Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In 2025, the Student Trade Union of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University celebrates its anniversary. For 60 years, the Student Trade Union (PROF) has remained an integral part of university life, uniting active, proactive, and caring students.
Historical path: from the foundation to strengthening the role of student government
The student trade union was founded on November 16, 1965, when the idea of a separate student body capable of representing student interests was first voiced at the M. I. Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnic Institute's trade union report and election conference. Thus, an independent body—the LPI Student Trade Union—came into being.
From its first years of operation, the Trade Union took on the task of improving students' living conditions: sports and cultural initiatives were developed, the infrastructure of dormitories and cafeterias was improved, and a system of student self-government was formed.
Over the years, the organization has experienced various eras—from the development of traditions and strengthening of its material base in the 1970s and 1980s to its anti-crisis leadership in the 1990s, when the Trade Union became an important voice for students during a period of transformation. In the early 2000s, the Trade Union gained new momentum—modern work formats emerged, an emphasis on developing youth initiatives and student associations, and expanded opportunities for creativity, recreation, and self-realization.
Today, PROF SPbPU is the largest student organization in Northwest Russia.
Today, PROF is one of the largest student organizations in the region and the largest trade union for students in Northwest Russia. It is an independent, non-political, and non-profit organization working exclusively in the interests of students.
PROF's main goal is to be a support system for every student: to protect their rights, provide opportunities, assist in difficult situations, and create conditions for a fulfilling student life.
Key areas of work of PROF
Representation and protection of students' interests Creation and support of university events Organisation of student recreation Support of student associations
A modern PROF is not just a trade union in the classical sense, but also an entire ecosystem of five services:
PROF.help — financial and legal assistance, support in difficult situations, IT developments (including "Digital Pelican"). PROF.life — recreation and leisure activities at the Polytechnic University, health improvement, partner bonuses. PROF.event — creation of large-scale university-level events and competitions, training for organizers, and assistance with the implementation of student projects. PROF.edu — informal education, soft skills development, internships, career support, and educational projects. PROF.union — support for student associations, creation of new clubs and communities.
In recent years, PROF has initiated significant changes at the university:
Reintroducing mandatory winter breaks after winter midterm assessments; successfully and repeatedly promoting initiatives to increase stipends; sending contract students on vacation; ensuring that final qualifying work and coursework are submitted electronically; reinstating the PGAS for first-year master's students; combining the PGAS with the basic stipend and grading it.
PROF is about people. The union exists thanks to a team of students who want to change life at the university for the better. Being a PROF member means participating in major projects, receiving support, making friends, creating your own student community, and having a voice at the university level.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.