Reforms of the higher education system in Poland since 1989. Between tradition and challenges of the 21st century

Abstract

The paper discusses changes within the academia in the context of political, social and economic transformation of 1989 in Poland. The considerations are based on the views and aims of higher education reflected in the university reforms that were undertaken between 1990 and 2018. The study is focused on political background of the reform concepts and on the regulations that were introduced, as well as on the contemporary trends shaping the education processes. The authors attempt to answer the question concerning the influence of Polish transformation process on the traditional mission of the university and its specific social and cultural role.

Keywords

• Higher education
• education system reform
• university
• Poland