History

The State School of Higher Education in Chełm was established on the basis of the Prime-Ministerial Decree of July 24^th, 2001.

In its first academic year, 210 students were enrolled in The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, offering two specializations: Teaching of Mathematics, and Mathematics with Computer Science. In October 2002, the number of students reached 600 people, and at present, the School comprises approximately 3000 students.

Every year has witnessed a consecutive growth in student numbers and programs offered. As a result, in 2002, The Institute of Modern Languages was established with two departments: English and German Language Studies. In 2008, The Institute was expanded to Slavic Language Studies. In October 2003, The Institute of Technical Sciences was inaugurated, having initially The Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics and the Mechanical Engineering, and in 2005, The Department of Electrical Engineering came into being. In 2011, the mentioned institute changed its name to The Institute of Technical Sciences and Aviation

The aim of the School authorities has been to create in Chełm an academic institution for all, those who are linguistically gifted and humanities minded as well as for those with technical skills and scientific orientation. Hence, in October 2004, a newly created Institute of Humanities launched studies in two specializations: Polish Language Studies and History. Two years later, in 2006, The Institute of Agricultural Sciences came into being offering a specialization in Agriculture. Further, on July 31^st, 2007, The State School of Higher Education was granted entitlements to conduct studies in Pedagogy. In 2010 range of studies was extended to International Relations. Additionally, the School has now expanded its offer to post-graduate studies. In 2014 the Institute of Medical Sciences was established with a faculty of Nursing. The PWSZ offer is also enriched with postgraduates studies.

The educational process would not be possible without proper teaching facilities. In the academic year of 2001/2002, the School faculty began their work teaching in rooms rented from the Technical High School in Chełm,  Rector’s Office was in  Chełm Public Library. In the following year, The Institute of Modern Languages started its work in a rented part of the Relax Hotel. One year later, the Institute moved to a newly refurbished building in 8b Wojsławicka Street, which was handed over to the School by the town authorities. General renovation has also been undertaken to the building in 54 Pocztowa Street, where the Rector’s Office now is. In addition, following the renovation , the State School has been enriched with a modern gym and a library.

In subsequent years, The State School of Higher Education  in Chelm acquired from the Chełm commune and the Agricultural Property Agency facilities in Depułtycze Nowe, which at present houses the Academic Centre of Cross-Border Cooperation, and in Depułtycze Królewskie, where the University training airfield is situated.

In 2004, the School also became the owner of a building in 3 Nowy Świat Street, where The Institute of Humanities and The Institute of Agricultural Sciences started to operate.

As early as 2002, The State School of Higher Education in Chełm procured state funds for the installation of a new computer room. The next step was the installation of a language laboratory and a further three computer rooms were then opened, one with 64 work stations. Technical laboratories were also newly equipped. Apart from the funds obtained from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the School also received grants from the EU.

Thanks to the funding, construction and equipping of The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science was undertaken. Other investments, which the State School authorities put a great emphasis on are: the Center of Engineering Studies, the University training airfield, Academic Centre of Cross-Border Cooperation and the dormitory.