(This content has been translated automatically.)

Dear students,

January is not only the month of exams and the ubiquitous winter, but also the time when we want to introduce to all those interested the wide range of study options at UP and life in the university town of Olomouc. On Saturday 15 January, the university came alive – but mostly in the online space – with an open day (in Czech) during which thousands of visitors used chat platforms, video streams, virtual tours or podcasts. Currently, UP is presenting itself (in Czech) at the Gaudeamus Prague fair of post-secondary and lifelong learning.

Even those who will become part of Palacký University in the future will receive the UP Newsletter one day. However, you can read the current issue already today, so we wish you a pleasant reading.

The UP Academic Week is approaching

It was Thursday, 21 February 1946, when the bells of Olomouc churches rang out. They heralded the passing of the law on the restoration of the University of Olomouc and that Olomouc was once again becoming a university town. This is still true today, so this year we will commemorate this anniversary during the UP Academic Week. It will start – just like the summer semester – on 14 February and will bring a number of cultural, scientific and social activities for students and staff, as well as for the public.

On Monday morning, the Donate Blood with the Rector challenge will be launched, as well as a pub quiz, the launch of another book from the Paměť UP (UP Memory) series and AFOcinema. On Thursday at 16:30, come and discuss current and future activities, challenges and problems of UP at a meeting of the Rector with the academic community (in Czech). However, you can send your questions today to komunikace@upol.cz. During the weekend, UP students and employees will have free admission to the Olomouc Museum of Art and the Fort of Science. For the full programme, visit akademickytyden.upol.cz (in Czech).

To the States. To study. To Merrill

Want to try studying in America? Here's your chance. Just apply to the selection procedure for a semester study stay at a partner institution within the UP study programme, founded thirty years ago by the American philanthropist and friend of Palacký University Charles Merrill. Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Who the program is for, how to apply if interested, and other details are on the International Relations Office website. Just don't delay too long, as the deadline is February 21.

Pub Quiz – UP Special

Whether or not you are a fan of knowledge competitions, don't miss the special episode of the fun quiz prepared by the UP Communications Office in cooperation with a phenomenon called the Pub Quiz. It will be one of the events of the UP Academic Week (in Czech) and the theme is clear – Palacký University and Olomouc. Six-person teams composed of students or university employees can register at soutez@upol.cz or directly on Facebook, where you can also find information about the rules and prizes. Capacity is limited. The event will be held in compliance with current anti-epidemic rules.

Confucius Institute Credit Course Offerings

Also in the summer semester, you can choose from a wide range of credit courses prepared at the Confucius Institute of UP. Do you have basic knowledge of Chinese and would like to continue? Then sign up for the Chinese for Non-Sinologists course. You can learn Chinese art in courses in Chinese painting or calligraphy, aimed at both beginners and those who already have something to build on. You also have the opportunity to continue with the Chinese game of Go. In addition, we are now offering a course called Understanding China for Masters students. Check out the full range of courses on the Confucius Institute UP website (in Czech).

Invitation to the opening of Jan Jirkovsky's photographs

The Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology and the Gallery of Social Photography invite you to the opening of Jan Jirkovský's photographs. The exhibition entitled Sokol Libeň – In the Hearts of the Homeland and in the Arms of Strength presents the Libeň falcons as no one has ever seen them train before. The opening will take place on Thursday 10 February at 4 pm in the gallery. You can find it on tr. Svobody 26 on the second floor. Take a look at the invitation card.

Join the Children and Youth Olympics volunteer team

At the end of June, the Olomouc Region, together with the Czech Olympic Committee, will host the Games of the 10th Summer Olympics for Children and Youth 2022 (in Czech). In addition to the traditional sports that are usually represented at the Olympics, such as athletics, swimming, basketball or volleyball, fencing will be taking place in the Olomouc Region for the first time. The Olympic Village will be created in cooperation with Palacký University in the grounds of its dormitories in the city centre and the organisers will prepare an Olympic House in the nearby Fort of Science – a meeting place for athletes, medal ceremonies and a programme for fans.

Organisers are already looking for volunteers to help ensure the smooth running of the Games. You will have the chance to meet successful Olympians, make new contacts or learn something new. For details and an application form, visit the Games website (in Czech).