The conservatism of the political system is the biggest obstacle to the progress of the University of Cyprus, outgoing Dean, Stavros Zenios stressed. In his interview to StockWatch, Mr. Zenios, who officially delivered the deanery to Costas Christofides today – outnumbered the achievements of the University in the past eight years, giving special emphasis to its development from Teaching to Research University.
“In the past few years, the University has improved significantly its ranking, has increased the number of students, has doubled its budget, has absorbed increased research funds and has created the necessary infrastructure for its future development”, he said.
“The greatest moment for the University in the past eight years was undoubtedly Mr. Pissarides awarding with the Nobel Prize”, he noted.
“But there were difficult times too. The University faced difficulties to the reactions of the political system and not the society”, he said.
Nr. Zenios also commented on the criticisms against the University for the management of its financials, stressing that nothing wrong has been proved and referring to “excessive rhetoric” and demagogy.
He admitted, however, that there are margins of improvement, mostly in its communication with the state.
“As far as the economic management is concerned, the University does what other universities that seek development do. The easy solution is not to do anything and in ten years to answer to the difficult question “what have you done all those years?””, he said.
Mr. Zenios rejected everything that has to do with the golden boys and noted that professors are paid on the basis of the international practice.
In his interview to StockWatch, he did not omit referring to the entry of students with international exams and stressed that the issue will be discussed again.
He also talked about the political parties, the student parties and the standard of the students.
In a period of economic crisis, Mr. Zenios commented on the role of the University. He talked about unemployed graduates and rejected allegations on the cost of tertiary education.
“In the past few years, the University has improved significantly its ranking, has increased the number of students, has doubled its budget, has absorbed increased research funds and has created the necessary infrastructure for its future development”, he said.
“The greatest moment for the University in the past eight years was undoubtedly Mr. Pissarides awarding with the Nobel Prize”, he noted.
“But there were difficult times too. The University faced difficulties to the reactions of the political system and not the society”, he said.
Nr. Zenios also commented on the criticisms against the University for the management of its financials, stressing that nothing wrong has been proved and referring to “excessive rhetoric” and demagogy.
He admitted, however, that there are margins of improvement, mostly in its communication with the state.
“As far as the economic management is concerned, the University does what other universities that seek development do. The easy solution is not to do anything and in ten years to answer to the difficult question “what have you done all those years?””, he said.
Mr. Zenios rejected everything that has to do with the golden boys and noted that professors are paid on the basis of the international practice.
In his interview to StockWatch, he did not omit referring to the entry of students with international exams and stressed that the issue will be discussed again.
He also talked about the political parties, the student parties and the standard of the students.
In a period of economic crisis, Mr. Zenios commented on the role of the University. He talked about unemployed graduates and rejected allegations on the cost of tertiary education.
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