Prof. Gutowski: COVID may become an opportunity for Polish universities

“COVID has intensified many negative processes in the world of Anglo-Saxon higher education,” argued Prof. Piotr Gutowski during another debate of the Areopagus of Universities series. “This could be an opportunity for Polish universities. This is an opportunity for some students and young academics to truly consider coming to our country,” he said.

The third debate in the Areopagus of Universities series, which took place on December 6^th, 2021 at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań, was devoted to various aspects of relations in the time of COVID. Philosopher and historian of philosophy representing the Catholic University of Lublin - Prof. Piotr Gutowski - devoted his speech to the changes that have taken place in the world of Anglo-Saxon higher education under the influence of the coronavirus. “Some of these phenomena will probably also appear in Poland, so it is worth countering them in advance,” noted the panellist.

Universities in the United States, Great Britain or Australia, among others, had to face financial difficulties. A significant part of their income comes from tuition fees, and many students have suspended their studies or abandoned them altogether. This, in turn, has necessitated austerity measures, which has increased tensions between academic and didactic staff - especially the junior staff - and the university authorities. Opinions could be heard that the coronavirus crisis was used to hasten neoliberal reforms in the world of higher education. Administrative decisions were made, favouring some faculties and restricting others, including those with a long tradition of study. “Research has also suffered at the expense of teaching,” Gutowski noted.

Another effect of the pandemic was tensions between the humanities and the sciences, which, according to the Professor, will also affect the Polish environment.

The pandemic has also caused the so-called St. Matthew effect, i.e. the poor have become even more poor, and the rich even more rich. This has primarily affected students, including those in Poland. “An increase in the cost of living forced many of them to take up employment,” emphasised the representative of KUL. In conclusion, he stated that the pandemic situation could also be an opportunity for Polish universities to attract students or academics from abroad.

The next, fourth debate of the series will be held on January 10^th, 2022 at the University of Warsaw and will be devoted to issues related to economics, the economy, finance, and management in the pandemic situation. The Catholic University of Lublin will be represented by Prof. Marian Żukowski.