University of Lviv

People of the University

History of the Faculty of Journalism

https://www.hubbry.com/University_of_Lviv/articles/article/30/media-2654654 The Faculty of Journalism at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv has a rich history dating back to 1954. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Ukraine’s leading centers for training skilled journalists. Founding: Established in the mid-20th century, the faculty quickly became a hub for aspiring journalists, providing solid training and fostering a deep understanding of the profession. Department of Media Language: On June 6, 1974, the Department of Media Language was created (originally called the Department of Stylistics and Editing). Its first head was Associate Professor Pavlo Yashchuk, who played a crucial role in shaping the department’s early direction. Department of New Media: In response to the digital age, the Department of New Media was established on February 1, 2012. Its mission is to prepare specialists for online journalism and equip students with the skills needed for modern media platforms. Expanding Research: Since the early 1990s, the faculty has broadened its research areas, embracing new trends and reflecting the constantly changing media landscape. Today’s Structure: The faculty now comprises six departments, each focusing on a different aspect of journalism: * Theory and Practice of Journalism * Ukrainian Press * International Press and Information * Radio Broadcasting and Television * Media Language * New Media

Ivan Franko and the University

Ivan Franko, one of Ukraine’s greatest writers, thinkers, and social activists, has had a profound and lasting impact on the University of Lviv, which today proudly bears his name. The university not only honors his legacy but also integrates his intellectual and cultural contributions into its educational and scholarly mission. https://www.hubbry.com/University_of_Lviv/articles/article/26/media-2654669 Franko’s work spans literature, journalism, political thought, and cultural studies, offering a rich foundation for academic inquiry. At the University of Lviv, his writings are studied across multiple disciplines, from philology and history to philosophy and social sciences. Students engage with his poetry, prose, and essays, exploring themes of national identity, social justice, and human dignity—values that continue to resonate in modern Ukrainian society. Teaching about Franko at the university goes beyond mere literary analysis. Professors emphasize critical thinking, encouraging students to connect Franko’s ideas with contemporary issues and to reflect on their relevance in today’s world. Seminars, lectures, and research projects often focus on how his work inspired movements for social change and cultural development in Ukraine. Moreover, the university preserves Franko’s memory through special collections, archives, and dedicated events. These resources provide students and researchers with direct access to his manuscripts, letters, and early publications, fostering a deeper understanding of his intellectual journey and historical context. By studying, teaching, and celebrating Ivan Franko, the University of Lviv continues to cultivate a spirit of inquiry, civic engagement, and cultural pride. His legacy serves as a guiding light for generations of students, inspiring them to contribute thoughtfully to society and to pursue knowledge with passion and integrity.

Curriculums

Here will be the list of links to articles with curriculums for every bachelor and master degree.

Rectors of the University

Lviv National University, officially known as Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, is one of Ukraine's oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions. Established in 1661, the university has been led by numerous distinguished individuals who have shaped its development over the centuries. EARLY LEADERSHIP (1661–1940S) The university's leadership began with figures such as King John II Casimir Vasa, who founded the institution. In the early 20th century, rectors like Mikhailo Markchenko (1939–1940) and Georgiy Bychenko (1940–1941) played pivotal roles during tumultuous periods. During World War II, the university faced significant challenges, including temporary closures and relocations. POST-WAR PERIOD AND SOVIET ERA (1940S–1990) After the war, the university was re-established under Soviet rule. Leaders such as Ivan Belyakevich (1944–1948) and Yuriy Savin (1948–1951) oversaw its recovery and growth. In the 1960s, under the leadership of Evgeny Lazarenko (1951–1963) and Mykola Maksymovych (1963–1981), the university expanded its academic programs and research initiatives. INDEPENDENCE AND MODERNIZATION (1990–2000S) Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, the university underwent significant reforms. Notably, Ivan Vakarchuk served as rector from 1990 to 2007, overseeing the transition to a more autonomous institution and enhancing its international collaborations. RECENT LEADERSHIP (2010–PRESENT) In recent years, the university has been led by: * Volodymyr Melnyk (2007–2025): A prominent historian and member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Melnyk contributed to the university's academic prestige and international partnerships. * Roman Gladyshevskyi (2025–present): An academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and a professor of chemical sciences, Gladyshevskyi's leadership marks a new era of scientific and educational advancement for the university. The rectors of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv have played crucial roles in its evolution from a royal academy to a leading modern institution. Their leadership has been instrumental in navigating historical challenges and steering the university toward a future of academic excellence and innovation.

The Main Building of Lviv University

The former Galician Sejm building (now the main building of the Lviv National Ivan Franko University) was constructed in 1877-1881 under a project designed by architect Juliusz Hochberger. The monumental Sejm building belongs to the Historicist style influenced by the Vienna Neo-Renaissance architecture of the second half of the 19th century; it is notable for its rich sculpture and ornamental decorations. STORY The idea to erect a special building for the Galician Sejm (or, officially, the Diet of Galicia and Lodomeria) and for the Provincial Department, the Sejm's executive body, was born in the course of sharp debate on the issue of the Galician autonomy between Polish politicians and the Austrian government. The project was inspired by Leon Sapieha, the Sejm marshal, commissioned by the Provincial Department and designed by Juliusz Hochberger, the city building administration director, in 1876-1877. PROJECT OF THE GALICIAN SEJM BUILDING [https://www.hubbry.com/University_of_Lviv/media/the-main-building/building-project/44617372] Building architect Juliusz Hochberger Earth works, which were a part of the Galician Sejm building construction, were started on 1 April 1878. Half a year later, on 29 September 1878, the building's cornerstone was solemnly laid. The main works were finished in the summer of 1881. The building was consecrated on 23 July of the same year; a regular session of the Sejm started there two months later. In 1906-1907 a fourth floor was added by architect Alfred Kamienobrodzki who also expanded the building (a lateral wing [https://www.hubbry.com/University_of_Lviv/the-main-building-of-lviv-university/additional-wing-of-the-monumental-galician-sejm-diet-building/44617543] was build from the side of what is now Lystopadovoho Chynu street). The Galician Sejm was located in the building till 1914. After the Polish Jan Kazimierz University was transferred to the former Sejm building, the assembly hall was reconstructed and adapted for the University's needs. The hall was ruined during the World War II and restored in 1950. After the post-Trinitarian university buildings were bombarded by the Austrian army in 1848, the University was located in the former Jesuit convict's building (constructed in 1844) on the modern Hrushevskoho street from 1851. Shortly, however, the building was not meeting the academic needs. That is why a building for the chemistry, geology-mineralogy and pharmacology institutes was constructed on the modern Kyryla i Metodiya street in 1890-1891. Later, in 1897, another building was constructed for the physics institute; philosophical faculty’s departments as well as those of experimental physics, mathematics, geography were located there too. In 1905 a new building of the University library was constructed (Drahomanova street). After Western Ukraine was incorporated into the Ukrainian SSR in 1939, the Lviv University was reorganized; in particular, the theological faculty was abolished while the medical faculty was transformed into a separate medical institute. ARCHITECTURE The building is situated on an irregularly shaped plot limited by Universytetska, Sichovykh Striltsiv, Kostiushka and Lystopadovoho Chynu streets and located in front of the Ivan Franko park. This is the architectural dominant of the block. The University is a complicated three-storied building close to a pentagon in plan. It has three courtyards, a high base and a mansard roof. The main façade facing the park is designed in the Neo-Renaissance style with a noticeable influence of the contemporary Vienna palace architecture. It has one central and two lateral avants-corps decorated according to the order system, including avants-corps decorated with Corinthian order columns and pilasters. Main Sculpture (Attic) The main sculptural group (in the composition located above the attic on the main façade), entitled "The Guardian Spirit of Galicia", was created by sculptor Teodor Rygier in Italy in 1880-1881. The composition consists of three allegorical figures: in the center of the composition is represented - Galicia, which extends its hands to the personifications of the Dniester and the Vistula, located on both sides, representing the west and east of Galicia. Entrance Sculptures Teodor Rygier also author of two allegorical sculptural compositions in front of the entrance. It is not difficult to decipher their symbolism: in the center of the composition is the figure that represents Science and Wisdom (or Education), holding a torch that symbolizes the light of nobility. Near the main figure, we see figures of two boys, one with an open book, another with a portrait. On the other side of the entrance, we see a female figure with a sheaf of hay and a spindle, next to the boys with a lamb and a hammer; this composition represents the Work (for the sculptural composition on the attic and both sides of the main entrance to the building, the architect received the title of honorary member of the Florentine Academy of Arts). Cornice and Details Below, on the cornice, in front of the attic, we see four figures that symbolize Love and Justice and Truth and Faith; their authors are Zygmunt Trembetskyi and Felix Mikulskyi, respectively. In addition, if you look more closely, you can see on the sides of the building lions (possibly attributed to Tadeusz Barącz) holding shields with coats of arms (previously on the shields depicted coat of arms (heraldic emblem) of Galician provinces, but most coats of arms were eliminated in the postwar period). Today, the front façade of the university’s main building bears a Latin inscription: “Patriae decori civibus educandis” (“Educated citizens are the adornment of the Fatherland”). Right at the entrance, there are memorial plaques dedicated to prominent figures Yevhen Lazarenko, Myron Zarytsky, Volodymyr Levytsky, and Mykola Chaikovskyi. An art collection, which used to be a part of the Sejm premises decorations, was partially moved to Poland after the Sejm ceased to function and partially lost after 1941. INTERIOR Lobby and Staircase Front stairs with a lobby and main premises of the former Sejm are located in the central part of the building next to the main entrance. The main six-flight stairs were used by deputies who entered the building through the main entrance from Universytetska street. These stairs and a gallery around them provided communication between the Sejm assembly hall, its premises and offices of the Provincial Department. Under the front staircase of the main building, wardrobes were located. The stairs, hewn of Terebovlia stone, were lit through a skylight made of metal and glass. The Neo-Renaissance décor of the staircase and of the Sejm assembly hall was designed by sculptor Leonard Marconi (1880). The university lobby walls are covered with murals in the style of that time. University vestibule at 1904 University vestibule today University vestibule today (view of the main entrance to the building) Decor of Common Areas The interior artistic decoration includes a plastic design of the staircase, conference hall and assembly hall. On both sides of the building’s central axis at the level of the gallery situated in front of the assembly hall, there used to be two sculptural groups created by Zygmunt Trembecki. These groups depicted four ancient rulers of Poland and Rus' (Ruthenia): princes Mieszko I and Volodymyr the Great, who established Christianity in their lands, as well as king Casimir the Great and prince Yaroslav the Wise. These sculptures disappeared during the World War II or immediately thereafter. Assembly Hall (Historical Layout) According to the original project, the Provincial Sejm's assembly hall could accommodate 230 deputies. Chairs were placed in a semicircle in the hall; they stood in tiers, like in an amphitheater, and were divided by passages along the circle rays. On a platform located at the front wall the marshal's chair stood; places for four Sejm secretaries were arranged on both sides of the platform below. There was a rostrum for speakers in front of the marshal's chair, with stenographers in front of it. Chairs for the government commissioner and three Sejm aides stood nearby. Assembly Hall at 1914 Assembly Hall today Assembly Hall (Later History) The assembly hall of the Galician Sejm was located on the second floor. It had 152 seats for deputies, and the galleries contained seats for the public and journalists. The assembly hall's décor has been changed significantly. It was reconstructed under a 1920 project in 1923 and again in the 1950s. Lighting The hall was lit by kerosene lamps in the evening. It was here that electric light was lit for the first time in Ukraine on 14 June 1881, on the initiative of engineers Roman Gostkowski and Franciszek Rychnowski. During the parliamentary period, the hall was always filled with a large number of exotic plants. Art and Sculptures (Lost & Preserved) On both sides of the building’s central axis at the level of the gallery situated in front of the assembly hall, there used to be two sculptural groups created by Zygmunt Trembecki (depicting Mieszko I, Volodymyr the Great, Casimir the Great, and Yaroslav the Wise). These sculptures disappeared during World War II. The building's sculptural decoration was one of the richest among those Lviv buildings which were erected during the autonomy period (1871-1914). Most famous Lviv craftsmen were engaged in its construction as well as sculptors who worked outside of Galicia at that time, including Leonard Marconi, Teodor Rygier, Tadeusz Barącz, Zygmunt Trembecki, Feliks Mikulski, Zygmunt Gorgolewski. * The Assembly Hall was decorated with a painting entitled "The Union of Lublin" by Jan Matejko (now in Warsaw). * The hall was also decorated with paintings by Henryk Rodakowski (canvases Faith, Moses, Lycurgus, Solon, Justinian, Labour, Art, The Awakening of the Scientific Movement, Trade, and Agriculture). Other Representative Rooms Marshal's Hall: Had a painting named "The Constitution of 3 May 1791" by Jan Matejko (now in Warsaw) and portraits of the Sejm marshals (Potocki, Zyblikiewicz, etc.) by artists Matejko, Siemiradzki, Pochwalski. Mirror Hall: The Mirror Hall hosted meetings of the executive committee of the Galician Sejm — the Regional Council. Source: 1. Будинок Галицького сейму, Wikipedia [https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BC%D1%83] 2. Vul. Universytetska, 1 – Lviv Ivan Franko National University main building [https://lia.lvivcenter.org/en/objects/universytetska-1-1/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 3. The building of the Galician Sejm today: architecture and its essence [https://lviv.travel/en/news/budivlia-galitskogo-seimu-sogodni-arkhitektura-ta-yiyi-sutnist]

Extension to the Main Building of Lviv University

The building at the corner of Universytetska and Sichovykh Striltsiv streets was constructed in 1906-1907 as an additional wing of the monumental Galician Sejm (Diet) building. The project was designed by architect Adolf Kamienobrodzki who used the austere features of the Neo-Renaissance style typical of Austro-Hungarian administrative architecture there. Now the building functions as an academic building of the Lviv National Ivan Franko University. STORY In the late 19th century a large plot under conscription number 717 2/4 was the core of the housing in the block encircled by Słowackiego (later Marszałkowska, now Universytetska), Mickiewicza (now Lystopadovoho Chynu), Kościuszki (now Kostiushka), and Trzeciego Maja (now Sichovykh Striltsiv) streets. In 1877-1881 the Galician Sejm building was erected on this parcel under a project designed by Juliusz Hochberger, the city architect of Lviv; now this is the main building of the Lviv National Ivan Franko University located on Universytetska street 1. As of the mid-1900s, virtually all plots in the Sejm block were used for new buildings: three new banks and two residential houses had been built there. The only exception was the northwestern corner of the parcel no. 717 2/4, at the intersection of Marszałkowska and Mickiewicza streets, which was vacant till 1906. It was in this year that the construction of a new, northern wing of the Galician Sejm’s offices started there. The architectural project was designed by Adolf Kamienobrodzki, an architect whose professional career was linked with the technical bureau of the so-called Crown Land Department (Wydział Krajowy), the Sejm’s executive body. Due to his official duties, Kamienobrodzki took part in designing almost all objects constructed at the expense of the Galician local budget, including administrative buildings and hospitals. Building architect Adolf Kamienobrodzki So it was Adolf Kamienobrodzki who designed a project of a new wing which was to be added to the main building of the Sejm; on 31 March 1906 the project was endorsed by the city authorities (DALO 2/2/1223:1-11). The construction was finished the following year. Till the end of the World War I the corner building at the intersection of Marszałkowska and Mickiewicza streets was occupied by the Sejm offices. Later, in the 1920s-1930s, it was owned by the Jan Kazimierz University. In the following decades it also functioned as a university building. At present, two faculties of the Lviv National Ivan Franko University, the Mechanical-Mathematical Faculty and the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, are located in the wing at the intersection of Universytetska and Lystopadovoho Chynu streets.  ARCHITECTURE The west façade, which has eight window axes and two slightly protruding parts on the edges, faces Universytetska street and the Ivan Franko park. A fenced lawn is arranged in front of it. The 6-window north façade goes along the Lystopadovoho Chynu street regulation line. It has a slightly protruding part of the wall near the corner and a portal of the passage leading to the courtyard. The window openings on floors 3-4 are supplemented with shaped trimmings. The row of the third floor windows is accentuated by triangular pediments. The upper cornice is supported by moulded consoles. The façades are decorated with banded rustication on the whole perimeter; the stripes are more massive on the two lower floors. The façade compositional structure is dominated by horizontal division. The building has a hipped roof with lucarnes. The main building is L-shaped in plan; it has a tract of offices opening into a long corridor. A short additional row of premises branches off at a right angle from its western part. This row divides the courtyard into two small parts. The staircase is arranged in the depth, at the L-shaped structure’s inner angle. The building is connected by corridor passages with the neighbouring university buildings: the Lviv National Ivan Franko University main building on Universytetska street 1 and the townhouse on Lystopadovoho Chynu street 5. Due to its austere Neo-Renaissance decorations the Adold Kamienobrodzki’s project resembles the style of the buildings designed by Otto Wagner in the 1880s. At the same time, the Secession (Art Nouveau) motifs appear in details (e.g., gratings above the hipped roof constructions, stairs railing) showing that the building was actually constructed in 1906-1907. Source: https://lia.lvivcenter.org/uk/objects/universytetska-1-2/ [https://lia.lvivcenter.org/uk/objects/universytetska-1-2/]

Staff

The list of university teaching staff.