On March 14 and 15, 2026, the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” held Opens Doors Days, organized by the Faculty Student Council in collaboration with the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication. The initiative brought together prospective students, high school students, parents, and anyone interested in studying journalism, public relations, publishing, and communication management.
The event was opened by the Chair of the Faculty Student Council, Vasilena Grigorova, who welcomed the attendees and gave the floor to the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Prof. Dr. Veselina Valkanova, for the opening remarks.

In her address, Prof. Valkanova noted that the initiative is being held for the seventh consecutive year and has already established itself as an important gathering between the academic staff of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication and its prospective students. The dean highlighted the history and academic tradition of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication and Sofia University, recalling the symbolic significance of the faculty building and its role in the early days of higher education in Bulgaria. The Dean also noted that the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication has been an independent unit of Sofia University since 1974, and its oldest program—"Journalism"—is 74 years old. She presented the academic profiles of teaching and research at the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication and their significance in contemporary social processes.
 
Prof. Valkanova also highlighted the role of the academic environment as a space that provides not only knowledge and professional training, but also spirit, connections, a worldview, and a sense of belonging to the university community. She also noted that the faculty employs 45 full-time faculty members, and the team includes more than 150 adjunct faculty members and practitioners, as well as colleagues from seven other faculties at Sofia University.

Prof. Valkanova also drew attention to the challenges of today’s media and communications environment, marked by disinformation, manipulation, and propaganda, as well as to the responsibility of young people who choose to pursue careers in this field. She also emphasized the importance of balancing fundamental theoretical training with practical education, noting that the faculty holds the highest accreditation rating in its professional field in the country, a national leader in the Bulgarian Higher Education Institution Ranking System, and the sole leader or Bulgarian representative in a number of international ranking systems.

At the end of her address, Prof. Valkanova also presented the opportunities the faculty offers across the three educational levels; prospective students were introduced to the bachelor’s programs, the specific features of the individual fields of study, and the opportunities for training and professional development. Information on admissions, the academic process, practical training, and career opportunities was presented by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Prof. Dr. Nikolay Mihaylov, Prof. Dr. Svetlozar Kirilov, Prof. Dr. Simeon Vasilev, Assistant Prof. Dr. Victoria Biserova, Assistant Prof. Dr. Irina Garkova, Assistant Prof. Dr. Nikolay Kolev, and Assistant Prof. Lora Turkova. The meeting was also attended by the directors of Radio Alma Mater and Alma Mater TV, as well as other representatives of the academic community.

Prospective students also toured part of the educational facilities—lecture halls, computer labs, newsrooms, studios, and editorial spaces—where students acquire practical skills during their studies.

The initiative continued on March 15 in an online format with a Zoom meeting, which allowed prospective students from across the country to participate remotely and receive information about the majors, the curriculum, and the career prospects offered by the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication.

We look forward to welcoming our future colleagues and wish them inspiration, confidence, and much success.