RSU and Latvian Academy of Sport Education hold an introductory meeting

On Friday, 26 January, the Rector of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) Aigars Pētersons met with the Rector of the Latvian Academy of Sport Pedagogy (LASE) Kalvis Ciekurs and the Chairperson of the LASE Council Sandra Rozenštoka. After the meeting, it was agreed that LASE will become a part of RSU as a separate structural unit from 1 July 2024, as it is in the interest of both universities to successfully develop sports pedagogy and sports science. 

Ciekurs and Rozenštoka visited Prof. Pētersons to discuss cooperation and their joint vision for the future. At the meeting, they discussed the news that had appeared in the public domain concerning the position of LASE with regard to the Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 903 that provides for the consolidation of LASE and RSU.

From the left: RSU Rector Aigars Pētersons and LASE Rector Kalvis Ciekurs

‘To ensure that we continue to work smoothly during and after the consolidation period, it is crucial to preserve the study programmes, the academic staff, and traditions of the Latvian Academy of Sport Education.

The student admission process will not be affected by the consolidation. In order to follow through, we will introduce a transitional period during which we will resolve technical and administrative matters,’

explained Prof. Pētersons.

‘We will provide current and future students sports education at the highest possible standard of quality, as it has been done so far.

The better the collaboration between everyone involved – lecturers, sports organisations, sports federations – the better the results will be,’

stated Ciekurs.

During the meeting, RSU and LASE management also discussed the new deadline for the consolidation – 1 July 2024 – as well as possible risks due to the shortening of the consolidation deadline proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science. After the meeting, both parties agreed that such a large-scale and significant process cannot happen overnight, therefore there is no reason for concern. Even if the process will start in the summer, there will first be a transitional period, and everything will happen gradually according to an appropriate action plan. 

The deadline that has been set is reasonable in order to ensure receiving funding from the European Commission’s Recovery and Resilience Facility to the amount of 7 million EUR. These funds are the only funds available for financing the consolidation activities. It is therefore necessary to begin joint constructive work on how to attract it as soon as possible.

In addition to the aforementioned funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, RSU would also like to attract additional funding from the Ministry of Education and Science Institutional Development Pilot Project, which can be used directly to improve the academic and scientific performance of LASE.

‘The Council of LASE is of the opinion that it is important for LASE to continue existing as a separate structural unit, providing employees, students, and academic staff with security, continuity, and a sense of belonging.

 I am pleased that our opinion has been heard and taken into account. The decision by the RSU Senate and RSU Council confirms that the Latvian Academy of Sport Education will retain its name and is a separate structural unit under the authority of the RSU Vice-Rector,’

explained Rozenštoka.