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Radka_M_Havlikova_bez_pozadí.jpgShe was elected to the new role of ombudsman, as introduced by the FJFI Statute, in a secret vote among the students and employees of the faculty. Radka Mika Havlíková. She connected her journey with the faculty in 1994 when she joined as a student in the Physical Engineering field. Finally, she graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's in Laser Technology and Optoelectronics. Today she works in the team of Associate Professor Piny and, at the same time, holds the post of secretary of the Department of Physical Electronics.

Radka Mika Havlíková was appointed to the position of ombudsman by the dean of the faculty on 4/25/2023 after approval by the FJFI academic senate.

We also present a short interview, which took place shortly after the election, about expectations and plans for the new role of the ombudsman.

 

The faculty introduced the ombudsman role in the new FJFI Statute approved on 10/26/2022. You are the first elected public defender of rights at FJFI. How do you perceive it? Are you looking forward to it or feeling the pressure and high expectations instead?

Certainly not pressure. Expectation yes. After all, as you mentioned, this is an entirely new position, so everyone (and rightly) is curious about how I will deal with it and whether I will have anything to offer at all. Am I looking forward to it? Well, it's a challenge.

What are you planning to start? People may not know in which situations they should turn to you.

First of all, I would like to prepare a website to explain my current ideas for this role. I say current on purpose because even I do not know now what problems I will face. So my approach will naturally evolve. At the same time, I would like to present my vision to the vice deans and heads of departments. They can go a long way in spreading awareness about this new option, and at the same time, they can give me critical feedback, at least initially. After all, they may already be solving problems that I can help with.

As I stated during the campaign, I understand the ombudsman as someone who will listen and advise in any situation you need help and don't know who else to turn to.

You have known the faculty for a long time. You have been there both as a student and as an employee. Have you encountered any cases in the past when you or someone close to you would have used the work of the ombudsman?

Yes, and more than once. It was also one of the reasons why I finally agreed to run for an ombudsman.

If we look back again, you have been at the faculty for over 20 years. Can a person still be objective after such a time?

Just after such a time! After all, objectivity should grow with the amount of information. By stepping out (albeit temporarily) from the academic world, I hope to have a healthy level of perspective. And because I spent my student years at the faculty, all my maternity breaks and was involved in scientific and administrative work, I understand everyone's concerns across the entire faculty.

With the new  Vice Dean for Studies, many students expressed their opinion about the teaching, and some changes occurred. Nevertheless, it is sometimes heard in the ranks, especially among female students, that only some things can be solved with the vice dean. It can therefore be expected that female students or employees who have encountered gender inaccuracy will come to you. Do you see the advantage of being a woman in this, or do you perceive possible risks?

It is an advantage. Some things are difficult to explain to men, regardless of how much we try.

But you mentioned study issues. As colleague Jex said in his campaign, it can be expected that issues of equality and fairness will not only be gendered. The demands of studying at our faculty are high, which is why, after all, students apply here, but no one should feel that they are wronged. Precisely because of the difficulty of the study itself, we need a transparent environment where students can rely on the system and not the other way around. I will be happy to help interpret concerns from among the students towards the management of the faculty so that things can be discussed at his level. By the way: I really appreciate the attitude of the faculty leadership, which makes it clear that it is open to any dialogue and ready to make changes that we can broadly agree on and that will be understood as meaningful.

The role of the ombudsman is not primarily to find specific solutions but, above all, to arrange a dialogue between the conflicting parties, to support them in their efforts to solve problems, and, if necessary, to investigate independently received suggestions. It reminds me a little of the role of a mother – to calm down, listen to both sides and find a solution together. Do you have a secret recipe for coping?

Empathy. To satisfy all community members, their basic needs must be understood and met. Without understanding, the just-mentioned feelings of grievance, hurt, and loneliness arise, and the chances of a compromise agreement decrease considerably.

And now, just one last question. How do you relieve stress? You will definitely need a vent in a new role and with the expectations placed on you. What works for you?

Silence? It is the most precious to me. I love jogging in the morning when the world is waking up to a new day. But I don't have time for that now, so at least I walk part of the way to and from work. Fortunately, we live on the northern outskirts of Prague, so there is no shortage of uncrowded routes away from traffic.

And best friends. Even the ombudsman needs someone to talk to.

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