September 22, 2010 - 18:34 AMT
Armenian and Hebrew language departments at Kayseri university inoperative because of staff problems

An Armenian language and literature department that opened this year at Erciyes University in Kayseri attracted only four students this year following university entrance exams, according to staff at the school. The low interest is also compounded by a difficulty in finding personnel to teach the subject matter.

Interest in the university’s Hebrew language and literature department was also similarly limited, with only nine applicants.

In response, the entrance requirements will be lowered to encourage more students, said Professor Metin Hulagu, Deputy Rector of Erciyes University.

The departments, however, have staff problems, said the deputy rector, adding that the university had arranged tenure for scholars from Yerevan and Athens to teach Armenian and Hebrew, but remained unable to proceed because of problems with the Finance Ministry, Anatolia News Agency reported.