Looking back at the history of the University of Latvia, we find ourselves more distant than the founding of the University on September 28, 1919. The creation of the University of Latvia is not a coincidence brought about by external historical circumstances – it is the result of Latvian intellectual maturity accumulated over many decades. The idea about creating a higher educational institution on the national level was put forward in the second half of the XIX century by social and cultural activists calling upon the Latvian people to strive for knowledge and aspire to qualitative education. Their calls were heard and fulfilled at the beginning of the 20 century.
The Latvian Teachers' and Education Workers' Congress that took place from 7th to June 13, 1917, in Tartu, Estonia, had a crucial role in putting the idea about national higher educational institutions into effect. The Congress set up the Higher School Committee with the philosopher Pauls Dāle as its first chairperson. On June 13, 1917, the resolution "About Latvian Higher School" was made public. It started one of the new University's fundamental defining principles – unity of humanities, natural and technical sciences as a requisite. The formation and foundation of the University of Latvia were brought about by the Higher School Committee, which consisted of P. Dāle, E. Felsbergs, J. Osis, P. Normals, E. Laube, Ā. Brutus, K. Kasparsons, and many other esteemed intellectuals. Several of them were among the first lecturers of the University of Latvia.
The University of Latvia (UL) was the first to present the opportunity to obtain higher education in the Latvian language. In its 12 faculties, students could study the humanities (including Theology), the exact sciences, and technical and natural sciences. The introduction of Latvian as the language of instruction did not mean that students of other nationalities were slighted. In the academic year 1937/38 out of the total of 6780 students that were studying in UL 86% were Latvians, 6.4% - Jewish, 3.8% - German, 2.8% - Russian, 0.4% - Polish, 0.3% Lithuanian, 0.3% - Estonian and 1% were students of other nationalities.
The University of Latvia, as an institution of higher education and science in Latvia, encouraged scientific research work, facilitated the spread of science among the people, and prepared highly qualified specialists following national necessities. Over time, new teaching staff and scientists grew up, and UL became part of international scientific life. In 1939, there were 13 900 people with higher education in Latvia, with 59% of them UL graduates. There were 30.1 students for every 10 000 people (in Sweden - 14.2).
World War II and all the entailed political upheavals in Latvia gave a heavy blow to the University of Latvia, discontinuing its development. During both occupations, the activities of the University were adjusted to suit the political agenda relevant at the time. Faculties were no longer active, members of the teaching staff were arrested and dismissed, students expelled. After the war, the University life was indoctrinated – under the Soviet occupation UL was reorganized in line with the model of other higher educational institutions of the USSR. However, the University of Latvia did not cease to exist. The University of Latvia has existed since September 28, 1919. It has never been liquidated or officially closed.
With the events signaling the awakening, the university teaching staff and students against the Soviet ideology became part of the Latvian national awakening movement. After the Republic of Latvia regained its independence, the events that caused significant changes in society were also influential regarding University life. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the University of Latvia's Constitution on September 18, 1991. This decision renewed the University of Latvia's attributes and symbols: the flag, the hymn, the Rector's chain, and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector, and deans, thus reinstating the traditions and returning to the Latvian language, history, and culture. After Latvia had regained its independence, radical changes took place in the process of accession to academic education at the University of Latvia, which being an academic institution, incorporates scientific research activities and study courses. The mission of the University was and remains the development and promotion of higher human values as well as their transfer to future generations, respecting the national language, culture, peculiarities, and needs of the development of Latvia.
The University of Latvia has preserved its primary goal – to be the center of the Latvian intellectual life by formulating new tasks and goals. At present new faculties and study programs have been created to improve the studies' quality by focusing on scientific research activities. Over the ninety years of its existence, from a higher school of a hundred lecturers with less than one thousand students, the University of Latvia has evolved into one of the leading Latvian higher educational institutions with approximately 22 thousand students 1,400 lecturers forming the teaching staff. The development of the University of Latvia is based on rich and extensive historical heritage and experience and is an ongoing process.
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