A New Perspective on Education: BDPU at the All-Ukrainian Student Congress

On October 30, Ivano-Frankivsk united student self-government representatives from 15 higher education institutions across Ukraine. Hosted by King Danylo University on the occasion of its 30th anniversary and in partnership with the Public Union «Ukrainian Student League», the All-Ukrainian Student Congress «Academic Integrity: A New Perspective on Education» took place. Berdyansk State Pedagogical University was represented at the event by Daria Tonkykh, a delegate from the BDPU Student Council and a 3rd-year bachelor’s student majoring in «Secondary Education (Mathematics)» at the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics, Computer and Technological Education.

Following an atmospheric creative opening featuring a knightly duel and a theatrical performance, professional presentations by experts began: Artem Artiukhov, Head of the Ethics Committee of NAQA; Nataliia Vitraniuk, representative of the State Service of Education Quality; and Liubomyr Ilyn, Vice-Rector of KDU. They spoke openly about the nature of violations, the presumption of innocence for students, and the challenges of artificial intelligence: how to turn AI into an ethical assistant and why it is crucial for humans to control technology rather than the other way around. An interactive discussion on responsibility within the «student – teacher – university» triangle resonated strongly, as a true culture of integrity relies on transparent rules, the right to be heard, and trust in institutional procedures.

During the practical block «Academic Integrity in Action: University Cases», moderated by Andrii Tykhoniuk, student self-government leaders Anton Serdiuk (V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University), Viktoriia Savchyn (Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, NGO «Pro SVIDOMIST»), Mariia Maievska (USL), and Artem Mykhaliuk (NaUKMA) shared their experiences. The speakers discussed the real role of student self-government bodies in ensuring educational quality, effective tools for implementing integrity locally, and mechanisms for protecting students’ rights in university committees. Special attention was paid to the specifics of relocated higher education institutions: how to maintain lively communication with students amid distance learning and security challenges, and how to ensure that the voice of student self-government in integrity committees and quality councils is decisive.

Theoretical insights were immediately put into practice during an intensive Student Hackathon, where participants sought fair solutions to real educational dilemmas from the perspectives of a student, a teacher, and the university. Active teamwork on the cases yielded a great result – the team featuring the BDPU delegate won an honorable 1st place, receiving discount certificates for Master’s studies at KDU and pleasant gifts from partners. A vibrant finale to the day included informal networking and a meeting with Ukrainian artist SadSvit, during which participants listened to famous songs live and engaged in an open dialogue about sincerity in creativity, the role of music during the war, and youth support.

The trip brought new acquaintances with colleagues from all over the country, practical tools for the work of student self-government bodies, and a clear understanding: quality education begins with mutual respect and honesty.

We sincerely thank the organizers – the Student Council of King Danylo University and the Ukrainian Student League – for their openness, high level of organization, and space for bold dialogue!

Based on materials provided by Daria Tonkykh,
3rd-year student majoring in «Secondary Education (Mathematics)»