The history of the Orenburg State University

Orenburg State University is situated in one of the most amazing cities of Russia. During the reign of the empress Anne (1730-1740) the city was conceived as "a window to Asia", and located at the cross-roads of trade routes between Europe and Asia. There is a geographic boundary between Europe and Asia.

The history of the Orenburg Region is interesting and unique. It is a thriving, ethnically diverse community of over two million people. Orenburg offers numerous places of interest such as museums, theaters, restaurants, parks, etc.

One of the youngest and most dynamically developing universities of Russia – Orenburg State University is situated in the Orenburg Region.

In 1955 Kuybishev’s Industrial Institute opened it’s evening department in Orenburg with the first enrolment of 100 students. The department offered only two degree courses: "Mechanical engineering technology, metal-cutting technology and equipment" and "Electric power supply of industrial and technological complexes".

In 1965 students were offered day-time courses.

In 1971 Orenburg branch of Kuybishev’s Polytechnic Institute got the status of Orenburg Polytechnic Institute.

In 1994 Orenburg Polytechnic Institute became Orenburg State Technical University.

In 1996 Orenburg State Technical University got the status of Orenburg State University on January, 25.

Since 1996 Saint Tatiana’s day (25^th of January) has been celebrated as OSU’s Foundation Day.Saint Tatiana's Day starts with a public prayer at the Chapel of Saint Tatiana. Then OSU Rector gives a briefing to the regional and city mass media about the events that took place at OSU during the previous year. The second half of the day is devoted to the ceremonial meeting of the OSU Academic Council. To crown it all a gala concert is arranged by the Students' Center "Russia" with deans, faculty members and students participation.

1. Tell about the history of the Orenburg State University.

3. Read the text. Orenburg State University

Nowadays Orenburg State University is one of the biggest classical universities in Russia. It is the largest educational, scientific and industrial center with a powerful development potential.

The university campus is about 291 000 square meters. It consists of about 40 buildings including 16 teaching blocks, 5 hostels, the palace of culture “Russia”, the palace of sport “Penguin”, new fundamental electronic library and many others. The head of the University is Rector.

There are 16 faculties (for example Faculty of natural science, Faculty of information technologies, Faculty of food production, Faculty of architecture and

Civil engineering, Transport Faculty and others); 4 Institutes (Aerospace Institute); 6 regional branches; 5 colleges; 2 lyceums at the OSU. Each Faculty has a number of specialized departments and headed by dean.

The University has a full – time, part –time and correspondence department. It trains specialists in about 120 specialties. The course of study lasts 5-6 years. During the academic year students attend lectures and practical classes and do laboratory works. Most of laboratories are equipped with modern devices and computers. The development of information technologies at the University began nearly 30 years ago with its first computers. Nowadays the number of University computers is up to 1500. Over 80% of computers are used for educational purpose. Over 500 computers have an access to the Internet. The powerful system of network technologies at the OSU includes: Center of Information Technologies, Internet Center, Modern Information Technologies in Education.

The academic year is divided into 2 terms: from September to January and from February to July. At the end of each term student take their tests and examinations. If the results of the examinations are good students get grants. On completion of studies the student presents a graduation thesis (diploma paper) and passes final state examinations. Students take an active part in research works. After graduating from the University students can continue their studies at the post-graduate course.

A highly qualified teaching staff and scientists from the leading research and educational establishments of Russia, vast stock of modern educational literature and equipment, computer rooms and laboratories, huge research potential, active innovation policy are some of the most appealing features of studying at OSU.