On January 24, on the eve of Russian Student Day, SSU Rector Alexei Chumachenko met with the activists of the university. The participants of the event were students of various SSU institutes and faculties, representing certain areas of youth sphere. The young people shared their achievements and outlined plans for the year.

The meeting was joined by Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Organisational Work Anton Golovchenko and Head of the Office for Youth Policy Egor Sokolov. The moderator of the panel discussion was Head of the Office for Youth Initiatives Development, the Office for Youth Policy Department Maria Chevtayeva.

At the beginning of the meeting, Alexei Chumachenko said that he would like to talk with the activists, first of all, about future tasks and current issues. He noted that the students contribute to the development of the university community and take a creative part in many SSU projects.

Vladislav Bykov, Chair of the Council of Undergraduates and Postgraduates, SSU, spoke about the organisation of student self-management at the university. He considered the main task of the council to be the organisation of events, volunteer support for the university and city events, as well as the implementation of socially significant grant projects. This year, the council will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Anastasia Rezayeva, a student of the Faculty of Psychological, Pedagogical, and Special Needs Education, commented on the affairs of the Abilimpics Centre at SSU. Its main task is to develop inclusion in society by volunteering. Every year, at the university, everyone is enrolled in courses on accompanying persons with disabilities. The Abilimpics activists plan to hold a forum for the exchange of experience and training of inclusive volunteers from different regions.

Anastasia Dankovtseva, a student of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Language Teaching Methods, pointed out the development of the mentoring system at SSU. She explained that head students, tutors, event curators, and speaker coaches are engaged in youth mentoring at the university. The activist suggested creating the team of ambassadors who would tell applicants about education at the university and student organisations. The ambassadors' tasks should include trips to schools where young people will introduce high school students to the university.

Maria Chevtayeva, a graduate at the Institute of History and International Relations, presented the results of the Movement of the First at SSU. In this community, students can choose one of twelve areas for development. Maria believes that this is a good opportunity for young people to express themselves in leadership and creativity. The participants discussed the possibility of opening a club for young naturalists at the university.

Revs Nwokocha, a student at the Institute of History and International Relations, noted that international students have great opportunities for personal and professional development. Revs came to Russia from Nigeria in 2017, and, at SSU, he studies and express himself in creativity. He developed his dancing and vocal skills while performing on the university stage.

Alexander Chizhov, the Commander of the Headquarters of Student Brigades, shared the implementation of the youth movement initiatives and presented SSU projects in civic and patriotic education. This year, the 65th anniversary of the Russian Student Brigades will be celebrated: activists are already beginning to prepare for the event.

Last year, the LawControl law enforcement unit once again became the best in the region. Natalia Agapitova, a student of the Faculty of Law, spoke about how fighters help the volunteer national team. Due to the activists, about 130 administrative violations were prevented. The activists participate in the affairs aimed at the developing legal literacy among schoolchildren.

Anastasia Anakshina, a student of the Institute of Sports and Physical Training, commented on the victories of the SSU athletes at regional and All-Russian competitions. She called the popularisation of student mass sports at the university a priority of the SSU Sports Club.

In his speech, Danila Yolkhin, a student at the Institute of Physics, touched upon the achievements of the Trade Union activists. They help students with accommodation, leisure activities in dormitories, as well as conduct master classes, film marathons, and photo exhibitions.

Sofia Atsigeida, a graduate of the Institute of Physics, SSU, shared the university achievements in the creative field. Last year, at the Russian Student Spring in Perm, our students won seven prizes. Young people are interested in discovering their creative talents in the Student Club, SSU. This year, the activists are preparing to represent the region at the All-Russian stage of the Student Spring, which will be held in Saratov.

The topic of grants was revealed by Olesya Simanovich, a student of the Faculty of Law. She won 1 million roubles at the Your Move All-Russian contest. Olesya wants to organise meetings with students to develop grant projects.

SSU Rector Alexei Chumachenko commented on the students’ initiatives and shared his personal experience of participation in youth organisations.

‘You are the guides of the right ideas. Our volunteers, mentors, student brigades members, trade union members, all activists, with their victories and achievements draw attention to SSU, glorify its good name. Therefore, applicants become more interested in our university. But thanks to such a positive example, your peers also join social activities and participate in solving important issues for the university,’ Rector Alexei Chumachenko said.

He listened about the wishes of the students and plans for the development of each direction.