MINUTES (SHORTENED) – ACADEMIC SENATE OF DAMU 20TH MEETING OF THE ACADEMIC SENATE OF DAMU – 21 JANUARY 2026

Attendees (without titles):

Jiří Adámek, Eliška Drbohlavová, Doubravka Dostálová, Hana Malaníková, David Mírek, Lucie Nebeská Trmíková, Filip Novák, Tomáš Pavelka, Karolina Plicková, Kateřina Štefková

Apologies (without titles):

Anastázie Dobrodinská, Cyril Janeček, Marta Ljubková

Guests (without titles):

Daniela Jobertová (Dean), Tereza Došlová (Vice-Dean), Tomáš Langer (online from 18:08)

Number of senators present: 10

Absolute majority of present members: 6

The meeting began at 18:00.

Introduction (NOT shortened)

Karolina Plicková, Chair of the Academic Senate of DAMU, welcomed those present, introduced the agenda and invited additional items to be proposed.

Agenda:

1. Implementation Plan of the DAMU Strategic Plan for 2026 – submitted by the Dean

2. Information on preparation of the new DAMU Strategic Plan (probably 2027+) – submitted by the Dean

3. Conditions of admission procedure to doctoral study programmes for the academic year 2026/2027 – submitted by the Dean

4. Inventory of senate topics

5. Miscellaneous

Filip Novák proposed that in item no. 5 (Miscellaneous) the possibilities of financial support for students enrolled in international programmes whose countries have entered a war conflict be discussed.

No other proposals were raised.

K. Plicková invited those present to vote by acclamation on the agenda.

Vote on the agenda (NOT shortened)

For: 10

Against: 0

Abstained: 0

All senators present expressed agreement with the proposed agenda.

1. Implementation Plan of the DAMU Strategic Plan for 2026

Karolina Plicková asked Dean Daniela Jobertová and Vice-Dean Tomáš Langer to present the Implementation Plan. The material had been distributed in advance.

The Dean stated this was the first time this document was being approved at a senate meeting as required by law. The annex shows AMU’s plans, DAMU’s follow-up plans, responsibilities within the DAMU leadership, and funding sources. The plan includes reaccreditations, support for students with specific needs, international mobility, development of the foundation fund, security projects, infrastructure development, chill-out zones, etc. Although the AMU senate would approve the AMU plan later, the DAMU plan is aligned with it. Vice-Dean Langer presented the document and invited questions.

Discussion (shortened)

• Senators appreciated the clarity of the materials.
• A major discussion concerned block teaching: it was explained as a possible sharing of courses across study plans, preceded by analysis of overlaps; it is not intended as a blanket policy. Some departments (e.g., Scenography) support it due to uninterrupted work needs, while others stressed the importance of continuous weekly practice.
• Another topic was funding sources: the Dean clarified that funds are earmarked (PPSŘ) and cannot be used freely; reserve funds are typically for development.
• Filip Novák asked about DAMU’s priorities within AMU’s internationalisation goals (translation/interpreting vs. mobility). Vice-Dean Langer explained that translation priorities are mainly at rectorate level; DAMU focuses on outgoing/incoming mobility, since most internal regulations originate centrally.
• Support for teachers in relation to students with special needs was welcomed.
• Operational vs. developmental projects were briefly clarified.

The discussion was lively; the senate proceeded to vote on the resolution.

Resolution and vote (NOT shortened)

Resolution: AS DAMU approves the Implementation Plan of the DAMU Strategic Plan for 2026 as submitted.

For: 10

Against: 0

Abstained: 0

2. Information on preparation of the new DAMU Strategic Plan (probably 2027+)

Karolina Plicková asked the Dean and Vice-Dean Langer to briefly present the preparation process.

Vice-Dean Langer stated the goal is to develop the new strategic plan during the current year through participatory processes. Six to seven working groups are being formed under the leadership of vice-deans, the faculty secretary, the DISK director, and the Dean. Over roughly half a year, the groups should brainstorm and formulate visions and consider feasibility, followed by prioritisation. In September, a joint meeting of the DAMU Dean and the AMU Rector is expected; the proposal should then be finalised. The aim is to have new theses from next year at both AMU and DAMU level.

Discussion (shortened)

No questions were raised. The senate took the information into account.

At 18:49 Tomáš Langer left the meeting.

3. Conditions of admission procedure to doctoral study programmes for AY 2026/2027

Karolina Plicková invited Vice-Dean Tereza Došlová to present the conditions. Materials had been distributed in advance.

The document concerned specific rules, admission requirements, and methods of verifying compliance for the following doctoral programmes:

• Theory and Practice of Theatre Creation
• Drama, Psychosomatics and Authorship in Pedagogy and Social Practice
• Scenic Creation and Theory of Scenic Creation

Vice-Dean Došlová explained that the amendment to the Higher Education Act introduces major changes, especially a new level of doctoral income, requiring universities to rethink doctoral study structures. This includes reconsidering numbers admitted, defining differences between full-time and part-time forms, and setting obligations for full-time students receiving doctoral income. The reform obliges institutions to pay doctoral income in full-time study at 1.2 times the minimum wage; from next year it will be approx. CZK 27,000/month.

The Dean added that the amount will rise gradually (to around CZK 38,000/month by approx. 2031), due to annual indexation tied to minimum wage. In the next 3–4 years, additional standards related to doctoral study will also change, so the situation remains unsettled.

Vice-Dean Došlová noted that for these reasons, in the previous academic year DAMU admitted only to the part-time form. After financial calculations and discussions with the rectorate, DAMU concluded it can admit one full-time doctoral student per programme. The conditions also attempt to define a typical student profile and distinguish study forms at least in basic terms.

The Dean described parameters for a full-time doctoral student: at least 2 full days per week at the school, participation in academic events, mandatory international placement, and development of pedagogical competencies (training, workshops, etc.). Programme guarantors are expected to further specify the difference between study forms.

Vice-Dean Došlová stated these changes also increase demands on supervisors and programme boards, including mechanisms for cases where students do not meet obligations. Possible reduction/withdrawal of stipends would be in the hands of programme boards and supervisors.

The Dean added that since mid-November, meetings have been held on admission numbers. Historically, DAMU produced the highest number of doctoral students among AMU faculties and thus received the most funds; the system is now moving toward parity between faculties.

Vice-Dean Došlová clarified that an agreement with the AMU bursar was reached: current full-time doctoral students at DAMU would have their stipend increased to CZK 21,000 (from approx. CZK 11,000), to reduce disparities with newly admitted students, who from AY 2026/2027 will receive approx. CZK 26,000.

Discussion (shortened)

• Karolina Plicková supported increasing doctoral stipends but noted the striking discrepancy between the newly set doctoral income (from the Ministry) and long-term undervalued teachers’ salaries; several members supported this appeal.
• Tomáš Pavelka supported doctoral students contributing to teaching; the Dean responded that national student representation opposed teaching being the main doctoral activity. At DAMU, doctoral students are defined as assisting in teaching as part of academic life.
• Questions were raised about adapting the situation for current doctoral students and about space availability; the Dean referred to PhD infra spaces and potential additional coworking rooms.
• Jiří Adámek described the reform as one of the most substantial changes he has witnessed. He saw positives (excellence, international dimension) but criticised the unequal distribution of admissions across programmes and departments.
• David Mírek argued the situation is unresolved and risky: students may not know what they are entering; financing is uncertain; the model is based on applied sciences, while DAMU lacks comparable research infrastructure. He also questioned whether the defined “full-time” form is practically similar to part-time.
• The Dean and Vice-Dean defended the preparation work, noting the lack of rectorate methodology and the necessity of defining differences at faculty level. They stated the conditions are ready and the faculty wants to begin this model.
• Karolina Plicková emphasised that previous accreditation discussions were rushed; she urged caution against approving something not sufficiently debated.
• Several members supported approving the conditions to avoid blocking the work, while still acknowledging unresolved issues.
• A working table comparing full-time and part-time study was displayed during the debate.
• It was noted that a new dean’s decree on doctoral study will be needed.

The senate formulated the resolution and proceeded to vote.

Resolution and vote (NOT shortened)

Resolution: AS DAMU approves the Conditions of admission procedure to doctoral study programmes for the academic year 2026/2027 and, in view of many fundamental questions linked to the structure and aims of artistic-research activity at the faculty and to internal faculty legislation, which require a longer time for discussion, draws attention to the need not to cease the debate on the development of the doctoral form of study at the faculty and commits itself to participating in this debate.

For: 7

Against: 0

Abstained: 2

The resolution was adopted.

At 20:02 Lucie Trmíková, Hana Malaníková, Daniela Jobertová and Tereza Došlová left the meeting.

4. Inventory of senate topics

Karolina Plicková recalled that the senate conducted an internal inventory of its key topics about a year ago (17 December 2024). She suggested repeating it to clarify responsibilities and mutual support.

She invited members to an Informal Meeting with the DAMU Academic Community on 12 February 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30 in the Small Dance Hall during the NADAMU festival, proposed by production student Jakub Kříž.

She also noted that the senate is entering the third year of its three-year term (first meeting 11 March 2024). Elections must be announced next year; according to the Election Code (valid from 15 April 2021), the Dean announces elections no later than 60 days before the end of the term.

Discussion (shortened)

• David Mírek raised the need to innovate the Election Code to ensure broader representation across departments, though the method is unclear.
• Karolina Plicková noted that voting statistics show voters do not only elect candidates from their own department; elected members represent shared values rather than strictly departmental interests. She compared rules across AMU faculties: FAMU’s election code (valid from 19 June 2025) does not prescribe such guarantees; HAMU’s (valid from 21 September 2023) divides each chamber into Music and Dance parts.
• The senate noted it can consult a lawyer using funds allocated in the senate budget. David Mírek promised to seek examples from other universities via the Dean.
• Tomáš Pavelka noted that the process of electing the Dean should also be revised, as the last election ended in a deadlock. Filip Novák mentioned that the Rules of Procedure state that candidate presentations must happen on the same day as the election. Karolina Plicková added that the ombudsman warned about the tense atmosphere of the election campaign.

Due to the late hour, members agreed to reopen the topic of changes to the Election Code and/or Rules of Procedure next time, together with other inventory points.

5. Miscellaneous

Filip Novák raised the issue of a long-discussed fund for international students. For example, students from Iran cannot receive money from their home country due to blackouts. He noted that the world is not moving toward peace agreements and appealed for systemic solutions rather than case-by-case responses.

David Mírek responded that the faculty already has social scholarships. Eliška Přichystalová argued these are awarded only once every half-year, and an immediate support mechanism for acute situations would be beneficial, with designated funds.

The discussion returned organically to doctoral study issues (student status, applied research, and specifics of arts schools).

The Chair thanked members for their active participation and invited them to the next meeting on 2 March 2026 at 16:00 in the DAMU meeting room.

She again invited members to the Informal Meeting with the DAMU Academic Community on 12 February 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30 in the Small Dance Hall during the NADAMU festival.

At 20:43 the meeting was concluded.

Appendices:

• Podmínky přijímacího řízení_DAMU_2026_27_do DSP_final pro AS DAMU.docx
• AS DAMU - PRSZ DAMU 2026.pdf
• AS DAMU - PRSZ DAMU 2026.xlsx

Minutes taken by:

Eliška Přichystalová and Karolina Plicková, English version shortened by AI (Filip Novák)

Revised:

Item 3 revised by Daniela Jobertová and Tereza Došlová; items 1 and 2 revised by Tomáš Langer.

Approved by:

Karolina Plicková, Chair of AS DAMU