The Rector of SWPS University, Professor Roman Cieślak, has signed the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020, that contains principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as a guideline for good governance and self-understanding of universities in the future. The original Magna Charta document, published in 1988, was signed by 900 universities, which subscribe to the Magna Charta Fundamental Values and Rights related to academic freedom, independent research, tolerance, and education free from political and economic influence.
SWPS University was also a signatory of the first Magna Charta Universitatum, which was proclaimed in 1988, on the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. In 2006, Professor Andrzej Eliasz, then-Rector of SWPS University, signed the document.
The updated version of the Magna Charta, which has also been consulted with our university, responds to and resonates with contemporary challenges and concerns. It recognizes a more global nature of what universities do and a wider range of local responsibilities the universities have.
Adherence to the Magna Charta is overseen by the Magna Charta Observatory, a signatories’ association, independent from political organizations or interest groups.
Due to the pandemic, the proclamation of the document has been delayed by a year. The official proclamation ceremony of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 will take place online, over two days, on June 16th and 17th.
Professor Roman Cieślak, Rector of SWPS University, signs the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020
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