FAQ

What is USOS-web?

USOS-web is the online web portal of the University Study Support System (USOS) designed for students and academic staff. To log in to GMU USOS-web, a university domain email account and prior registration with CUI UMG are required.

What is ILIAS?

An online e-learning platform where Gdynia Maritime University lecturers publish course materials for students. Students can access materials after creating and activating an ILIAS account.

Is there a university student email account?

Yes, Gdynia Maritime University students can set up a university email account (format: j.smith@student.umg.edu.pl). Additionally, GMU students have access to Microsoft Office 365 and the eduroam wireless network.

What foreign languages do students learn at Gdynia Maritime University?

All students are required to study English.

Can students study abroad or participate in international scholarship exchanges?

Gdynia Maritime University participates in the Erasmus+ programme. Under this programme, GMU students can complete part of their studies at partner universities, or undertake a traineeship or work placement in participating countries. Study mobility is offered for a period of 3 to 12 months, and traineeships/placements for 2 to 12 months. Information is posted on faculty noticeboards across the University and outside the International Cooperation Office. In addition, Erasmus+ Faculty Coordinators provide comprehensive information within each faculty.

To participate in an exchange scholarship, the following criteria must be met:

• Be an enrolled student of Gdynia Maritime University;
• Have completed year 1 of studies;
• Hold a high grade point average;
• Demonstrate fluency in English, German, Spanish, or Italian (depending on the destination university);
• Be able to cover living expenses during the scholarship period.

Under the Erasmus+ programme, students may travel abroad for study, whereas traineeships and work placements are currently offered exclusively to students of the Faculty of Navigation. More information on the programme: https://umg.edu.pl/en/erasmusplus

What scholarships or financial support can I apply for during my studies at Gdynia Maritime University?

A Gdynia Maritime University student may apply for financial support in the form of: a maintenance grant, a grant for students with disabilities, a Rector’s scholarship, and a one-off grant. In particularly justified cases, a student may receive an increased amount maintenance grant. More information: https://umg.edu.pl/stypendia

Do Gdynia Maritime University students have to complete student work placements?

Yes, students on all full-time degree programmes undertake compulsory work placements. Students on maritime programmes complete sea training on GMU training vessels and commercial merchant fleet vessels.

What are Dean's hours and Rector's hours?

These are hours designated free from classes by the Rector or the Dean of a given faculty. They are granted to allow students to participate in significant university events or initiatives.

Is lecture attendance compulsory?

Lecture attendance is not generally compulsory. The exception applies to lectures for course units delivered under the STCW Convention, where attendance is systematically verified. Under the Academic Rules and Regulations: "Students on maritime degree programmes subject to the STCW Convention are required to participate in all forms of teaching in conventional subjects, regardless of their year of study."

What is the STCW Convention?

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) sets uniform global requirements for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers. The STCW Convention applies to students enrolled in maritime programmes. Programme modules covered by the Convention are compulsory.

What is a ‘zero exam’ (zerówka)?

An examination held before the official start of the examination period. The date is set by the module examiner/lecturer. Sitting a ‘zero exam’ is optional; however, passing it enables students to complete the semester assessments earlier.

What is the difference between practical classes and laboratory sessions?

Practical classes (ćwiczenia) form the core mode of instruction alongside lectures, aiming to consolidate and expand on theoretical topics delivered during lectures. Laboratory sessions (laboratoria) are hands-on practical classes involving independent testing of hypotheses, scientific investigations, measurements, or the completion of specific technical projects.

When must I choose a dissertation supervisor?

Students choose a dissertation supervisor during their second year of study. Under the Academic Rules and Regulations: "A dissertation written as part of a master’s (second-cycle) programme may be supervised by a member of academic staff holding the academic title of professor, a postdoctoral degree (doktor habilitowany), or a member of academic staff employed in the post of associate professor; on first-cycle programmes, dissertations may also be supervised by an academic teacher holding a doctoral degree (doktor)."

What are academic consultations, and where can I find information on when and where they take place?

These are dedicated office hours held by GMU academic staff during which students may discuss academic questions, module progress, or queries. Lecturers announce consultation schedules during the first session of the module. Schedules are also displayed on faculty noticeboards and websites. Consultations are typically held in the lecturer’s office within the faculty.

What are the principal regulations governing students?

• The Student Code of Ethics;
• University regulations: https://umg.edu.pl/en/regulations

Who is the year prefect (starosta), and what are their duties?

A prefect is a student elected by peers to represent the student group. The year prefect acts in the academic interest of the cohort, assisting with coordination such as scheduling end-of-semester assessments (kolokwia), arranging assessment dates, and dividing student groups. Serving in this role develops organisational knowledge, institutional insight, and effective communication skills.

What is the examination period (sesja), and when does it take place?

The examination period (sesja) is a timetabled assessment block at the end of each semester (usually in January/February and June) dedicated to formal examinations. Timetabled classes do not run during this period. The regular examination period is followed by an examination resit period.

What is matriculation?

Matriculation is the formal act of admission into the student body of Gdynia Maritime University and the acquisition of student rights. Matriculation officially takes effect upon signing the student oath; student rights cannot be exercised before this signing.

Under what circumstances can a student be removed from the register of students?

1. Under Article 21(2) of the Academic Rules and Regulations, the Dean removes a student from the register of students in cases of :
   • Failure to take up studies;
   • Formal resignation from studies;
   • Failure to submit a dissertation or sit the final diploma examination by the specified deadline;
   • Disciplinary expulsion from the University.
2. Under Article 21(3), the Dean may remove a student from the register in cases of :
   • Lack of academic progress, confirmed when a student fails a repeated programme module more than once;
   • Failure to attend compulsory classes (e.g., STCW ‘conventional’ course units);
   • Failure to complete a semester or year of study within the established timeframe;
   • Non-payment of statutory fees associated with the delivery of the programme;
   • Failure to formally take up studies, where, within four consecutive weeks from the start of the semester, the student has not confirmed the taking of the oath in writing or does not attend timetabled classes (unjustified absences from lectures, practical classes, laboratories, or project sessions).

Can I lose my student status?

Yes. Student status denotes enrolment as a student at the University and the enjoyment of all associated statutory rights. A person admitted to study commences the programme and acquires student rights upon signing the oath. Student status terminates upon graduation or upon removal from the register of students.

What must I do to secure a place in a student residence (SDM)?

Following confirmation of admission, students must submit an application for accommodation to their faculty Student Services Office (Dziekanat). Gdynia Maritime University maintains approximately 650 places across three student residences (Studenckie Domy Marynarza).

How much does a place in a student residence hall (SDM) cost?

Under the accommodation fee schedule effective from the 2021/2022 academic year, standard monthly accommodation in a GMU student residence hall is PLN 380.00.

What does the Gdynia Maritime University Student Parliament do?

The GMU Student Parliament is the university-level representative governing body of the Student Council. The Parliament represents all students before University authorities and safeguards student interests and welfare. Representatives of the Student Parliament sit on the Senate, the University Council, and multiple university committees, contributing directly to institutional governance. The Student Parliament organises events such as fresher initiations (otrzęsiny), the Gdynia Student Festival (Delfinalia), competitions, and student activities. The Parliament is a member of nationwide bodies including the Students' Parliament of the Republic of Poland (PSRP) and the Forum of Technical Universities (FUT). The Student Parliament Office is located in room B412.

Can I become a member of the GMU Student Parliament?

Every GMU student is eligible to run for membership in the GMU Student Parliament. The parliamentary term of office lasts two years and is preceded by elections. If a member completes their studies during the term, by-elections are held. To become a member, students submit their candidacy to the Student Electoral Commission following the election call and contest the election within their faculty.

What other student organisations can I join?

All GMU students can get involved in university student associations and societies, including:

• Student scientific societies (koła naukowe);
• The GMU Academic Choir ;
• The GMU Guard of Honour (Kompania Reprezentacyjna);
• Maritime associations;
• Sports clubs and sections.

What does the Careers Office do?

The Careers Office establishes and maintains institutional links with employers to secure employment, internship, and graduate training opportunities for Gdynia Maritime University students. It also provides CV and application guidance and interview coaching. The office collaborates with GMU alumni associations to involve graduates in institutional development and university promotion. The Careers Office is located in room B-118.

How should students address academic staff?

Academic etiquette and traditional titles should be observed:

• Academic titles and degrees can be verified in the staff directory on the University website or on office doors.
• Staff holding a doctoral degree are addressed as ‘Doctor’(Panie Doktorze / Pani Doktor), and those holding professorial rank as ‘Professor’ (Panie Profesorze / Pani Profesor).
• If an academic teacher serving in a faculty leadership role is running the class, it is customary to address them as ‘Dean’  (Panie Dziekanie / Pani Dziekan); if they serve as Rector or Deputy Rector, they are addressed as ‘Rector’ (Panie Rektorze / Pani Rektor).

What are ECTS credits?

ECTS credits are defined under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System as a measure of the average volume of student workload required to achieve defined learning outcomes. Each course unit delivered in a given semester is allocated a specific number of credits. To complete a standard semester, a student must obtain 30 ECTS credits.

What is a credit deficit?

A credit deficit is the total number of ECTS credits from failed modules that remain to be completed. Provided this total falls within the limit determined by the Dean (between 8 and 14 ECTS credits), a student may apply for conditional registration for the subsequent semester. A credit deficit is not permitted in the final semester of study.

Who is entitled to wear the university uniform?

Gdynia Maritime University is a civilian uniformed institution. Students on maritime degree programmes wear the official uniform starting from their second year of study. Students serving in the GMU Guard of Honour, the GMU Student Parliament, or the GMU Academic Choir are also entitled to wear the university uniform.

Who can I turn to if I have a problem?

Depending on the issue, students should initially consult their Academic Year Tutor (opiekun roku), who is introduced during orientation sessions on the first day at the University. In each faculty, the Dean appoints three Deputy Deans. Students may consult the appropriate Deputy Dean (e.g., for Education or Student Affairs) during their scheduled office hours.