Formation of Electoral Practice in the Academic Council of Novosibirsk State University (1959–1963)

The article analyzes the process of formation and activities of the Academic Council of Novosibirsk State University (NSU) in 1959-1963 at the stage of its acquisition and further expansion of electoral rights.Being a collegial body approved by the Ministry of Higher Education of the USSR, the Academic Council consisted of high-status scientists, mainly academicians and corresponding members, had the authority to form the structure of the NSU, teaching staff, and the direction of scientific development of the university.From 1959 to 1963, its membership grew from 25 participants to 57.According to the instructions, the Ministry reserved the right to appoint rectors, vice-rectors and heads of departments.However, in practice, the electoral powers of the Academic Council of NSU were expanded: in addition to being elected to teaching positions and titles, there were also elections of heads of departments, which was legally fixed by the Charter of NSU from 1960.The high degree of personnel communication between the Siberian Branch of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences and the new University made it possible to ensure the high scientific status of deans and heads of departments, a significant part of whom were members of the Academy of Sciences.The election of heads of faculties and departments, as well as teachers, took place on a competitive basis and, thanks to the atmosphere of corporate consent within the members of the Academic Council, there were no failures and violations in this system.The above provided a high level of democracy in the formation of the teaching staff, which created favorable career conditions for the younger generation of scientists and teachers of NSU.