Role of the All-Union Committee for Higher School Affairs under the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR in organizing the activities of higher education institutions during the Axis aggression repelling (1941–1942)

This article is devoted to the activities of the All-Union Committee for Higher School Affairs under the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR in organising the activities of higher education institutions during the Axis aggression repelling. However, it does not cover the entire war period, but only the most difficult years for the country and the higher education system, 1941–1942. It was at this time when a large number of teachers, staff and senior students were mobilized and volunteered for the Red Army, and the evacuation of higher educational institutions to the deep rear began and took place throughout the 2nd half of 1941. Administrative and educational buildings, as well as dormitories, were, for military needs, almost everywhere seized from institutions that had remained in place. The educational process was accompanied by the diversion of teachers and students to the units of popular regimentation, to building of defensive structures, to fuel procurement, assistance to the wounded, etc. A number of institutions and, above all, medical ones had introduced a shortened period of study. Nevertheless, in 1942, with the measures taken, the Committee for Higher School was able not only to preserve the higher education system, but also to adapt it to wartime conditions. The main departments of educational institutions that were part of the structure of People’s Commissariats, made a great contribution to organising educational process. As a result, new disciplines and specialties were introduced, and scientific developments in higher education institutions were aimed at meeting the needs of the Red Army and defence enterprises, as well as the treatment of the wounded and the civilian population. The system of training highly qualified personnel was maintained, the Higher Attestation Commission not only continued to work, but also increased the number of councils in institutions that received the right to award academic degrees. All this created the basis for the development of the system of higher education institutions and the training of qualified personnel in military conditions.