Who's in Charge of Universities?

Trans. by B.NARANTUYA

Political appointments of university executives are casting shadows upon the country's higher education. This can be observed from the changing board members of state universities that occur, as if by necessity, after every election.

There are one hundred state and private universities in Mongolia. Every school has a board, where 51 to 60 percent of its members are founders and the rest include representatives from the faculty, students and graduate students.

Mongolia has 16 state universities, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (MECS) appoints 51 to 60 percent of the board.

Apart from some department directors of the MECS, there are officials and some members of political parties who have no relation to the education sector on the boards of state universities. This shows that political influence affects over 60 percent of board members' appointments at state universities.

The National University of Mongolia has 23 board members, including 12 members from the government, five members from the faculty and four graduate student representatives. The Deputy Governor of Ulaanbaatar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and even two advisors to the President occupy positions on the board.

Board members are not permitted to participate in the internal affairs of the school and don't receive regular salaries. They receive some payment for their participation in meetings. The main role of the board is to approve the budget, solve financial issues and set tuition fees.

Director of the Higher Education Department of the MECS P.Erkhembulgan stated, "This year, the ministry is keeping an objective to appoint prestigious and skillful individuals and employees as representatives."

Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg criticized the appointment of state officials at state university boards and warned government officials not to make changes and appointments in health and education sectors during "solution time" on March 25.

"Politicians aren't suited for the role of board members. The state plays no role in educating people. Universities must be far from politics," said the Prime Minister.

Minister of Education, Culture and Science L.Gantumur said, "There is a higher educational committee of more than 30 people, that includes skillful and professional teachers and principals, behind the minister. They will start appointing state university board members and the minister will not be involved in appointments."

The following is the list of board members of the four largest state universities in Mongolia.

Board members of the

National University of Mongolia

State Representation

1. B.Boldbaatar (Chairman)

   State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2. P.Erkhembulgan

   Director of...