The first joint academic class for freshmen at the University of Banja Luka

For the first time, joint academic class for freshmen from all faculties of the University of Banja Luka was held on October 3rd, 2016.

At the academic class, held in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Political Sciences in the presence of current and former vice-rectors, deans and professors, 2274 freshmen of the largest University in the Republic of Srpska, were welcomed by the Rector, Prof. Milan Mataruga, Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Jasmin Komić and President of the Students' Parliament, Zoran Grahovac.

With sincere wishes for success in future studies, the Rector and the Minister gave students useful advices and shared thoughts that can be treated as a guide through one of the most beautiful periods in their lives.

“Today, when we are gathered here to welcome you to the best university in Republic of Srpska, I remember my early student days when I had some fears and I was worried about my choice, and whether I will justify expectations of my family. As a Rector, I want to tell you to take courage and your fears replace with curiosity; do not study because of others but because of yourself. Also, I want to assure you that you made the best choice by coming to our University. We will give our best to transfer the best knowledge and experience to our students,” said Rector Mataruga. Rector also stressed that the University of Banja Luka has a four decades long tradition in which students acquire knowledge at 16 faculties and 55 study programs from various scientific fields, with more than 800 teachers and full-time employees. He also said that the University is a member of the European University Association, it is the first university from Bosnia and Herzegovina that obtained HR logo – Excellence in Research, and it has concluded over 200 cooperation agreements with universities around the world.
The best confirmation for successful University is also over 30 thousand of graduates and many of them are at prominent positions of political, educational and cultural institutions and they have careers in local and foreign companies, he added.

Minister Jasmin Komic addressed students to study in order to prove themselves worthy, because the knowledge is the biggest potential of the Republic of Srpska’s development.
“I am using this opportunity to say that investing in young people and their knowledge is development opportunity of the Republic of Srpska. Knowledge is wealth difficult to acquire, which is not consumed as a natural resource, but it accumulates permanently. I often mention a quote by Confucius: If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children. I would also say – invest in young people,” the minister said, adding that the world has great challenges characterized by population growth, increasing demand for food and drinking water, less energy supplies ... and that knowledge and science are necessary  to exceed these challenges.

The Minister emphasized that the future time will demand a lot of work from them, but they should not forget only once you are young, and their work should be followed by good friendships, fun, making friends, humanity, love and respect for yourself and for others.

On behalf of the older students, the president of the Students' Parliament, Zoran Grahovac, greeted young colleagues and wished them success in studying. Grahovac took the opportunity to present a guide for freshmen students, with all basic information about studying at the University of Banja Luka, as well as about students' organizations, activities carried out by the Students' Parliament, starting from scientific-technical conference "Students Encountering Science", Students' sport games, and all important information about accommodation, food and general student standards.