(This content has been translated automatically.)

Dear students, 

We would like to welcome you – especially if you are reading our university newsletter for the first time today – to the new academic year. It is off to a really colourful start, as evidenced by this edition of the newsletter. We therefore wish you a pleasant reading and also remind you of the university calendar, where more noteworthy events are being added every day.

Before the semester gets into full swing, the opening hours and offerings of the canteens and FreshUP bistros will be adjusted until 18 September. Details, as well as the standard opening hours from 19 September, can be found on the SKM website (in Czech).

At the Faculty of Law, members of the academic community will be selecting a student senator for the Palacký University Academic Senate for the 2020–2023 term in a by-election in early October. Members of the academic community can submit nominations from Monday 12 to Thursday 22 September using this form. More detailed information will be available on the Faculty's website in the coming days.

Whether you are new to Olomouc or know every corner of the city, stop by MEET UP on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in the stunning surroundings of the park and courtyard of the Konvikt – Art Centre of Palacký University. An afternoon and evening programme of concerts, film screenings, workshops and presentations await you. One day to get acquainted with university and student associations, one day to celebrate the start of the academic year. Performances by Annet X, Zooblasters, The Middle of the Sandwich, Manu Destra and more. There's no admission charge, but don't go completely penniless – there will be a varied food zone.

At the same time, we are still looking for a few student volunteers to help us prepare and organize the event. Financial reward is certain! If you are interested, please email akce@upol.cz.

Have you visited the university campus in Holice? Head there on Thursday, 15 September, as the campus will come alive from 2 pm with the second Academic Harvest Festival, which this year will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of J. G. Mendel. The father of genetics studied at in Olomouc from 1840 to 1843 (in Czech). Lectures, a tree planting ceremony, a tour of the agricultural machinery and pea refreshments await you in Building 47 and in the area in front of it – more in the programme.

In addition, J. G. Mendel will be commemorated by a lecture by Prof. Jiří Friml, one of the most cited Czech scientists in plant physiology, on Wednesday 21 September at 1 pm in Holice. 

The first week of the semester, the American Center opens on the UP campus. It will become a meeting place for Czech and American professionals and a window to American art and culture; the year-long program will offer not only lectures or exhibitions, but also help with English, information about study opportunities in the USA or a 3D printer for the public. Students can learn about the center's services on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then the first public talk will be held at 5:30 p.m., about the American wilderness. The Center will also be featured a day earlier at MEET UP in the Konvikt Courtyard.

As of 12 September, the library collections of the Faculty of Health Sciences Library and the Faculty of Medicine Library are located in one place. Thus, students and academics of both faculties have all library services available at one desk, namely in the existing LF Library lending library. Thanks to the space changes, students can also enjoy a larger number of study spaces. Details of the new features can be found on the UP Library website (in Czech).

Do you want to be able to better sell what you have learned at UP? Approach problem solving creatively, complete projects and earn money doing what you enjoy? Then quickly enroll in the Education for Entrepreneurship course, where you will be trained in entrepreneurial skills in any field, using an international, time-tested and successful program. You will also improve your communication and presentation skills or get tips from practitioners. Review the syllabus (in Czech) and then enroll in the course in STAG using the abbreviation KČJ/VPI1@.

As a traditional partner of Flora Olomouc exhibitions, we have free tickets for this year's autumn stage, which will take place from 29 September to 2 October at the Olomouc Exhibition Centre. Just email us by Tuesday, September 13, at soutez@upol.cz with the name of the important figure commemorated in this year's main exhibition in Hall A, and you have a chance to win a free ticket. For example, the popular Pumpkincracking or the competition for the best Flora jam have their place in the programme.