CIVIL PROTECTION OF STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN TODAY’S REALITIES

The article analyzes the state of the system of civil protection of students of higher education in the conditions of modern challenges caused by large-scale aggression against Ukraine, as well as frequent threats of a man-made and natural nature. The need to integrate civil protection measures into the educational environment of higher education institutions as a mandatory component of ensuring safety, preserving the life and health of students, and the continuity of the educational process is substantiated. The regulatory and legal principles of organizing civil defense in higher education institutions are considered, in particular, the functioning of the subsystem of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine as part of the unified state civil defense system, in accordance with the Civil Defense Code of Ukraine and Order No. 1400. The practical experience of universities operating under martial law is covered in detail, in particular, measures to prepare shelters, organize evacuation training, and conduct training sessions in the air alarm mode. Particular attention is paid to pedagogical aspects - the content and methods of teaching the disciplines "Civil Defense" and "Life Safety", the motivation of students to master the knowledge and skills of action in emergency situations, as well as the formation of a general safety culture. The challenges faced by higher education institutions are analyzed: the lack of modern shelters, the vagueness of the regulatory framework regarding wartime, insufficient readiness of the teaching staff, as well as the psychological stress of student youth. The role of higher education institutions as active subjects of the formation of a sustainable educational system capable of adapting to crisis conditions, providing protection and preparing students for safe behavior is highlighted. Conclusions are drawn regarding the need to update approaches to civil defense training, expand the regulatory framework, improve infrastructure and psychological and pedagogical support for students. The prospects for further research are identified as the development of criteria for a safe educational environment in higher education institutions, improving the content and forms of training on civil defense issues, developing mechanisms of institutional responsibility for the safety of students.