Going above and beyond the call of duty to do something for others and to give our free time and energy to improve the world around us is not a given. But without volunteers, many services, events and organisations could hardly function. That is why the University places great emphasis on volunteering and supports it by announcing the annual competition for the Rector's Award for volunteers from among students, alumni and staff of Palacký University (in Czech). You can nominate your favourite volunteer until 31 August via this form.

For the thirtieth time students entered their texts in the university literary competition announced by the Rector. The jury, which included literary expert Jana Vrajová, poet and Magnesia Litera laureate Radek Malý and writer and screenwriter Michal Sýkora, evaluated 123 entries from 116 students from all faculties of UP. The results were announced on 6 May at the Olomouc Maypole of UP and are published here (in Czech). The winning texts can be read on the website spisovatele.upol.cz (in Czech) and in the next issue of the printed Journal. The next edition of the competition should be announced in January 2025. Follow the FB group of the competition.

Palacký University, its Department for Sustainable Development or Sustainable University and the student association Sustainable Palacký have been nominated for the Olomouc Region Public Award for contribution in the field of environment, specifically in the category of the Award for significant achievement in waste separation and recycling. You can vote for it until 27 May on the website (you must confirm your vote in an e-mail). You can read more in the article.

One of the key pillars of our University's activities is the continuous strengthening and improvement of the quality of education and research. You can read the latest news in the new issue of the newsletter of the Strategy and Quality Department of UP (in Czech). It brings information about development and grant programmes of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Czech Republic or sustainable development. The theme of the issue is the international evaluation of universities from the perspective of staff and doctoral students.

Don't forget that all UP students and employees have the opportunity to use the online form to submit comments, suggestions or ideas towards the department. A new form has also been posted on its website through which you can send feedback on the activities of the academic bodies.

WORKSHOPS & RESEARCH

On Tuesday, 21 May 2024 from 16:00 to 18:00 the UP Support Centre for Students with Special Needs has prepared an online workshop How to be a Support?. The course, which is sponsored by the association Nepustut duši (Don't Let Your Soul Out) (in Czech), will offer interactive demonstrations of warning signs of mental health difficulties, advice on how to communicate with a loved one or colleague who is unwell, or how to navigate the network of professional help and how some types of help work. Sign up by Monday, May 20 in the form below.

Does our choice of clothing affect who we are? Can we judge a person's character based on their clothing? These questions and many others are being answered by research at the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Arts, UP. Help us find out how it really is! If you are a woman of Czech nationality between the ages of 21 and 60, join the research (in Czech). If not, take a look at the website I Dress Up, therefore I Am (in Czech) and tell potential respondents in your area about it.

LECTURES AND COURSES

Graphic design and branding literally surrounds us at every step and will be the topic of the next Element Talks (in Czech) meeting on Wednesday, May 29 at 6 pm at Element Coworking (in Czech). What is the path to realizing a successful brand and what all influences the creation of graphic design? With graphic designers and creatives Radoslav Dostál and Matěj Doležel we will go through a branding crash course, where we will go from the brief itself, through pricing, legal protection and brand communication, to the final brand. The discussion will be practical and the guests will present classic and experimental projects from the commercial or cultural sphere. The number of seats is limited, don't forget to register.

INVITATIONS

A map of research institutes and expert groups that can be easily contacted and their expertise and infrastructure used for your research. A database of supervisors, consultants, advisors and dissertation opponents who are willing to help PhD students to start their scientific career. These are just two of the outcomes of the Aurora Research and Innovation for Societal Impact (Aurora RI) project, which you can read about in the article and especially at the practice-oriented final conference (in Czech) to be held on 13 September in Olomouc.

You probably already know the beauties of Olomouc yourself, but you undoubtedly have many friends who are not quite as well known. Invite them here for the holidays! Not only do we have a freshly updated guide to the tourist attractions of the UP – Unit(r)ips, but we also have an offer of good-value accommodation in the dormitories (in Czech) starting from 420 CZK per night. In addition, there is a kitchen, gym or sports equipment available. Complete information, including a price list, is available at skm.upol.cz/leto (in Czech).

Get ready for an exhilarating journey through Olomouc with our Euroculture Master's program students! Each week, we invite you to watch fascinating videos unveiling the hidden treasures of this city. From the historic university campus to bustling sports arenas and tranquil botanical gardens, together we will discover everything Olomouc has to offer.

Passionate about exploring new cultures and environments, international students create inspiring videos that showcase not only the beauty of the city and university but also its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Follow the Welcome Office social media (FB | IG) and discover every week why Olomouc is such an irresistible destination for study and life!

Take advantage of an exclusive offer for those working at UP! The multi-genre open air Philharmonic Festival (in Czech) is heading for another year after its premiere last year at the Andrův stadium. The football club SK Sigma Olomouc in cooperation with the university's partner Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc will once again present the 65-member MFO orchestra in its full size and strength with leading performers of their genres of our Czech music scene. Instructions on how to take advantage of the discount and get 3+1 tickets for free can be found in this PDF (in Czech).

NEW STANDARDS

• UP University College Regulations – Amendment No. 3

  This amendment to the UP internal standard, effective from 3 May 2024, (in Czech) is intended mainly for UP students and UP employees. The amendment simplifies the Accommodation Contract, modifies it in connection with the electronic signature of this contract; some obligations of the residents have been removed, which have been transferred to the Housing Regulations for clarity and coherence, and the methods of termination of the contract have been modified.

   

   

• UP Internal Wage Regulation – Amendment No. 4

  This amendment to the UP Internal Regulations, effective from 13 May 2024, (in Czech) affects academic and scientific staff of UP. It abolishes the salary scales and introduces a tariff in five grades with the same amount for a given grade.

   

   

• Travel refunds

  This UP internal standard, effective June 1, 2024, (in Czech) applies to all employees and others who travel on business. It is modified regarding the new electronic CP system - fully digital (no need to print), meal allowances and other reimbursements are adjusted to the amount according to the decree of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, removes wording inaccuracies; adaptation to the new legislation.

  
  All UP standards, including the ineffective ones, divided by UP units, with the possibility of filtering and searching in them can be found by students and employees of UP after logging in to files.upol.cz.

COMPETITION

Last week, during the Olomouc Maypole UP, you could witness an evening surprise, which was a performance by the singers of the Moravian Theatre Olomouc in the courtyard and in the windows of the Armoury. Thanks to our partnership with the MDO, today we have a competition for a voucher for free entry to any performance from the repertoire of the Moravian Theatre Olomouc. Just email us your answer to soutez@upol.cz by 22 May and we'll smile at you in the draw. Competition question: How are the "Family Friendly" places marked on the University premises, where parents with children can find facilities, a changing table, a microwave or a children's corner?