Inauguration of the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw

Different perspectives converged in the Adam Mickiewicz Auditorium in Auditorium Maximum: the enthusiasm of new students, the experience of the University and Faculty authorities, the daily work of the academic community, and inspirations from invited guests. This ceremony is one of those moments when the continuity of the university community is particularly evident. For some, it marks another stage of work and study; for others, it is the first official encounter with a place that will shape their daily lives for years to come.

The ceremony began with the procession entering the Auditorium, comprising members of the Faculty Council, the Dean's College, and the Honorary Guest of the inauguration – Rafał Brzoska, President of InPost. The ceremony opened with the singing of the National Anthem and "Ode to Joy" performed by the University of Warsaw Choir. Subsequently, the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw, dr hab. Sławomir Żółtek, prof. ucz., welcomed the numerous members of the university community.

Among the most important guests, to whom special words of welcome were addressed, were representatives of the highest state and judicial authorities: the First President of the Supreme Court – Zbigniew Kapiński, the Commissioner for Human Rights – dr hab. Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram, prof. ucz., and the President of the Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Poland – Marek Miller. The Rectoral authorities of the University of Warsaw were represented by the Vice-Rectors: prof. dr hab. Ewa Krogulec, UW Vice-Rector for Development, prof. dr hab. Zygmunt Lalak, UW Vice-Rector for Research, dr hab. Maciej Raś, prof. ucz., UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education, and dr hab. Adam Niewiadomski, prof. ucz., UW Vice-Rector for Doctoral and Legal Affairs.

The Dean also welcomed representatives of legal self-government bodies, including the President of the National Council of Legal Advisers – Włodzimierz Chróścik, the President of the National Council of Enforcement Officers – Adam Derda, legal adviser Anna Sękowska – Dean of the Council of the Regional Chamber of Legal Advisers in Warsaw, and the President of the Council of the Notarial Chamber in Warsaw – notary Tomasz Karłowski. Words of welcome were also addressed to the Director-General of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Iskra, and the President of Polish State Railways – dr Alan Beroud. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Dean's College of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw: dr hab. Anna Zbiegień-Turzańska, prof. ucz., dr hab. Piotr Grzebyk, prof. ucz. and dr Andrzej Bielecki.

Following the official welcomes, the Dean congratulated those commencing their studies on their choice. In his speech, he emphasised the significance of this step, wishing the new students that their time at the University would not only be a period of acquiring knowledge but also of developing passions and building lasting relationships that would remain with them for a long time.

On behalf of the authorities of the University of Warsaw, prof. Ewa Krogulec delivered a speech. She congratulated the students on choosing our Faculty, highlighting the academic standing and tradition of the place where they were just beginning their journey. In turn, Marcin Iskra read a letter addressed to the academic community by the Minister of Science and Higher Education, dr Marcin Kulasek.

As an alumnus of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw, Director Iskra also shared a personal reflection on his own study years. He recalled how much the University contributed to his life – not only through outstanding lecturers but also through the friendships forged there. This personal dimension of the speech resonated particularly well on a day when everything was just beginning for the new students. He reminded them that the University is a space for encounters and experiences which, over time, become an extremely important part of one's own history.

Matriculation held a special place in the ceremony's programme. Taking the oath is a symbolic moment for first-year students to enter the community of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw. They pledged to diligently acquire knowledge, respect rights and customs, and uphold the dignity of a student. It is from this moment that their shared academic journey begins, marked by subsequent classes, examinations, and new challenges. This solemn point of the programme concluded with the performance of the song "Gaude Mater Polonia" by the UW Choir.

It is an academic tradition to open a new year with substantive reflection. The inaugural lecture, titled "Law. Weapon or Responsibility?", was delivered by entrepreneur and philanthropist Rafał Brzoska. His presentation offered a perspective on regulations from the standpoint of professional practice. The speaker demonstrated how law shapes daily business decisions, making students aware that the theory they are acquiring will have a very concrete dimension in the future. The titular question became the starting point for a discussion about the responsibility associated with applying the letter of the law. For many listeners, this was the first moment when learning so clearly intertwined with the experience of the professional world.

The subsequent speeches reminded us that studies also involve efficient organisation and student activity. The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw, and Head of the Didactic Unit, dr Andrzej Bielecki, provided key information regarding the course of studies. In turn, Igor Jędrzejczak, Chairman of the Board of the Student Government of the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw, noted that the life of the Faculty is created by the students themselves – their initiatives, energy, and mutual relations. Indeed, the academic community is built by everyone: those who teach and conduct research, those who study, and successive generations of alumni.

At the conclusion of the official part, the Dean wished the students that the University would be a place for them to experience good moments and discover themselves. The ceremony closed with the traditional "Gaudeamus Igitur" performed by the University of Warsaw Choir.

For the new students, 29 September was the first day of their history at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw. Years of learning, initial successes, and experiences that are still impossible to fully predict lie ahead of them. Perhaps in a dozen years, they will be looking back at these moments, telling how their own professional path began within the walls of our University.

The 2026/2027 academic year at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw, has been officially opened.