SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF THE 23RD MEETING OF THE DAMU ACADEMIC SENATE

20 May 2026 

This document is an English-language summary of the official minutes of the 23rd meeting of the Academic Senate of the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU). It is intended to provide international students and staff with an overview of the main topics discussed and decisions taken during the meeting. It is not a full translation of the minutes. 

Attendance 

Senators present: 

• Doubravka Dostálová (Chairing the meeting) 

• Jiří Adámek 

• Cyril Janeček 

• David Mírek (joined later) 

• Filip Novák 

• Karolina Plicková (online participation) 

• Tomáš Pavelka (left before the end of the meeting) 

• Eliška Drbohlavová 

• Anastázie Dobrodinská (joined later) 

Guests: 

• Daniela Jobertová (Dean) 

• Adam Homolka (Faculty Secretary) 

• Petr Polák (DAMU Ombudsperson) 

• Klára Bicanová (candidate for Acting Vice-Dean for Studies) 

• Tomáš Langer (Vice-Dean)
   

Main agenda items 

1. Extension of the application deadline for Master’s programmes

The Senate was informed that the application deadline for the Master’s degree programmes Directing of Dramatic Theatre and Dramaturgy of Dramatic Theatre had been extended from 12 May to 10 June 2026. No applications had been submitted by the original deadline. The extension is permitted by law and will not affect the planned admission procedure schedule. 
 

2. DAMU Ombudsperson’s Annual Report for 2025

DAMU Ombudsperson Petr Polák presented his annual report covering activities in 2025. He noted that DAMU has continued to develop a fair, respectful and supportive environment for both students and employees. The report highlighted a number of developments achieved in recent years, including: 

• creation of a network of student ambassadors, 

• expanded educational opportunities for teaching staff, 

• stronger support for students with specific needs, 

• expanded psychological counselling, now also available in English, 

• initiatives to increase inclusivity at the DISK Theatre, 

• establishment of a children’s corner, 

• distribution of hygiene products, 

• improved awareness of crisis-response procedures. 

In 2025, the Ombudsperson received 28 submissions, including a growing number from employees. Topics addressed included professional boundaries and intimate relationships between teachers and students. The report also highlighted the need to pay greater attention to workplace culture and interpersonal relations within the faculty. 

The Ombudsperson presented recommendations for future development, including: 

• introducing a shared ethics course for all first-year students, 

• strengthening protection against gender-based violence, 

• establishing fairer assessment procedures for artistic projects and examinations, 

• promoting regular one-to-one meetings between managers and employees, 

• continuing educational activities on topics such as intimacy coordination and manipulation in communication. 

Petr Polák also announced that he does not intend to stand for another term as DAMU Ombudsperson, explaining that he believes regular rotation is important and that different people bring different experiences, perspectives and approaches that can strengthen the role over time. His current term ends on 30 April 2027. 

The Senate discussed ongoing plans at AMU to establish a university-wide ombudsperson platform under the Rectorate. Senators emphasized the importance of preserving the high professional standards, accessibility, preventive work and independence that have been built at DAMU in recent years. 

Resolution adopted by the Senate 

The Senate acknowledged the recommendations contained in the Ombudsperson’s Annual Report for 2025 and described them as an important basis for the further development of a safe, respectful and fair study and working environment at DAMU. The Senate committed itself to supporting the implementation of these recommendations within its competencies and called on the faculty leadership to continue actively implementing and evaluating them. 

The Senate also expressed appreciation for the high professional standard of ombudsperson practice at DAMU and requested that any future AMU-wide ombudsperson system be developed through consultation with faculties, academic senates, students and employees. The Senate stressed that any new university-wide structure should preserve and further develop the current level of rights protection, accessibility and independence achieved at DAMU. The resolution was adopted unanimously. 
 

3. Preparations for the 2027 DAMU Academic Senate Elections

The Senate continued discussions on possible reforms of the electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections. The main goals are: 

• ensuring broader representation of departments, 

• preventing tensions that accompanied previous elections, 

• improving transparency of election procedures and campaigns, 

• balancing faculty-wide representation with departmental diversity. 

Several alternative models were discussed, including limits on the number of senators from a single department, different quota systems, and mechanisms that would preserve faculty-wide voting while promoting a more diverse composition of the Senate. The discussion will continue within a dedicated working group, with draft amendments expected later in 2026. 
 

4. Discussion of the 2026 DAMU Budget

Faculty Secretary Adam Homolka presented the framework for the 2026 budget and the financial priorities of the faculty. 

Key points included: 

• DAMU’s institutional contribution will increase by 3.22% compared to 2025. 

• Most of the increase will be used to cover salary growth and maintain employee benefits. 

• The minimum hourly rate for external teachers and staff has been increased. 

• Additional resources will be allocated to the LAD.LA study programme, which previously relied on temporary funding schemes. 

• Significant expenditure is planned for rented teaching and rehearsal spaces, including the former synagogue building in Heřmanova Street and the Galaxie complex. 

• The faculty is preparing for new European pay-transparency regulations entering into force in July 2026 and is working toward a fairer and more transparent remuneration system. 

The Secretary also presented proposed changes to the system for covering holiday replacement costs. Instead of being reimbursed centrally by the Dean’s Office, these funds would be allocated directly to departmental budgets according to staff workload. 

A substantial part of the discussion focused on the distribution of reserve funds among departments. Senators and faculty management debated how to balance historical budget differences between departments and ensure fair conditions for staffing and salary policies. Faculty leadership stressed that existing disparities often stem from historical structural changes, staff transfers between departments, and changes in management positions rather than from current departmental decisions. 

The Senate was also informed about: 

• a planned faculty contribution of approximately CZK 850,000 toward replacing computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, 

• a further investment of approximately CZK 1 million into the DAMU security infrastructure project, 

• plans to develop a shared room-booking system across AMU faculties to improve access to available spaces. 

Summer building works and campus access 

The Secretary confirmed that DAMU will be largely closed during the summer due to the implementation of a major security infrastructure project. 

Planned works include: 

• installation of new security infrastructure throughout the faculty building, 

• implementation of a new camera and access-control system, 

• installation of emergency and safety equipment, 

• related technical and construction works required for the security upgrade, 

• continuing improvements to faculty facilities and infrastructure. 

During the discussion, senators emphasized the need for clear and early communication with students and staff regarding summer access to the building and available alternatives for study, rehearsal and project work. 

Faculty management confirmed that departments have already been asked to identify projects requiring rehearsal or teaching space during the summer months. Students and staff whose projects require access to facilities during the closure period are encouraged to contact the Faculty Secretary directly to discuss possible arrangements. 

Mgr. BcA. Adam Homolka 
Faculty Secretary 
E-mail: adam.homolka@damu.cz 

Where necessary, alternative spaces may be arranged, including facilities in the Na Tržišti building. 

The Senate stressed the importance of informing the entire academic community as early as possible about the scope of the summer closure, available replacement spaces and procedures for requesting access to alternative facilities. 
 

5. Appointment of an Acting Vice-Dean for Studies

The Dean presented a proposal to appoint Klára Bicanová as Acting Vice-Dean for Studies during the maternity leave of current Vice-Dean Tereza Došlová, beginning on 8 June 2026. 

Klára Bicanová has long served as Head of the AMU Language Centre and has extensive experience with study administration, accreditation processes and cooperation across all AMU faculties. 

The Senate discussed the proposal and subsequently approved it without comments. 
 

6. Correspondence with the Minister of Culture

The Senate reviewed a series of public statements and official correspondence exchanged with the Czech Minister of Culture in the context of debates about cultural funding and cultural policy in the Czech Republic. 

The Senate summarized the following sequence of events: 

• 2 March 2026: The DAMU Academic Senate adopted a resolution expressing concern about actions of the Ministry of Culture that, in the Senate’s view, threatened the system of public cultural funding and contradicted the Czech Government’s policy commitments. 

• 5 March 2026: This resolution was sent in the form of an official letter to the Prime Minister and representatives of the governing party. 

• 10 March 2026: The Senate publicly endorsed the student initiative “We Stand for Culture!”, which organized a demonstration in Prague on 11 March 2026. 

• 13 April 2026: The Senate adopted a further resolution reaffirming support for the initiative and criticizing several actions and public statements made by the Minister of Culture. 

• 14 April 2026: The Senate received a letter from the Minister of Culture responding to the earlier communication sent to the Prime Minister. 

• 29 April 2026: The Senate sent its formal reply to the Minister and made the correspondence publicly available on the DAMU website. 

In its response, the Senate argued that cultural policy should be based on expertise, responsible public communication and stable support for cultural institutions and artists. The Senate also stressed that political representatives should contribute to constructive public debate and avoid actions that increase uncertainty within the cultural sector. At the time of the meeting, the Senate had not yet received any further response from the Minister. 
 

7. Other Matters

The Senate thanked Eliška Drbohlavová for her work and contribution to the Senate, as this was expected to be her final meeting before completing her studies. Members also discussed preparations for her replacement following graduation. 
 

Next meeting: 8 June 2026, 12:00 PM. 

Translation: AI (Anastázie Dobrodinská)