Getting Around

Places at the university

Palacký University Olomouc, as well as Olomouc city, offer a variety of centres and facilities where students, academic workers, guests, and the general public can progress on the basis of educational, cross-cultural, multi-lingual and self-growth abilities, skills and habits for the journey of studies, work or life growth.

Accommodation and Dining Facilities (ADF)

ADF takes care of the university dormitories, dining halls, and canteens. A complete list of the accommodation facilities and related information are posted on their web page. All dormitory rooms are on a similar level and the pricing is based on the number of beds and room furnishings. You may encounter queues in dining halls, but you can us this time to get acquainted with your neighbours. Also do not forget to read the student accommodation rules for UP dormitories.

Palacký University Press, Print Shop, and Textbook Shop

Our university press also has a shop with the largest selection of specialised literature. There are books not only from Palacký University Press but also all the books recommended by your teachers. They might not help you write your thesis, but they can help you with its formatting. The university print shop can print hardcover diploma theses and bind publications.
Choose from hundreds of books, textbooks, and recommended readings of specialised literature or have anything printed in a modern-equipped print shop – from seminar works to diploma theses.
Moreover, students get a 10% discount with their ISIC card on all books. If you want to purchase via the e-shop, just type in discount code UPstd10.
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Textbook Shop

The Textbook Shop has the biggest selection of specialised and popular-science literature in all of Olomouc – all the readings and textbooks from your teachers, all the recommended literature for your exams and credit tests, and many other books to broaden your knowledge.
Students get a 10% discount with their ISIC card on all undiscounted books.
These are just some of the reasons why so many students head there first thing in the semester and spend a lot of time there during the examination period.
You can purchase books via its e-shop, type in code UPstd10 to get your 10% discount.

University Print Shop

Theses, seminar works, study materials, even leaflets and posters – we can print all of these and more in any format or colour. Quick and simple printing on the spot and longer or more complex printing in just a few days. Thanks to our modern equipment, we can print large format books or books in various covers. The greatest demand is for printing diploma theses, which is realised via diplomka24.cz. Their web page is really simple, and it only takes a few clicks to order your printed copy. And thanks to their reasonable prices, you will be left with enough money to celebrate after the defence. :)

Bookbindery

Our bookbindery is the place where the old craft of bookbinding comes to life. In addition to modern technologies and equipment, with specific books we honour the traditional bookbinding craft and old-school procedures, the kind your grandparents respected:

  • Would you like to give a new look to your dog-eared books?
  • Would you like to give someone a specially-made book as a gift?
  • Would you like to give someone a special notebook or any other paper-made product?

Do not hesitate to contact us at tiskarna.vup@upol.cz and we will surely find a way to satisfy your needs or help you make someone happy.

Palacký University Press

We have been living and breathing books ever since the second half of the 1990s. We make books; prepare them conceptually and graphically, and send them out to readers all over the world. We publish books written not only by Palacký University academics, but also from all parts of the Czech Republic, and even abroad. Our main focus is on textbooks and specialised literature. However, in the last few years, we began to cooperate with various partners on more ambitious book projects, thanks to which our books and prints are featured in European galleries, in the British Royal Family library, and even in Giza in the shadow of the great pyramids. We are the recipient of the Olomouc Region Award for Contributions to the Field of Culture.
In our print shop and bookbindery, modern printing procedures meet traditional bookbinding craft with which we honour the old ways. We can make almost anything anyone would want. For more information, please visit www.vydavatelstvi.upol.cz/en.

UPoint – UP Information Centre and Shop

The UP information centre, shop, and a place where people meet – UPoint is all of these. It is situated on Horní náměstí (the Upper Square) and features the UP designer fashion collection, UP merchandising, books, and also information about the university and its services. Comprehensive information and sales service is provided by UP students.

Communications, Marketing & Events Offices

If you need to publish interesting news, send out an invitation or info about an event, or have something you think would be interesting for the university community, turn to the UP Communications Office. Its employees manage the website and social media of UP as well as the events calendar. They can help you get the information into the university newspaper Žurnál (Journal) Online), university newsletter, or other media. The Events Office is also responsible for events such as the Májales Student May Festival, MEET UP, the Long Night of the Scientists, and Park It!
Contacts

Science and Technology Park

The UP STP Business Incubator can help you start your own business. A group of professional consultants can help you realise your idea and/or even find you a fitting. STP also organises the annual competition Enterprising Mind, so what are you waiting for? Your career will not build itself. For more information, please visit www.vtpup.cz.

Computer Centre

The main task of the UP Computer Centre (CVT UP) is the management of the university computer network and its information-administration system. The employees take care of the technical and technological end of things such as university e-mail and applications like UP Portal, STAG, etc. The IT Centre also prepares and prints your ISIC card.

Academic Sport Centre

Unfortunately, PE is no longer obligatory, but if you don’t want your muscles to waste away, you can use the services of our Academic Sport Centre (UP ASC). It’s easy: all you have to do is purchase a sports pass (valid for one semester or one academic year). Afterwards, you can enjoy any of more than 40 sporting activities offered according to students’ interests. ASC offers group aerobics lessons, sporting games, martial arts, weight training, yoga, dance, and outdoor activities.

UP Endowment Fund

The UP Endowment Fund is quite unique in the Czech environment, as it supports international projects of Czech and foreign students from MA and PhD programmes. So if you happen to have some interesting projects in the years to come, there is nothing easier than applying to the UP Endowment Fund, subsidised by companies as well as successful UP alumni.

Volunteering Centre

Students should be active, and volunteering is one of the ways how to change your environment. The UP Volunteering Centre is the first Czech university centre that connects active students with volunteer opportunities. The centre will help you navigate through the list of volunteer organisations and to gain experience with coordinated help to others.

Audio-Visual Productions

Specific services connected to audio-visual productions are provided to UP employees and students by the UP Audio-Visual Productions team. The team has facilities with equipment for creating educational and documentary programmes, multimedia programmes, and other audio-visual programmes. Located in the attic of the Zbrojnice/Armoury, they also provide consulting in the field of video technologies and equipment.

Convictorium (Konvikt): UP Arts Centre

The Convictorium is the seat of art-science programmes, and also the centre of the university’s cultural life. Most of the university’s cultural events take place here, either inside, within its beautiful Baroque premises, or outside in its courtyard or adjacent town bailey. The Arts Centre is right in the heart of the city, near the Zbrojnice/Armoury. We really recommend you visit it!

Career Centre

Do you want to participate in interesting activities and also invest in your future? Or would you like to start building your career right now? Then you should check out the UP Career Centre, located in the Zbrojnice/Armoury. It holds various seminars, workshops, lectures, and also offers work opportunities and internships. And you can also try a mock job interview!

Libraries

Extensive studies and further researches are frequent habits that students and academic workers know by heart. In order to achieve desired quality, a number of verified and reliable articles, limited publications, monographs, educational studies, manuscripts and more by qualified authors are needed. 

Palacký University Olomouc offers a variety of libraries for students, employees, and guests to use for their research, learning, and reading needs. One of the major libraries is the Zbrojnice Library, serving as the central library for the university.

Zbrojnice library

The Zbrojnice Library is located in the very heart of the city, making it easily accessible to students, employees, and guests. It offers a wide range of services, including borrowing books, online databases, and quiet reading rooms for study. The library also has a spectacular collection of academic journals, magazines, newspapers, unique collections of rare books, manuscripts and more.

In addition to its extensive collection, the Zbrojnice Library also provides access to digital resources, including e-sources, and online catalogues. The library has a modern and well-equipped study room, which is available to students and employees of the university.

Zbrojnice contacts

Further information about the Zbrojnice Library or its branches can be found on its official website. Students, academics or guests can visit the library directly or contact them through a mobile phone or e-mail. The library's website provides detailed information about its services, collections, and resources.

Address:   Zbrojnice Library, Univerzitní 3, 771 80 Olomouc, Czech Republic 
Mobile phone number:   +420 585 634 111
Email:   knihovna@upol.cz

Branches of the library

The Zbrojnice Library has several branches located across Olomouc, making it even more accessible to students, employees, and guests. These branches are dedicated to specific subjects, such as law, medicine, and natural sciences, and they offer specialized collections and services to support research in these areas.

Other libraries

Some customers prefer reading popular novels or need specific texts that can not be found in university libraries. In this particular case, we recommend visiting the City Library of Olomouc or the Olomouc Research Library.

  • The City Library provides bibliographic and information services to residents of the city of Olomouc and its surroundings. The following departments are located in the central building of Náměstí Republiky: Department for Children and Youth, Department for adult readers, Rental of music and music carriers, Reading room and study room, and Internet center. In the library, you will meet professional librarians who are always helpful and can give you expert advice.
  • Olomouc Research Library is a public library with a rich tradition (founded in 1566) and an extensive library collection covering all subjects (more than 2 million volumes). It is the second oldest and third largest library of its kind in the Czech Republic. It is possible to make a reservation for a title through the Olomouc Research Library database, so its customers do not have to visit other bookstores in the city.

Culture centres

Olomouc and Palacký University are also home to several institutions representing different countries' languages and cultures. The culture centres organise educational and entertainment events and lectures. They also store and offer a number of publications by authors of the same interests, cultures and origins.

Organisations and student centres

Palacký University Olomouc supervises a number of organisations and centres that offer development through several dimensions regarding multi-lingual, cross-cultural and personal growth opportunities. 

It also presents a wide selection of student associations that organise many academic and leisure activities. If you are interested in some of the areas covered, you can become a member or visit and participate in the events and activities offered.

UPlift language school

UPlift language school is a purpose-built organisation within the Faculty of Arts, Palacky University in Olomouc, established in order to provide government departments, businesses, non-profit organisations, university and high school students and the general public with the highest-quality language education.

Apart from commonly offered languages like English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian, they also offer more exotic languages such as Portuguese, Swedish, Ukrainian, Dutch, Croatian, Japanese, Chinese and Greek, along with Vietnamese, Indonesian and Hebrew, amongst others. UPlift also offers a number of Czech language for foreigners courses.

Sustainable University

Sustainable development is a pivotal principle of how Palacký University Olomouc is navigating through the 21st century. Evident climate and the accelerating development of technologies and innovations changes. 

The trends in the evolution of global, European, and Czech society develop and form the initial framework for the dynamics of change at our university. These factors co-create an environment of influences, potentials, opportunities, and threats to which Palacký University Olomouc consciously responds in 2021 by starting to make deliberate, targeted, and systematic decisions that are directly and explicitly related to sustainable development.

Further information regarding the support, development of sustainability, possible engagement and more can be found on the Sustainable University website.

Student organisations

There are dozens of student organisations and associations uniting hundreds of active students throughout eight faculties at Palacký University Olomouc.

These organizations cover a wide variety of interests and fields, from cultural and sports clubs to academic and professional societies. With such a diverse array of student organizations, Palacký University offers ample opportunities for students to explore their passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop their leadership and teamwork skills.

 

UP Student Club

The opening of the UP Student Club was in February 2018, and it continues serving student organisations in a space housed within the Central Library (Zbrojnice – Armoury).

The Club room is for organising meetings and training sessions for members, screenings, workshops and thematic lectures. At the Club, organisations have technical equipment at their disposal, such as a data projector and screen, internet connection, and printer. There are also meeting areas, bulletin boards, a flip chart, a relaxation zone and lockable spaces for storing materials. The Club is constantly accessible, based on a shared calendar of room use.

The secondary use of the Club space is by the Student Career and Counselling Centre for workshops and lectures. It is also used by the UP Olomouc May Celebrations (Majáles) organisational team and the Park it! Embrace the Public Space! initiative.

Club Manager:

Zuzana Pejpková
zuzana.pejpkova@upol.cz
+420 733 373 734

Volunteering Centre

We believe that students should be active citizens, and volunteering represents an opportunity to change the world around you. Our Volunteering Centre is the first Czech university centre that unites active students and arranges volunteer opportunities for them. The Centre helps UP students and employees to become acquainted with the opportunities organisations are presenting. It also supports gaining experience in coordinating help to others.

The focus of Volunteering Centre is:

  • to support volunteering as an opportunity for self-development and to gain experience 
  • to coordinate requests for volunteering and to offer volunteers for and by UP students and employees
  • to educate in the area of expert, legal and personal questions related to volunteering activities 
  • to register and evaluate the volunteering activities of UP students and employees

 

Who’s Who at UP?

Dean, Senator, Professor Emeritus, Academic Senate and Senators...? these are some of the terms you will hear at UP on a daily basis. Who’s who? Who to ask with what… and when? Here we explain some of the main positions and what they do. Hopefully, this will save you some time and prevent some embarrassment. Before we start, it is good to know that Palacký University consists of the Rector’s Office, eight faculties, and facilities such as dormitories, dining halls, and libraries.

Rector --------> The rector is the head of the university. Prof Martin Procházka., M.D., Ph.D. was elected in 2021 and will serve for the next three years. The rector is elected by the UP Academic Senate and confirmed by the president of the Czech Republic. The rector represents the university not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad.

Vice-rector --> These are the rector’s closest associates, who help run the university. The most important for you is the Vice-Rector for Regional and Student Affairs who is, among others, the head of the Communications Office and student organisations, and deals with events such as the Májales Student May Festival and MEET UP. Additionally, the Vice-Rector for Education deals with, e.g. fees for extended studies.

Bursar --------> The bursar is a university academic administrative officer, who deals with inner university administration and acts on its behalf accordingly to the powers given to them by the rector and the internal regulations of the university. The bursar is appointed and removed by the rector. The office is similar to the Faculty Secretary under the authority of the dean.

Dean ---------> The dean has similar powers to the rector, but only within the given faculty. The dean, among other things, decides on admission or non-admission of students, granting scholarships, and accepting credits from previous studies. The dean also presides at matriculation, commencement, and other events.

Vice-dean -->The powers of the vice-dean are similar to the powers of vice-rectors but only within the given faculty. Vice-deans deal with individual sectors of faculty management, student affairs, and foreign agenda. The most important for you is the Vice-Dean for Studies, under whom falls the Student Affairs Office.

UP Academic Senate ->  The Academic Senate is an independent representative body which deals with inner regulations, the budget, annual reports, controls management and decides on proposed candidates for Rector. UP AS also deals with matters that are closely related to students themselves, e.g. dormitory fees. UP AS currently has 24 members; three members from each faculty – two employees and one student.

Faculty Academic Senates -> The Faculty Senate is also an independent representative body but deals only with matters within the faculty. Similarly, faculty senates deal with inner regulations, budgets and annual reports, control management and decide on proposed candidates for appointments Deans (heads of each faculty).
Each faculty senate has its own web page, where you can find the minutes of meetings, other things related to the senate. If there is a problem senators might be able to solve, do not hesitate to contact them.

Senator ------> In the Czech Republic, each university and each faculty has a high degree of autonomy and self-management. This autonomy is represented by the UP Academic Senate of UP and the academic senate of each faculty. You should know that each of these senates is made up of one-third students and two-thirds employees. This means that you can vote and run for the office. You can approach student senators with suggestions and questions.

Ombudsman-> Each faculty should have its own ombudsman, which is a fairly new position, so far only represented at the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science. The ombudsman is an independently elected person, who sees to it that the rights of the students are not violated and protects students against unjust or unfair treatment.

Students Affairs Officer -> Each faculty has its own Student Affairs Office which helps students with various problems concerning their studies. There is a student affairs officer for each programme and sometimes even for each year. So get to know your appropriate officer(s)!

Glossary of useful terms

Attendance sheet

The secret weapon of all teachers. Forever silent, though it tells the stories the students rather no one knew. It can tell how interested you are in whichever course it arms. It tells if you have to make an additional assignment, special essay, or presentation.

Bachelor’s Degree Programme – Bc. – BA

Academic degree – it usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete by passing the state exam and successfully defending one’s thesis, after which the student obtains the degree Bc.

Colloquium

An exam made easy. You mostly sit, nod, and from time to time say something smart. If you sound smart enough, you get a pass; if not, then prepare for the next term. The colloquium is usually an examination of multiple students. This means a kind of competition between them for who will pass and who will not.

Credit minimum

Fulfilling the credit minimum at the end of the year = the minimal amount of credits needed to complete the study year.

Credits

Forget the casual grading system from your high school. At UP, the success of one’s study is rated not only by grades but also by credits. Students obtain credits after completing courses, seminars, or lectures. Don’t forget to check your credit minimum in order to pass the year.

Credit test

By the teachers’ measurements, an easy and quick test. For most students – a painful written exam, often followed by a spoken exam.

Dean’s holiday

On special occasions and events for faculty; students enjoy a day or, in most cases, a half-day off.

Department

The place of utmost importance to you – here you will be meeting all your friends and teachers during your seminars or lectures.
Quick Tip: Professor, in Czech the highest academic degree, is the term used in Czech high schools for all teachers. However, at the university, this term is used only to address people with this particular degree.

Diploma thesis (Bachelor’s/Master’s)

An integral part of your third year or last study semester at university… and no, you won’t write it in a fortnight (it is a lot of pages). Before even submitting, you have to choose a fitting topic for your thesis. The defence takes place in front of a commission and is usually a necessary step before attempting the state exam.

DMS

The IT system used for the administration of electronic or digitalized paper documents.

Elective course

Sometimes labelled as a “B” course, each department offers students several courses from this category. Each student has to complete several of these to complete their study plan.

Essay

Based on reflections, sometimes supported by arguments and expertise. At other times an essay can be more narrative. The essay’s genre/type is usually assigned by the teacher.

Exam

Usually connected to “A” courses, exams can have an oral or written form, sometimes both. To be able to attend the exam, it is necessary to enrol into it via STAG.

Examination period

The period following the semester during which students has to fulfil their study obligations (exams, credit tests, colloquiums).

Full-time study

The form of study based on student’s attendance in the lessons and direct contact with the teacher.

Graduation ceremony

The day of your graduation – the world suddenly becomes much happier. It is a festive event for this reason… each bouquet costs twice as much as usual and you have to look twice as happy in front of the camera.

Incentive and Merit scholarship

Scholarship awarded to students with excellent grades. The amount differs at each respective faculty, but it’s good to know about and maybe try getting one.

ISIC – Student Identification Card

Every student should have an ISIC card, worth its weight in gold. It enables its owner to borrow books, visit UP leisure facilities, have lunch at the canteen, print photocopies, or prove that you have the right to a student discount outside UP.

Lecture

Lasts from 45 to 90 minutes and deals with the given topics and lessons.

Master’s Degree Programme

Educates the student in theoretical areas of the field. These are based on science, knowledge and development. Usually follows the Bachelor’s study programme and takes two to three years to complete (so-called Follow-up Master’s programme). But there are also Continuous Master’s programmes, e.g. in law and medicine, which take from four to six years. After fulfilling all the requirements and completing the study, the graduate obtains the MA degree (differs at some faculties, e.g. FDM, MUDr. degrees).

Matriculation

Proper initiation into the Student Order, during which students take an oath to fulfil their study obligations. It is a formal affair, which means formal wear. Today, only a few faculties maintain this custom.

Obligatory course

Sometimes labelled as an “A” course, students must complete it during their studies.

Optional course

Sometimes labelled as a “C” course, each student can choose from a list outside their department which one they want to attend, if any. Some of the usual topics are film, religion, philosophy, theatre, in some cases excursions, or a sports stay or trip (e.g. FL, FPC, FS).

Paper

Assignment closely related to the recommended literature listed in the syllable of each course and is usually discussed during the first few lessons.

Part-time Study

The combination of full-time and distance study.

PhD. Programme – Doctoral Studies

Follows a master’s degree programme and focuses on scientific research and independent activity in the field of research and development linked to publishing activities or independent creative work in the field of art. The standard study period is three to four years. The graduate obtains the degree of “Doctor” (PhD, listed after one’s name). If the student studied at the Faculty of Theology, they are awarded a Doctor of Theology (ThDr.) degree.

Plagiarism

You should know that copying has no place at the university, particularly on your diploma thesis. The university has special software for detecting plagiarism and sanctions are harsh.

Rector’s holiday

Holiday issued by the Rector, usually twice a year on special occasions, e.g. Sports Day or the Májales Student May Festival. The holiday applies to all faculties.

Seminar

An extension to the lectures, here the theoretical knowledge is applied in hands-on training. Come on students, confess, which of you haven’t read the assignment?

Seminar paper

Written on a selected topic in most courses, usually necessary for completing the course or for admission to the examination. There are given rules for each assignment, and it is necessary to follow these to pass (and no plagiarism!).

Social scholarship

For those less well-off: there are several criteria for obtaining this scholarship. Obtainment starts with the student’s initiative. You have to enter your bank account number into STAG (one bank account can be used for more scholarships), submit an online application (again in STAG), and you need the relevant confirmation from the Social Office from the place of your permanent residence. Please note that not everybody meets the conditions to obtain a social scholarship. Forward the confirmation to the officer for social and accommodation scholarships at the Rector’s Office.

STAG

The IT system through which you enrol in courses. It has an easy-to-grasp interface, accessible from the UP Portal, which means that you can use it from school or home and make your life much easier. And no, it has nothing to do with deer.

Student Certificate

Issued by the Student Affairs Office and valid for one year. Most students need it at the beginning or end of the academic year (for work, taxes, tax credits, etc.) The good thing is that it can be issued online.

Study obligations control

Takes place in cooperation with individual student affairs offices. The form differs at each faculty.

Summer Semester

From February to May. Be wary of the change to daylight savings time in March, waking can prove substantially harder after it.

Syllabus

Your guide through the course. It shows the name of the teacher, the contents of the course, and further specifications, student requirements, and recommended literature.

UP Portal

Internal website – portal.upol.cz – where you can find most of the information you need about your studies to date, access your university e-mail account, read daily news from UP and also from around the world, and links to important documents as well as  services offered by the university.

Degrees

A comprehensive table showcasing a range of university degrees and what they stand for.

Dis.       

Certified Specialist (a graduate of higher education)

BcA.      

Bachelor’s degree in arts

Bc. (B.Sc./BA)  

Bachelor’s degree

Mgr. (M.Sc./MA) 

Master’s degree

Ing. (M.Sc.)

Engineer

Ing. arch.

Architectural Engineer

MUDr. (M.D.) 

Doctor of Medicine

MVDr. (D.V.M.) 

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

MDDr. (D.M.D) 

Doctor of Dental Medicine

JUDr. (J.D.) 

Juris doctor – Doctor of Law

PaedDr. (Ed.D.) 

Doctor of Education

PhMr. 

Master of Pharmacy

PhDr. (M.A.)   

Doctor[K1]  [MS2] of Philosophy

PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy

RNDr. (M.A.)   

Doctor[MS3]  of Natural Sciences

Th.D. (Pharm.D.) 

Doctor of Pharmacy

ThDr.   

Doctor of Theology

ThLic.  

Licentiate of Theology

Dr. (CSc.)

Doctor (title from the 1990s, replaced with Ph.D.)

as.

Assistant (the lowest academic post)

odb. as.

Assistant Professor

doc. (Assoc. Prof.) 

Associate Professor

prof.

Professor (in Czech a degree, not a profession)

emer. prof. 

Professor Emeritus

Dr.h.c. 

Doctor Honoris Causa - honorary degree for the merit of science or country

DSc./DrSc. 

degree corresponding with today’s Doctor of Science

CSc

Candidate of Science, former degree, no longer used

MBA 

Master of business administration

BA/MA 

Bachelor/Master of Arts (at foreign universities)

akad. mal. 

Academic painter (similarly sculptor or architect)

Lektor/ka 

Lecturer – Professional worker, usually with a lot of experience

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