“For the 37th year now, we step forward united for the future of students. This year is no exception. Just as I did a year ago, I am proud of the Organization today—its growth and the quality of its activities—and I end my term by inviting you to pause, reflect, and look back at what we have managed to accomplish this year.”
I invite you to explore all the work done throughout the year in the VU SR 2025–2026 annual report. Sincere thanks to you for this year, and let's continue working “United for the future of students!”
Klėja Merčaitytė
President
VU SR is:
VU SR 2025-2026 highlights
The importance of civil society
This year, VU SR actively participated in initiatives related to culture and freedom of speech, expressing its support for the values of the academic community: freedom of self-expression, creativity, and speech. VU SR contributed to civic initiatives, emphasizing the importance of an open, critically thinking society, the importance of setting an example in politics, and the role of the university as a space for the free exchange of ideas. This engagement aimed to strengthen students’ civic engagement, encourage participation in social processes, and raise community awareness regarding cultural policy and democratic values.
VU SR – Vilnius Youth Organization of the Year
In December 2025, the Vilnius Youth Organizations Association (VJOSAS) held its annual Roundtable Appreciation Evening, recognizing individuals and organizations whose initiatives enrich the lives of young people in Vilnius, promote civic engagement, and inspire the broader community. During the ceremony, Vilnius University Students' Representation was awarded the title of Youth Organization of the Year.
VU strategy
In February of this year, the Council of Vilnius University approved the University’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which was developed with the input of student representatives, who contributed by submitting proposals on the public community ideas platform, in the strategy development working group, and during the decision-making process: in the VU Senate and Council. The VU Strategy outlines significant changes related to the expansion of dormitory infrastructure, the involvement of students in scientific activities, the strengthening of individualised studies, the updating of master’s degree programs, and the creation of a mentoring culture. Learn more about how the University will improve the student experience in a podcast with VU SR President Klėja Merčaitytė and VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.
VU academic ethics violation prevention plan
We are pleased that this year the Senate of Vilnius University approved the Vilnius University Academic Ethics Violation Prevention Plan, the preparation of which was prompted by the VU SR survey on academic dishonesty among Vilnius University students conducted in 2024–2025. The Senate of Vilnius University formed a working group to draft the plan, led by Povilas Virbašius, the VU SR Coordinator of Academic Affairs. The plan outlines measures focused on students, lecturers, and infrastructure development. We believe that the approval and implementation of this plan will be an appropriate first step toward further fostering a culture of academic ethics. Concurrently, following the approval of the Academic Ethics Violation Prevention Plan by the VU Senate, the VU SR Parliament approved the Organization-wide Plan for the Implementation of Academic Ethics Violation Prevention Measures.
Podcasts
VU SR also continued producing the podcast “Akademinė druska” and recorded three new episodes exploring topics relevant to students regarding the University, as well as social and emotional well-being. This year, we recorded the first episode together with VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas. During the podcast, we discussed upcoming changes for students outlined in the VU strategy approved this year. The second episode addressed the issue of sexual violence, with a particular focus on victims’ reactions and the challenges of legal regulation in Lithuania. During a conversation with Rugilė Butkevičiūtė, co-founder and director of the organization “Ribologija,” we discussed raising public awareness and prevention measures, drawing on best practices from other countries. The next episode explores the challenges of the final years of study. In a discussion with Alan Filatov, a psychologist at the Community Well-Being Department of Vilnius University, topics related to balancing academic, professional, and personal commitments, maintaining emotional well-being, and support options for students were addressed.
Start FM radio show
The Vilnius University Student's Representation (VU SR) has launched a radio show titled “Live from VU SR.” The aim of this show is to discuss the most pressing university issues, topics important to students, and share the latest information about student life. The show presents the main news from VU SR and discusses real-life student experiences. During the live broadcasts, various guests shared their thoughts on sustainability, civil resilience, representation, integration, and student self-expression and initiatives. Broadcasts take place every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. on Start FM radio (in Lithuanian). Also, on April 1st, to mark the 447th anniversary of Vilnius University, VU SR hosted a special live program on Start FM. The broadcast featured three thematic discussions for listeners: “VU People: University Talents,” in which prof. Eglė Lastauskienė, Julija Jarutytė, and Edgaras Arnotas spoke about community activities and personal experiences; “VU Achievements: Scientific Discoveries and Research,” in which Linas Tavaras, Neilas Beniušis, and dr. Miglė Tomkuvienė discussed scientific topics; and “The Future of VU: How Will the University Change?”, dedicated to questions about the future of higher education, which were explored by Klaudijus Melys, alongside the show’s hosts Klėja Merčaitytė and Samanta Valiušaitė. Throughout the day, listeners could also hear about the year’s highlights from each of VU’s core academic units, as the program reviewed changes at the University and the community’s achievements.
VU SR moments
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Congratulatory Words
„Your initiative and engagement in education policy are a shining example of civic-mindedness.“
„I always take an interest in and support your work, and I wish you continued determination and enthusiasm to reach for the stars.“
„The maturity of both a person and an organization is revealed through care not only for oneself, but also for the world around us.“
„Academic freedom and student self-governance are among the strongest foundations of a free society.“
„Your work shows that the student voice can be truly powerful – not only in raising questions, but also in looking for solutions.“
„We wish you a successful year ahead, filled with bold ideas and inspiring results.“
„Every year, the collaboration between VU SR and the Library inspires us to grow and change.“
„International cooperation with VU SA helped us to understand the potential trajectories of study internationalization!“