The FINANCIAL — Caucasus University (CU) has handed out 462 laptops in total to all of its freshmen students. The university’s administration told reporter Levan Lomtadze that it was a very important gesture but at the same time a big financial burden, especially in this period of financial instability.
“Despite the current economic situation we are keeping our promise and giving out laptops to all of our freshmen. This campaign was the first of its kind in Georgia. Because of the war the containers carrying the laptops were actually stuck in Poti Port. We received them in October, but wanted to give them as presents for the New Year. If the financial situation worsens I doubt that next year we will be able to repeat this campaign though unfortunately. Everything will depend on how things develop in the country,” says Kakha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University.
“When you study at CU you need to have permanent access to a computer. In subjects such as Corporate Finance, Data Analysis, Financial Accounting and others students need to have a laptop. CU has added School of Technology where students are constantly using computers. We gave our students laptops in order to make it easier for them to study. Of course it was a huge burden for CU from a financial point of view, but the satisfaction and success of our students is most important. At CU we provide the best quality service that needs constant development,” states Tiko Gugberidze, Director of Marketing and PR Department.
The awarding ceremony of CU’s freshmen took place at the Sheraton Metekhi Palace Hotel. The freshmen of CU’s Caucasus School of Business, Caucasus School of Law, Caucasus School of Media, and Caucasus School of Technology received laptops of the model HP 550, with Core 2 Duo Processors.
In the frame of its marketing campaign, Caucasus University had announced that all applicants who became freshmen of Caucasus University would be given a laptop. Students should have received the laptops in September, but due to the Georgia-Russia war the shipment of laptops was delayed.
“This fact is really very important, as in spite of the financial crisis worldwide Caucasus University continues to care about its customers and makes their wishes come true at New Year,” explains the Director of Marketing and PR Department of CU.
“Taking into account that studying costs have increased throughout the country, I think this kind of present from the university is justified. We need laptops to be able to study normally and now it’ll be that much easier,” claims a CSB student.
“We knew that it would be a nice move from a marketing point of view. The university intended to attract the best students. Huge effort was put into it and I think we managed to succeed in satisfying our student’s needs,” Tiko Gugberidze told The FINANCIAL.
In total 462 freshmen received laptops: 270 from Caucasus School of Business (CSB), 145 from Caucasus School of Law (CSL), 30 from Caucasus School of Media (CSM) and 17 from Caucasus School of Technology (CST). Tuition at each of these institutions costs students GEL 6,900.
“The cost of the laptops wasn’t included in the studying price and so was covered by CU administration. GEL 6,900 is the kind of competitive price that a university should have. This price is the same as that of our main competitor on the market,” says Gugberidze.
Caucasus School of Business was founded in the year 1998 in partnership with Georgia State University (Atlanta, USA). In 2004 on the basis of Caucasus School of Business Caucasus University was founded. Today Caucasus University has 6 schools: School of Business; School of Law; School of Media; School of Technology; School of Governance; School of Humanities.
CU has partner relationships and exchange programmes with leading schools and universities worldwide: Georgia State University (USA); Grenoble Graduate School of Management (France); Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration (Latvia); Ajou University (Korea), ITESM (Mexico), and many others.
Caucasus University has CEEMAN (Central and Eastern European Management Development Association) accreditation. CSB is a member of BMDA (Baltic Management Development Association, EFMD (European Management Development Association), NIBES (Network of International Business and Economics Schools).
Written By Levan Lomtadze
