At the invitation of the Dean of the Faculty of Law at “Isa Boletini” University in Mitrovica, Prof. Dr. Islam Qerimi, a meeting was held yesterday between the management and academic staff of the Faculty of Law and its former students (ALUMNI).

The purpose of the meeting was to learn firsthand about the experiences of former students regarding the practical application of the knowledge they gained during their studies, the challenges they have faced in the labor market, and to discuss ways to improve the academic program in line with current professional needs.

The alumni shared their experiences working in state institutions, law offices, and other legal departments, emphasizing that the knowledge gained during their studies at the Faculty of Law provided a strong foundation for their professional development. However, they noted that there is still a gap between theory and practice, and called for an increase in practical training hours during studies to better prepare students for the real-world challenges of the legal profession.

Some former students highlighted that due to the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they did not have sufficient opportunities to participate in professional practice, which has affected their overall preparation. The management and academic staff acknowledged that this gap between theoretical education and practical experience is a known phenomenon even in other universities, and emphasized the need for concrete steps to reduce it.

In this regard, they informed the participants that for the past three years, clinical courses that include practical learning components have been integrated into the Faculty of Law’s curriculum. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to complete three-month professional internships in regional courts, thereby creating a direct bridge between academic knowledge and its practical application.

During the meeting, professors welcomed the suggestions and recommendations of the alumni, especially those related to the inclusion of professional practice through legal clinics and the use of up-to-date legal literature.

The alumni also emphasized that the faculty represents only the first step in their academic and professional careers, and that they have ambitions to pursue postgraduate studies at the master’s level, both domestically and abroad. They requested stronger collaboration between the faculty and the alumni network to facilitate better access to scholarships and other academic advancement opportunities.

The Dean and the faculty management assured the participants that a sustainable communication mechanism with alumni will be established, and informed them that a series of cooperation agreements have been reached with law faculties in the region and in European Union countries, which will allow interested students to pursue further studies through scholarships.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all parties – the management, academic staff, and former students – agreed that such meetings should continue to be held periodically, as they represent a valuable opportunity to improve and adapt study programs to the labor market demands for legal professionals in Kosovo.