Adyghe State University Welcomes Over 850 First-Year Students for the 2026 Academic Year

Students admitted to state-funded places across all modes of study for the 2026 academic year have officially begun their studies. A ceremonial assembly was held in the courtyard of Adyghe State University's main building. Following a long-standing tradition, the academic year commenced with the raising of the university flag—an honorable mission consistently entrusted to student leaders and actively engaged, high-achieving students. This year, the honor was bestowed upon Donat Gadagatel, Deputy Chair of the ASU Student Union and winner of the first season of the All-Russian competition "Rosmolodezh.Grants-2026," representing the ASU Student Scientific Society; Azamat Chitaov, recipient of a Russian Government scholarship and winner and runner-up of multiple international and All-Russian competitions; Ivan Vodnev, a multiple champion of the Southern Federal District in track and field; and Kamilla Mubarakshina, Head of the Media Department of the ASU Students' and Graduate Students' Union.

The event featured a welcoming address by ASU Rector Daud Mamiy.

"Your student years will be spent at Adyghe State University—an institution widely recognized across southern Russia and throughout the Russian Federation, with a rich and distinguished history, and one that takes great pride in its faculty, students, and alumni. The years ahead promise to be fascinating, fulfilling, and challenging. Yet I am confident that each of you, upon receiving your diploma, will look back with fondness and without regret on your time at ASU. I congratulate you on this wonderful day and wish you the greatest success in your academic journey," he remarked.

The ceremony's hosts reminded first-year students that ASU constitutes an entire campus, comprising over twenty buildings—including academic facilities, dormitories, and sports complexes. The university hosts dozens of diverse events for young people each year. Notably, ASU ranks among the top 100 Russian universities participating in the Priority 2030 development program, affording students access to a wide array of events, projects, and initiatives.

The central ritual of the assembly was the initiation ceremony for the newly inducted students of Adyghe State University. Ksenia Koryukova and Egor Ryzhenko delivered the student oath on behalf of their fellow first-year cohort. Following the oath, they were presented with symbolic student ID cards by Polina Dorokhova, "Miss ASU 2026," and Kenedy Liebing, "Mr. ASU 2026."

Following the assembly, the new students proceeded to their respective classrooms across the university for introductory orientation sessions. During these meetings, they had the opportunity to connect with their teachers, researchers, curators, and tutors—all of whom will play an integral role in helping the newcomers acclimate to university life and settle in more smoothly.