The UP Computer Centre Service Week is currently underway

The annual IT service week is taking place from 10 to 14 August. The trouble-free operation of all UP information systems is not guaranteed. There may be significant service outages, and websites, the UP Portal and related applications, STAG, email, single sign-on, storage services or internet connectivity in general may be unavailable.

Register your children for the science clubs at the Fort Science

From 9:00 a.m. on 17 August, it will be possible to register children for the Fort Science (Pevnost poznání) science clubs for the first half of the 2026/2027 school year. The programme includes popular natural science and technology clubs, as well as this year’s new 3D Printing Club, which will introduce children to the world of 3D modelling and printing. The Laboratory of Experiments is also undergoing an interesting transformation: it is expanding into an interdisciplinary club combining chemistry and physics. The programme is intended for all curious schoolchildren and preschoolers who want to experiment, create and discover science in a playful way.

Places are limited, so we recommend registering as soon as registration opens. More information about the individual clubs can be found on the website. (in Czech)

Read Universitas – a magazine for higher-education institutions

What interesting things are happening just around the corner, in the world of other Czech universities? Keep up to date with the online Universitas magazine; you can also subscribe to the newsletter (in Czech). The current issue focuses on reviews of academic work – who they are written for and how to write them properly. You can read an interview with Pavel Nováček from the UP Faculty of Science, as well as find an invitation to the Digital Transformation of Universities conference, organised by the University of Pardubice.

VOLUNTEERING

Registration for the UP Employee Volunteer Day opens on Monday

Anyone can help, and sometimes all it takes is a few hours and the willingness to lend a hand. This is the idea behind the UP Employee Volunteer Day (in Czech), which is entering its fourth year. Join your colleagues and other employees of the Statutory City of Olomouc and the Olomouc Regional Authority on Thursday, 24 September, and take part in volunteer activities that will help organisations, public spaces and community projects in the region – you can find the list on the UP Volunteer Centre website (in Czech). Links to registration will also be available on the same website from Monday, 17 August.

Nominate volunteers for the UP Rector’s Award

Do you know someone who devotes their time and energy to helping others, takes part in volunteer activities and makes the world around them a little better? Recognition is also deserved by people who help quietly but regularly or with great dedication. Palacký University Olomouc is once again announcing the Rector’s Award for Volunteering for UP students, graduates and employees (in Czech). Nominations may be submitted until 31 October 2026. Details and the nomination form can be found on the website of the UP Volunteering Centre (in Czech).

SURVEYS

Last call: Support a Fair University – help us improve the working environment at UP

How do you like working at Palacký University? What works well, and where do you see room for improvement? Until 23 August, you still have the opportunity to influence the next UP Equal Opportunities Plan. Participate in the anonymous survey, the results of which will be one of the main inputs for further development in the area of equal opportunities and the working environment. You can read more about what is planned on the website. In September, twelve-member focus groups will also meet to discuss the same topic.

INVITATIONS

Observation of a partial solar eclipse and the Perseids

Two weeks ago, we promised to provide more information about today’s university observation of the partial solar eclipse and the Perseids. If you are reading this newsletter on Wednesday afternoon, open this article in the UP Žurnál (in Czech), where you will find the details. The event will begin at 6 p.m.; the eclipse will be observable approximately from 7:19 to 8:15 p.m., and the Perseids approximately from 10 p.m.

Join European Sustainable Development Week at UP

We will start the new semester sustainably – on 22 September, leave your car at home and travel on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. On Car-Free Day, a special free circular tram will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be basic bicycle servicing, refreshments, an electric bicycle demonstration and a group cycle ride. The following day will feature the UP Bazaar, while the programme for the subsequent days includes a screening of the film Carbon: An Unauthorised Biography, the School and Sustainability conference, and faculty events with yoga, lectures, practical workshops and health screenings.

You can get involved right away: sort out clothes, books or small household items at home and bring them to one of the collection points for the UP Bazaar. Join in, try something new and take a more sustainable step into the new semester! You can find all the information on the Sustainable University website.

We run for those nearing the end of their life journey

The fifth annual Charity Run for the Hospice at Svatý Kopeček will take place at Svatý Kopeček on Saturday, 12 September 2026. Palacký University is proud to be a partner of this event, which combines physical activity and socialising, above all supporting a good cause. Everyone can take part in the run – routes have been prepared for children and adults, experienced runners, recreational athletes and those who simply want to walk the course. The common goal of all participants is to support the Hospice at Svatý Kopeček and its care for people at the end of their lives. You can view the routes and register here.

COMPETITIONS

Win cinema tickets to Metropol Cinema 

In cooperation with Metropol Cinema , we are giving away three pairs of free tickets, which you can use for a film of your choice. All you have to do is answer the competition question correctly: Which band will close the Alumni Meeting programme on Horní Square on Saturday, 12 September? You can find a clue on the UP Alumni Meeting website⁠.

Send your correct answers by 19 August to soutez@upol.cz and put “Metropol” in the subject line. Three winners will be drawn from the correct answers, and each will receive two free tickets.

Win free entry to the Charity Run for the Hospice

A few lines above, we invited you to take part in the Charity Run for the Hospice at Svatý Kopeček. We are also offering members of the university community the chance to win free entry. Taking part is easy. Look at the available routes and tell us: Which route of the Charity Run for the Hospice would you choose?

Send your answer to klara.pospisilikova@hospickopecek.charita.cz and put “Competition for free entry” in the subject line. Two winners will then be drawn from the submitted answers, and they will receive free entry for the route of their choice.