University of Latvia

University of Latvia
Latvijas Universitāte
Latin: Universitas Latviensis
Motto Scientiae et patriae (For science and fatherland)
Established 1919
Type Public
Rector Mārcis Auziņš
Students 19,095 (2011)
Undergraduates 14,339 (2011)
Doctoral students 853 (2011)
Location Riga, Latvia
Affiliations Utrecht Network, EUA
Website www.lu.lv

University of Latvia (LU) (Latvian: Latvijas Universitāte) is a university located in Riga, Latvia. Established in 1919, University of Latvia is the biggest university in the Baltic states.

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History

The University of Latvia named at that time "The Latvia Higher School" was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul Walden. In 1923, this school received its now resumed name - the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).

In the period between 1919 and 1940, the University of Latvia was the greatest center of higher education, science and culture in Latvia. The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19 Raina boulevard serves as the main building of the University even nowadays.

In the pre-war years, it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the University of Latvia but also at the Conservatoire of Latvia and Academy of Arts. In the course of time, such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine, Riga Technical University separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centers of education and research.

With Latvia regaining independence the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is "a state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people".[1] Alongside the Constitution, the flag, the hymn, the University's emblem, the Rector's chain and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.

Enrollment

The University of Latvia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels of study and in January 2008 more than 23,000 students, including PhD and exchange students, had enrolled in various study programs.[2] Almost one third of them studied in business and economics related programs.

Organisation

It consists of 13 faculties:

  1. Faculty of Biology;
  2. Faculty of Chemistry;
  3. Faculty of Physics and Mathematics;
  4. Faculty of Economics and Management;
  5. Faculty of Education and Psychology;
  6. Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences;
  7. Faculty of History and Philosophy;
  8. Faculty of Law;
  9. Faculty of Medicine;
  10. Faculty of Humanities;
  11. Faculty of Social Sciences;
  12. Faculty of Theology;
  13. Faculty of Computing.

In addition to the university’s various faculties, the University of Latvia offers most of the resources traditionally associated with accredited universities, including several libraries, research facilities, study centers, a language school, and a career center.[3]

People

Notable professors and lecturers

Notable alumni

See also

References

External links