THE PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUTONOMY OF UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES IN 1884–1917
Authors: MOKLIAK V. , ARTIUSHENKO P. , MATIASH L. 
Published: November 2022

It was established that the statute of 1884 transformed universities from free institutions into “semi-free” ones. After the adoption of the reactionary statute, the teacher’s authority drops sharply, young people no longer perceive them as their mentors, do not trust their word, and rarely attend classes.The organizational autonomy of Kharkiv University is characterized: the competence of the council is narrowed; the main management function in the university was carried out by the board; the inspection is vested with judicial and administrativepower over students; the election of higher officials of the educational institution was abolished and restored only in 1905; the rector had no right to resolve issues related to university life without prior agreement with the trustee; the teachers were chosen by the ministry, while the scientific achievements of the candidate for the position were often taken into account, and his obedience to the authorities.The academic autonomy of Kharkiv University is analyzed: teachers had no influence on the management of the university in accordance with the new charter; there was a need to restore the former authority of professors at the expense of a wider organization of practical classes, the establishment of scientific and literary circles, and the arrangement of student dormitories.In connection with this, the professors had to work in a difficult atmosphere, which did not contribute to the rise of theirspirit and energy, but even under such conditions, the teachers tried to conscientiously fulfill their duty and be scientifically productive. It became possible to obtain a scientific degree without defending a dissertation (Honoris causa).The organizational autonomy of Kyiv University is highlighted: in the process of selecting candidates for the positions of rectors, deans, and professors, the ministry was guided by the so-called “benevolence” of applicants, which is why many progressive scientists ended up outside higher educational institutions. “Temporary Rules on the Management of Higher Educational Institutions of the Ministry of National Education” (1905), the draft of the new charter returned a certain independence to universities: the university council had the right to elect the rector, adjuncts, professors, faculty meetings – deans and secretaries; the management of the inspection passed to the powers of the rector, the duties of the inspector were performed by the vice-rector, who was appointed from among the professors.The academic autonomy of Kyiv University is represented: the educational process was controlled by the trustee and the Minister of Education; the schedule of classes had to be approved by the ministry; the educational activity of the professorial board was subject to careful inspection. The Ministry, noting the negative impact of the statute on the development of science and the educational process, was forced to turn to educators with a request to express proposals for improving the requirements that universities should be guided by in their activities. As a result, a number of notes-answers of professors, in particular of Kyiv University, were published, in the content of which the strengthening of the autonomy of higher educational institutions is justified in order to improve the quality of the educational process.