Conference booklet - Baltic University Programme

Document 1STATUTES OF THE BALTIC UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMEPreambleThe Baltic University Programme is established as an interuniversity programme in the Baltic Sea region with theaim to develop regional cooperation between universities and corresponding institutions of higher learning. TheBaltic Sea region refers to the drainage basin of the Baltic Sea and Kattegat.The creation of the Programme was prompted by the historic changes taking place in the region during the period1989 to 1991. The initiative was taken with• the intention to contribute to the develop-ment of the region in the historic situation where international cooperationbetween east and west became possible after decades of isolation;• the recognition that universities play a central role in the development of our societies through education ofthe young generation, development of knowledge in a new situation, and being a resource for society in applyingsuch knowledge.The purpose of the Programme is thus to promote and support universities and corresponding institu-tions in thedevelopment of the Baltic Sea region by• supporting sustainable development in its full sense, including economic, social and ecological, aspects;• supporting the development of democracy and democratic cultures;• promoting peaceful cooperation, international understanding and communication.The Programme operates through education, research, and cooperation with other actors in the society, and bypromoting information to society at large on these issues.The Programme was initiated by Uppsala University in 1989. It was established in 1991 through a coordinatedeffort by Uppsala University, Åbo Akademi University and Copenhagen University; with the support of TeracomAB, which organised satellite TV broadcasts; and with the financial support of Sida, the Swedish International Developmentand Cooperation Agency, as well as a number of participating universities in the Baltic Sea region.The Programme is hosted and administered by Uppsala University, which also is the carrier of all documentsrelating to the Programme.Article 1. Organisationa) The Programme is governed by an International Programme Board appointed by the Vice-Chancellor/Rector ofUppsala University.b) The Programme is administered by a regional Coordinating Secretariat at Uppsala University.c) A National Centre for the Programme is established at a participating university in each Baltic Sea region country.d) A local office/contact point for the Baltic University Programme is established at each participating university.Article 2. ParticipationUniversities and corresponding institutions of higher learning in the Baltic Sea region are invited to join the Programme.Universities and its departments participating in the Programme shall abide by the legal regulations of theirrespective countries.Article 3. Development of educationThe Programme develops and maintains university courses on undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels in the areasin which the programme is active. The development work is done in collaboration between universities in the network,and includes the production of curricula, teachers’ guides, course materials, web pages and distance componentsof the courses, as found suitable.The participating universities take part in this development of educational components according to their ownexpertise and capacities.The Programme is concerned with promoting internationalisation by the development of Information and CommunicationTechnology, ICT, in education, and endeavours to increase distance components in education, such asstudent audio conferences, distance lectures etc., using video, audio, and computer conferences, the Internet andother means.29