Prehistory of Volgograd State University. 1971–1980

Abstract

Introduction. The authors analyze the process of establishing a state university in Volgograd, the last university set up in the RSFSR during the existence of the USSR. Materials. This study is based on the basis of archival materials first introduced into scientific use (State Archive of the Russian Federation (SARF), Russian State Archive of Recent History (RSARH), Center of Recent History Documentation of Volgograd Region (CRHDVO)). Analysis and Results. The initial idea of the representatives of governing bodies in Volgograd region to organize a university on the basis of Volgograd Polytechnic Institute did not find support from the leadership of the country in 1971. In 1972 it was decided to start organizing a new type of higher education institution for Volgograd, that is a classic university. This idea found support in Moscow, which was manifested in the resolutions of the Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee in 1973 and the USSR Council of Ministers and the RSFSR Council of Ministers in 1974. The necessity for creating appropriate educational and teaching resources and facilities, the manpower problem and insufficient funds led to postponing initially proposed dates for the University opening from 1974 to 1978, and then to 1980. The first admission of students in 1980 was in the building of a comprehensive school specially built for this purpose near the future University complex, the first building of which would be put into service only in 1983. The issue of the development of the young University was under the constant control of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR for many years. Only in March 1986 it was decided to discontinue supervision over the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR no. 561 of October 21, 1974.