On 24 June, the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance held a presentation of the draft Procedure for the revocation of academic degrees, Doctor of Arts degrees, higher education qualifications and academic titles from higher education institutions following consideration of reports of violations of academic integrity, hosted by Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
In her opening remarks, Yuliia Hryshyna, Chairperson of the Sub-committee on Higher Education of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Education, Science and Innovations, highlighted the strategic importance of establishing clear and transparent rules in the field of academic integrity. Andrii Butenko, NAQA Head, emphasised that the presented Procedure is not merely a legal instrument but an important step towards fostering a new culture of quality in Ukrainian higher education. Acting Rector Valerii Kopiika emphasised that the presented Procedure is an extremely timely and necessary document, providing universities with a clear framework for ensuring fairness and objectivity in the processes of investigating breaches of academic integrity.
The speakers included Ivan Nazarov, NAQA Vice Head; Tetiana Sabadosh, Head of the Legal Department; and Leontii Shypilov, Head of the Academic Integrity and One-Time Councils’ Operation Department.
During a lively discussion, participants examined in detail the procedures universities follow when dealing with cases of academic misconduct and analysed the legal approaches taken by the courts in resolving such disputes. The speakers paid particular attention to the current state and future prospects of legislation concerning the revocation of academic degrees, as well as the practical aspects of bringing higher education institutions’ internal regulations into line with the new legal requirements.
The National Agency is grateful to Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv for its active cooperation and open, professional dialogue.