For two decades we have entered the international level

Serik MAMYRAYMOV, Rector of Syrdariya University:

For two decades we have entered the international level

- In connection with an anonymous survey conducted on social networks and among the local population in Myrzashol at the Syrdariya University, comments appeared that “there is corruption at the university”. What would you say about that?

- On December 6, 2019, an anonymous survey was conducted at the Syrdariya University as part of the Clean Session organized by the youth wing of Zhas Otan of the Nur Otan party. The poll was attended by the representative of the Nur Otan party from Nur Sultan Bolat Bukarbai and the chairman of the youth wing Zhas Otan from the Turkestan region Zhuldyz Namaz. The event was attended by 346 students. However, the results of the survey were not disclosed to students and university management.

- In fact, this was to be made public. Didn't you ask about the survey results?

- We asked, we were told that they would inform later. Later we contacted by mobile phone. Bektemis Meyrhan, chairman of the youth organization of Syrdaria University, contacted Zhuldyz Namaz, chairman of the youth wing of Jas Otan in the Turkestan region, to find out the results of the survey. We were told that the survey results are positive for us. We believed these words and were calm.

- Then how did it happen that the results of the survey were published three months later?

- Yes, it happened. Unfortunately, the results published on social networks do not correspond to the information told to us by Zhuldyz Namaz, chairman of the Zhas Otan youth wing in the Turkestan region. Now this is causing little damage to the reputation of Syrdariya University, which is known throughout Kazakhstan, as well as in a number of foreign countries, not only for its good performance, but also for rumors. Our students who participated in the survey do not agree with the results at all. In fact, the results of the survey were to be announced at the university. The announcement of the expiration of a three-month period raises our doubts.

- What can you tell the locals, parents, whose sons and daughters study at the university?

- First of all: no need to worry, the university is fully operational. Secondly, I would say that there is no reason for the spread of negativity in various social networks, there is no need to pay attention to information. Students elect a student rector and dean. They can discuss and solve problems themselves. They are given freedom of speech. Everything is open with us. Our teachers conduct an exam on a computer testing system. There can be no question of corruption. Parents can even come and take part in lessons and exams.

- There are still those who care about the fact that the university is far away. What do you say to that?

- On the other hand, in recent years, such views have not been in the region. Local parents did not send their sons and daughters as far away as before. For two decades, Syrdaria University has entered the international level. Because one of the main directions of strategic development was the entry into the world system of education and science. At the same time, academic exchange agreements were signed with prestigious universities in the framework of the international programs Erasmus and Mevlana to strengthen ties with universities in the near and far abroad countries. We have close academic ties with universities in Latvia, Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. In a word, the university has a bright future.

- In order to keep up with the global development process, the material and technical base of the university must be solid. How is this problem solved at the university?

- Our university is the first university in remote Myrzashol with a population of about 400 thousand people. In the early years of independence, when the country was just beginning to overcome difficulties, the creation of a rural school was an important event and a great joy for the residents of this region.

Parents are very pleased that their sons and daughters can now graduate in nearby cities without traveling far from home. Corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences, doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor, ex-deputy of the Mazhilis of parliament, deputy of the Turkestan regional maslikhat, well-known public figure Onalbay Ayashev, who founded the university, was pleased with the country's care. The huge work of this man, who made every effort to expand the material and technical base of the university and its prosperity, is now always appreciated by the citizens of our region.

In 2005, First President Nursultan Nazarbayev paid a special visit to Syrdariya University, attended the opening ceremony of the new academic building, supported the opening of a modern university in rural areas and expressed great expectations for its future.

Without a developed material and technical base there will be no high-quality education. This is a requirement of a new era. The university is equipped with 388 computers, 24 interactive whiteboards, 5 smart whiteboards, 24 multimedia projectors, 2 video conferencing rooms that create favorable conditions for the educational process. To create a modern library at the university, a licensed Cabis program was introduced. Syrdaria University is also among the ten best universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of electronic library resources

is in fourth place.

The university has 4 academic buildings with a total area of ​​12,432 square meters, the Student Palace "Kazakhstan" with 500 seats and the "Student House" with 320 seats, the Center for Innovative Research. The "Center for Innovative Research" of the University provides ample opportunities for the implementation of laboratory work, course and diploma projects of students in the field of natural science programs, research work of faculty and undergraduates. In addition, the university has 5 large faculties, 12 departments, an environmental research laboratory, multidisciplinary colleges Zhetysay and Myrzakent, archives of medical services, 4 libraries.

- What are your achievements in providing quality education and exemplary education for students?

- In 2010, our university received international and international IQNET certificates of the Turkish Institute of Standards. In the 2015-2016 academic year, our university was institutionalized, and in the 2016-2017 academic year, it was accredited and internationally recognized. Another good news is that as a result of the publication of the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating, published on May 15, 2020, our university took 17th place among 89 universities of Kazakhstan in the TOP-20 expert rating. This is an indicator of the many years of painstaking work of the university faculty.

Syrdariya University is the only university in the Turkestan region that currently provides educational programs for 27 students and 10 graduate programs. Noteworthy are the achievements of our students in science, education, sports and art, conducted abroad and in the country: the team of Zhaidarman "Syrdaria" became the champion of the country. Our students, who pay attention to science and education, are winners of scientific projects and subject Olympiads. Orientation of the president for the future: spirituality “Renaissance”, “Seven faces of the Great Steppe” - it has become a tradition to hold scientific and practical conferences at the international level in the field of program articles, innovative and educational technologies. This reflects the great contribution of professors and students in education and science. The archaeological expedition "Myrzashol", consisting of professors and students of the department of domestic and foreign history, has been funded by the university since 2004 in the medieval cities of Utturobe and Kultobe, located 30 km north-east of Zhetysay. This is one of the greatest achievements of scientists. The results of the expedition were presented at scientific conferences and published in scientific journals. As a result of archaeological excavations in 2004, a museum was opened at the university. Museum exhibits are replenished and enlarged every year by exhibits found during excavations. About 4,000 students study at the university. More than 200 of them are Kazakh youth from neighboring Uzbekistan. Our compatriots also come from Turkmenistan to study. First of all, we place young people from afar in a hostel. We have all the conditions. We have a hostel for 320 people. The price is cheap, they pay 30 thousand tenge per year.

- How many graduates of this university work in the field?

- Our graduates work not only locally, but also in all regions of Kazakhstan and even abroad. 35-40% of teachers in schools of Maktaaral and Zhetysai districts are graduates of Syrdaria University. And we have graduates in district and rural administrations of districts, various government agencies and enterprises. They are our pride. We are confident that their number will continue to grow in the future.

- What are the prospects of the university, what do you think of the new project, plans?

- We have big tasks. This follows from the Address of the President to the people of Kazakhstan. One of the prerequisites for the implementation of the strategic plan until 2050 is the formation of an educated generation. We continue to strive to reach the heights of this sacred goal. In this regard, I would like to note a number of our priorities:

The university has a military department, a graduate of the military department is awarded the rank of lieutenant;

- Altyn belgi holders, winners of republican subject Olympiads, orphans and disabled people have discounts on tuition fees;

As part of academic mobility, there is the opportunity to study at other universities.

Those who come to study at Syrdaria University will not regret it and will be able to receive a full-fledged high-quality education. According to the results of the UNT, which took place in the January and March of the 2020-2021 academic year, applicants with more than 100 points will be eligible for free education with a scholarship provided by the university. The construction of a modern 4-story main building began with 1 hectare of land owned by the university. Project cost 760 million UAH. tenge, capacity is 1500 places. The Barys sports complex will be launched. The project cost is 404 million tenge, capacity - 160 people at a time. In the framework of the state business program Road Map 2020, a loan of 170 million tenge was received at 7%. Construction work began in September 2019 and is scheduled for commissioning in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Akim of Turkestan region Umirzak Shukeyev distributed a special social grant. Preparations are underway for the opening of a doctoral program "Doctor of Philosophy" in the framework of the educational program "History". Relevant documents were sent to the Ministry of Education and Science to open nine undergraduate programs.

Conducted a conversation

Sabit KALDYBAEV