The meeting was dedicated to understanding the role of the Federal University in the past, present and future. Opening the lecture, Inna Konstantinovna noted that such meetings are becoming a good tradition: in the previous two years they were timed to coincide with the Day of Russian Science, and the current conversation arose from a desire to discuss the very concept of the university, its essence and role in the modern world.

"The topic of the university is endless, especially today, when we face new challenges, when the demands for education, the length of study, and the very understanding of why a university is needed are changing," the rector addressed the audience.

Inna Shevchenko emphasized that the university is a special environment where different disciplines, research schools and generations are combined, and new ideas and solutions appear regardless of time.

"The combination of total knowledge gives a person the opportunity to remain professionally successful in different historical, political, scientific and technological eras, even if his professional activity is changing," said the rector.

The Rector of SFedU also outlined seven key principles on which the identity of the federal university is based: scale, interdisciplinarity, openness, autonomy, international competition, big challenges, and sustainability in a competitive field.

Speaking about modern challenges, Inna Shevchenko touched upon the topic of cooperation with industrial partners. She stressed that today the university's big task and at the same time its ability is to take responsibility for the development of key technologies.

"We can't just wait for requests from industry or the government. We must shape the agenda ourselves, propose solutions, and take leadership in areas where we have competencies," Inna Shevchenko said.

Separately, the rector dwelled on the issue of interaction with applicants: "Today it is important how future students learn about the university, how the first contact is built. This is not only about career guidance, but also about trust, about understanding that the university is ready to listen to the requests of young people and their parents."

Concluding the lecture, Inna Shevchenko formulated three key principles on which, in her opinion, the development of a modern university should be based: firstly, the principle of diametrical inspection - the ability to evaluate oneself from the outside, attract independent expertise, see one's weaknesses and strengths through the eyes of external observers, and secondly, openness of management — transparency of processes decision-making, the involvement of the academic community and students in discussing key development issues, and thirdly, academic and scientific quality — the absolute priority of fundamental research and the quality of education as the basis of all transformations.

The second part of the meeting was traditionally devoted to answering questions from the audience. The students were interested in a variety of topics, from social interaction in the university environment to the role of historical and patriotic centers and student communities.

One of the questions concerned the title of the lecture, "Knowledge — freedom to act." The rector clarified: "It is important to add responsibility and usefulness to freedom. Knowledge without responsibility can be destructive, and our task is to make it serve creation."

Answering a question about the importance of student associations, the rector stressed: "The conscious activity of students is important, and it goes far beyond the university. We are ready to promote the development of any initiatives that help you realize yourself. I thank you for the energy you put into the life of the university."

At the same time, Inna Shevchenko added that it is important to maintain positivity, understanding of one's role and responsibility towards the university.

The students also asked how the university reacts to market changes, including in connection with the development of artificial intelligence. Inna Shevchenko spoke about the work of the digital department at SFedU, about new programs that are constantly developing.

"On the one hand, we are implementing digital competencies, on the other, we understand that flexible skills are no less important today. And here the university does not always have time to react with the speed with which the market is changing. But we try to keep our finger on the pulse and adjust the programs in dialogue with employers and you, our students," the rector emphasized.

The meeting confirmed that the format of an open dialogue with the rector remains in demand and significant for the university community.