Life Values of Universities in Russia and the Latest Trends in Their Transformation in the Globalizing World

Abstract

In this paper, we considered the current problems of the development of the concept of life values of Russian universities in the conditions of higher education’s globalization. We determined the conceptual value of this approach, outlined its institutional basis, characterized it, and analyzed and assessed the declarations of life values of Russian leading universities. We used the institutionalized provisions of the “Living Value” project, offered by the Great Charter of Universities and the designated principles of autonomy of universities, humanism, and combination and independence of the teaching and research work of the employees of higher education institutions. We also analysed official sources and statutory documents of the best Russian universities to reveal the positioning of their life values. We generalized and analyzed the conceptual provisions of the “Living Value” project and the level of its popularity among Russian universities, emphasized the relevance of globalization processes in higher education and the need for Russian universities to take them into account in the context of their development strategy and identified the level of universities’ interest in the positioning of life values and influence of this level on the value orientations of students and the future professional elite of the society. In many universities, especially RUDN University, the positioning of their values conforms to the vision of the Great Charter of Universities and covers the ideas of autonomy of higher education institutions, humanism, and development of moral values, quality of education, and quality professional training and creation of conditions for self-realization of students.