethics and managers and their deputies of the first-level academic departments — robes. Other University departments and organisations can also have their attributes.
The attributes of the University, its departments and organizations are registered and used according to the determined order by the laws and Senate.

Chapter III. On Making and Changing of the Statute

The Statute is adopted by the Senate by at least of 2/3 of the majority of the votes of the members of the Senate. The Council, after hearing the opinion of the Senate, and after approving the amendments to the Statute of at least 7 of the majority of the votes of the members of the Council, submits it for the approval to the Parliament.
The Statute and its amendments become effective when they are approved and announced by the Parliament.
The Statute cannot be interpreted in a way that could reduce the autonomy of the higher education establishment guaranteed by the Constitution of Lithuania.

Chapter IV. Reorganisation and Liquidation of the University

The projects of reorganisation and liquidation are submitted by the Council, upon the approval of the Senate, to the Parliament no less than 2/3 of the majority of the members votes.