State management of higher education in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of crisis adaptations and systemic transformations

Methods. To decompose complex phenomena into components and their subsequent combination to form a holistic picture of the pandemic problem and its impact on higher education, methods of analysis and synthesis were used. In turn, methods of comparison and generalization were used to reveal the components of the impact on the educational process. Content analysis of regulatory documents made it possible to identify key decisions and the process of managing the educational process at the state level in the conditions of the pandemic. Results. State administration, represented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES) and other government structures, demonstrated relative efficiency in responding to the pandemic. During March 2020, several orders and letters were issued regarding the transition to distance learning, the organization of the educational process and the holding of sessions. These decisions were mainly directive, aimed at the rapid implementation of quarantine restrictions and ensuring the continuity of education. The pandemic has become a powerful catalyst for the digitalization of higher education. Higher education institutions have been forced to quickly adapt to the online format, massively implementing distance learning platforms (Moodle, Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and digital tools. The pandemic has affected the traditional roles of participants in the educational process: Teachers have become more flexible, have developed skills in working with digital tools, but have faced an increase in workload and the need to adapt teaching methods. Students have gained greater independence and responsibility for their own learning, but at the same time have experienced a lack of direct interaction, psychological fatigue, and reduced socialization. Novelty. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in the comprehensive and multifaceted analysis of a specific period of the functioning of the higher education system of Ukraine, which allows us to identify unique aspects and consequences. Practical value. Development of crisis response strategies: The study provides substantiated data on the effectiveness and shortcomings of management decisions during the pandemic. This will allow developing clearer, more flexible and systematic strategies for responding to similar emergencies in the future (for example, military conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters). Optimization of the regulatory framework: The identified problems and successes in the implementation of distance learning can become the basis for making changes to the legislation and regulations in the educational process, regarding the flexibility of learning format, accreditation of online programs and quality standards for distance education. Investment planning: The results of the study indicate the need for investments in the digital infrastructure of higher education institutions, the development of platforms for distance learning and improving the digital competence of teachers and students at the state level.