"Rector's Entrance" ceremony for international students

The Rector's Entrance, a restored architectural landmark originally constructed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, holds a special place in the history of the Polotsk Collegium. Students walk through it twice in their academic journey: first as first-year students and then as graduates. A central element of the ceremony is the "Polotsk State University" book, where students inscribe their names twice – once at the start of their studies and again upon graduation.

Yury Ramanouski, the Rector of Polotsk University, addressed the international students with an inspiring message: "Today, you become part of a tradition that links the past, present, and future. It is through tradition that we can move forward with confidence, building our present on the foundation of past achievements. Today, you will sign your names in the book “Students of Polotsk State Universuty”, officially joining the great family of our students and alumni. This book will be preserved for generations, and perhaps years from now, your own children will visit this university and find your names within its pages. I wish you success on the journey ahead, and in three and a half years, I hope to see you pass through the Rector's Entrance once again – this time as our graduates".

Irina Pozdnyakova, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Economics: "Stay close and support one another, for you are far from your homes and families. It is only by standing together and helping each other that you will overcome any obstacle. Be passionate and get involved. Our faculty and the university at large offer countless opportunities, and we warmly invite you to participate. Make the most of every moment of your student life. You have what it takes to succeed. Believe in yourselves – because we believe in you. Stay healthy, be happy, and all the best on your journey"!

Alexsey Radyuk, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities: "Today is an important day in your educational journey. By symbolically passing through this door and signing the large commemorative book, you become part of the history of Polotsk University and full-fledged members of the student community. This is a tradition that has existed not just for a year or two, but for hundreds of years. Reflect on the meaning of this tradition that you are becoming part of today. You are truly writing your own page in history.

But most importantly, it is the story that you will write yourselves over these next three and a half years. You have already begun this journey, having successfully completed your first exam session. We closely follow your academic achievements and are delighted by your participation in student life. But this is only the beginning. A long path lies ahead of you. Over these three and a half years, you will become fully qualified specialists and professionals in your fields. Upon graduating, you will know Belarusian culture, you will return to Turkmenistan with a piece of Belarus in your hearts, you will remember our cold winters with warmth, and you will pass on the knowledge you have gained from our wonderful faculty to your communities".

After the ceremonial "Rector's Entrance," the students went on a tour of the Polotsk Collegium: they received words of wisdom from the "Wise Elder," visited the library reading room and the inner courtyard with its landmarks, and learned about the "Glorious Chronicle" project and the Rectors' Gallery.

A particular highlight was the "Wittgenstein Core". According to legend, during the storming of Polotsk in 1812 by the 1st Russian Infantry Corps under the command of General of Cavalry Peter Wittgenstein, a cannonball struck the wall of the Polotsk Jesuit Academy. However, it failed to explode – thanks to the fact that the fuse hole ended up embedded inside the wall.