Swim in the digital world

Babeş-Bolyai University is a public higher education institution which-by virtue of its tradition, complexity and achievements – is unique in Romania and in this part of Europe.

Our institution operates on the basis of its Charter (renewed in 2003), in keeping with the existing legislation and with the principle of university autonomy. By adopting, assuming and developing a complex reform process that started in 1993, Babeş-Bolyai University created a new system of education based and developed on multicultural, multilingual and multi-confessional model. This particular reform was laid down in the 1995 University Charter and it provides for an organization along three study lines – Romanian, Hungarian and German – to which Jewish Studies are added.

Thus, statistical data for the academic year 2006-2007 indicate the following situation: within the 21 faculties which offer levels of academic studies in bachelor level, master, doctorate, long distance and adult education, there are 99 specializations in Romanian language, counting 38,810 students at bachelor level, 59 specializations in Hungarian language counting a total number of 10,600 students, 15 specializations in German language, bachelor studies – 793 students, 92 students enrolled in Jewish Studies, 111 Roma students and 457 students belonging to other nationalities. The total number of students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs is around 55,000.

The multilingualism

The multilingualism, underlined by the Charter: “Babeş-Bolyai University is a multicultural institution. It promotes equal opportunities by providing education in Romanian, Hungarian, and German and in widely spoken languages, also supporting the interactions between these cultures” is reflected in both actual education activities and internal organization.

The University Senate’s decision, February, 2006, represents a case in point. Thus, University’s multilingual policy is reaffirmed, consolidated and carried on by creating: full studies in Romanian, Hungarian and German; specializations pertaining to the history and culture of the Jewish people; specializations and programs offered in widely-spoken languages – English, French, German, Italian, Russian; programs in Nordic languages; programs for the study of major Asian languages; programs focused on the history and the culture of neighbouring nations; programs for positive discrimination in favour of the Roma population; other programs meant to encourage the study of languages and cultures.

The University has applied the European Language Policy. Its purpose is to offer every student the possibility of acquiring and using communication skills in at least two foreign languages.

The multiculturalism

Multiculturalism was adopted in good faith by Babeş-Bolyai University, taking into account the History of Transylvania and the European Union approaches to higher education. The multicultural past of Transylvania is rendered by an appropriate set of symbols.

Multiculturalism in the University is effective and genuine. Thus, in the first place, Babeş-Bolyai University is multicultural because of its 22 languages of study, and especially, because full degrees can be pursued in Romanian, Hungarian, German, and other languages, according to the students’ choice.

Secondly, its multicultural and multilingual system has been evaluated positively by qualified international organizations: the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, 2000, European University Association, 2001, Salzburg Seminar, 2002 and has consequently been recommended as a model of organization.

Thirdly, the spirit and openness and ecumenism of the University are proved also by its large range of theological studies: four theological faculties – Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Romano Catholic and Reformed. At last, but not at least, it is worth mentioning that competent academics and prestigious researchers, authors of widely acknowledged publications – Hans Gert Pottering, President of the European Parliament and Pierre Moscovici, Vice President of the European Parliament – have always supported this multicultural profile.

Technological resources

Regarding the technological resources, BBU owns 34 buildings each of them being connected to Internet. Each Faculty building has Internet laboratories, conference and seminars rooms. There are many large conference rooms equipped with all the necessary technological equipments (video projectors, audio system, translation system, etc) that could host from 50 up to 400 participants.

The Journalism Department has its own media studio that incorporates an online student radio studio and a TV lab.

Experience in organizing training activities

Babes-Bolyai University has a very significant experience in organizing international and national conferences, seminars or training events.

From the hundreds of such events organized, here are just a few which BBU hosted and coordinated in 2007: The University of the 21st century – the annual international conference of AUDEM (Alliance of Universities for Democracy) that reunited 120 academic participants from all over the world, Living in Truth organized with UNESCO-CEPES and DAAD, The National Conference on Mass Media organized by the Journalism Department (the 6th edition), The Annual International Conference of Planta Europa that reunited 150 participants (biologists) from all over the world, and so on.
The Journalism Department from Babes-Bolyai University has a consistent training experience in media and journalism field; more than 2/3 of its staff is made of professionals coming from the media industry.

For more information : www.ubbcluj.ro/en/index.html