The Belarusian State University is the largest educational, scientific and cultural centre in the republic of Belarus.
Its history began on October, 30 1921 when it was founded due to the efforts of many people; among them there were such famous personalities as M.N. Pokrovsky, V.P. Volgin, E.F. Karsky, K.A. Timiryazev, D.N. Pryanishnikov. The first rector of the University became academician Vladimir Ivanovich Picheta. 1390 students began attending regular classes at its three faculties: worker’s, medicine, social sciences.
14 professors and 25 associate professors began their active work almost immediately. From the very beginning the BSU established relations with different foreign countries such as Germany, Lithuania, Poland. The connections with European countries promoted the development of the University which, in fact, created the educational system of the Republic. The BSU gave the beginning of several institutes, which further became independent. They were Minsk Medicine Institute, Minsk Law Institute, Minsk Pedagogical Institute, the Belarusian Institute of National Economy.
The BSU also made great contribution to the development of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences, the State Library and many research institutes.
Today the BSU has 5 prominent research institutes, 4 natianal scientific centres, 20 scientific centres, 172 departmens, 114 scientific labs. More than 18000 students attend 20 faculties: Physics, Radio-Physics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography, Biology, Philology, Journalism, History, Philosophy, Law, International Relations.
There have several new faculties and colleges recently appeared. They offer such up-to-date sciences as social technologies, management in the social sphere, marketing, design, international tourism.
Tuition at the University is mostly free of charge and the students receive grants and stipends. Some students pay for their education but study according to the same plans.
The University is staffed by highly qualified teachers. Among them there are academicians, professors, Doctors of science. They teach students, deliver lectures, conduct seminars, supervise laboratory work and practical training of students and post-graduates.
The University provides the students and the teaching staff with the facilities for research work. The Students have their own Science Society and carry out scientific research in different laboratories with up-to-date devices and apparatus.
It’s interesting to notice that the number of foreign students is increasing gradually. This may be the result of the BSU participating in many student exchange programs. In fact, the BSU effectively cooperates with more than 60 universities over the world.
Some words must be said about the restoration made in the university campus. Four wonderful monuments appeared when the BSU was going to celebrate its eightieth anniversary. They are the sculptures to famous Belarusian humanists. The students enjoy spending time there by sitting on the benches and talking about student’s life.
In conclusion we should name some of the outstanding people who graduated from the BSU: K. Krapiva, P. Hlebka, P. Browka, I. Melezh, R. Baradulin, N. Gilevich and many others.
Vocabulary
effort – усилие
personality – личность
attend – посещать
associate professor – доцент
establish – установить
relation – связь, отношение
connection – связь; соединение
promote – способствовать
development – развитие
create – создавать
independent – независимый
make contribution – сделать вклад
prominent – выдающийся, видный, известный
up-to-date – современный; новейший
management – управление
tuition – обучение
free of charge – бесплатно
staff – сотрудники, персонал
deliver lectures – читать лекции
conduct – руководить; проводить
supervise – наблюдать; заведовать
facilities – оборудование; приспособления, аппаратура
research – исследование
participate – принимать участие
campus – университетский дворик
to celebrate – праздновать
anniversary – годовщина
conclusion – заключение
outstanding – выдающийся
Answer the questions.
1. When was the BSU founded?
2. Who was the first rector?
3. Who made great contribution to foundation of the University?
4. There were only 3 faculties first, weren’t there?
5. What countries did the University establish relations with?
6. Which institutes did the BSU give the beginning?
7. How many institutes, faculties, chairs, labs does the University have?
8. How many students attend the lessons?
9. What faculties are popular among the students?
10. Do the students of the BSU have to pay for their education?
11. How is tuition at the University conducted?
12. Do the students have their own Science Society?
13. Why is the number of foreign students constantly increasing?
14. Do you like the University?
15. How does it look like?
16. Do you know any outstanding personalities who graduated from the BSU?
