During the period of full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians found themselves abroad, including many of our students and lecturers. Consequently, it is crucial to address the issue of ensuring full participation in the educational process for students who, for various reasons, cannot attend classes in KNEU classrooms. We are considering a hybrid format, where some students are physically present in the classroom while others, due to objective reasons, participate online.Using only a laptop and projector does not create the effect of full presence due to inadequate sound and video coverage. To technically address this problem, classrooms need to be equipped with specialized video conferencing systems. The most basic systems include a webcam and speakerphone in addition to a laptop and projector. These technological tools enable online students to fully participate in classroom activities. They can see and hear what is happening in the classroom, and conversely, students in the classroom and the teacher can communicate effectively with the online students.

As in many other cases, partners from Philipps Universität Marburg (UM) provided invaluable assistance.The support from our German colleagues at UM is a clear manifestation of the academic solidarity of our partners in the state of Hesse with their Ukrainian counterparts. Since 2022, thanks to the efforts and fruitful cooperation of Professor Elisabeth Schulte and other colleagues from Marburg, dozens of our students have had the opportunity for inclusive studies through Erasmus and DAAD programs.

UM has graciously provided access to the ILIAS online platform,for our students and teachers, significantly aiding the continuity of the educational process despite frequent power outages. More than a hundred KNEU students in Ukraine have received financial support in the form of online scholarships. Additionally, as part of joint projects, a significant number of our teachers have also received financial support and technical resources to facilitate the educational process.

Therefore, thanks to the support of UM, as well as the tireless work of the guarantor  of the EP "Corporate Finance", Assoc. Prof. Iryna Ivanets, today  we have modern logitech conferencecam webcams, which provide surround sound, as well as support wireless screen mirroring. In addition, communication during classes is greatly facilitated thanks to modern JABRA speakerphones. This support was provided through the implementation of an international project from Hessisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst and the program "Brückenprogramm Hessen-Ukraine", which is implemented in partnership with UM. The technical equipment received from German partners is already used both during classes and in the process of defending diploma theses, holding scientific conferences with PhD students, and other hybrid "off-online" events, including methodological meetings of the Department of Corporate Finance and Controlling.

For all students of the bachelor's programs "Corporate Finance" and "Investment Management", as well as master's programs "Financial Management and Controlling" and "Investment Management", as well as for all students of KNEU and our colleagues, thanks to the invaluable support of colleagues from UM, we have unique opportunities to ensure high-quality educational and scientific work within the walls of KNEU. 

Many thanks for the solidarity and support in these difficult times for Ukraine.

Herzlichen Dank, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen!