Here stands the Wydział Ogrodnictwa i Biotechnologii, Wydział Socjologii i Pedagogiki. It is more than just a building. It is a center of learning and growth. This is where the future of horticulture, biotechnology, sociology, and pedagogy takes root.
The Wydział Ogrodnictwa i Biotechnologii, Wydział Socjologii i Pedagogiki has a rich history. Its story began with the Wydział Ogrodniczy Towarzystwa Kursów Naukowych. This was the seed from which the modern faculty grew. The organizational meeting took place on June 14, 1913. Piotr Hoser was chosen as dean. Studies began on October 1, 1913. The faculty transformed into the Wyższa Szkoła Ogrodnicza in 1916. Włodzimierz Gorjaczkowski was the school’s director throughout its existence.
Maciej Rataj established the Wydział Ogrodniczy at SGGW on March 18, 1921. Stefan Biedrzycki became the first dean. The faculty started with five departments. These included Physics, Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Agricultural Machinery. Also included were Horticulture and Plant Pathology.
Of these original departments at Wydział Ogrodnictwa i Biotechnologii, Wydział Socjologii i Pedagogiki, only Genetics, Pomology, and Phytopathology still exist. Preparations to create the Wydział Ogrodniczy began earlier. The Wydział effectively began operating in the academic year 1920/1921. It started as a Horticultural Study Program within the Agricultural Faculty.
In December 1920, the Rector reported that the Minister of Religious Denominations agreed to open the Wydział Ogrodniczy. The Wyższa Szkoła Ogrodnicza gave its scientific resources and gardens to the new faculty. In 1920/1921, the Wydział had 28 students.
In 1922, the Department of Vegetable Production was created. Kazimierz Bassalik led the Department of Plant Physiology. The Department of Physics moved to the Faculty of Forestry. The Department of Soil Science moved to the Wydział Ogrodniczy.
From 1923, graduates received the degree of engineer of horticultural sciences. This followed a change from a three-year to a four-year course of study. In 1924, the Department of Cultivation and Fertilization of Soil was established. The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics was also created.
Between 1929 and 1934, the Wydział gradually moved to buildings on Rakowiecka Street. The Department of Landscape Architecture and Park Science was established in 1930. Roman Kobendza became head of the Dendrological Workshop. Aniela Kozłowska led the Department of Geography of Useful Plants.
During World War II, the Germans occupied the University buildings. They began looting property. The first building on Rakowiecka Street became a branch of the Agricultural Research Institute. The German army occupied the second building. Many former SGGW employees found work here. The school continued secret teaching during the occupation. This included the Wydział Ogrodniczy. Professors from the Wydział Ogrodniczy taught in these secret classes.
In 1944, some of the Institute’s property was taken to Germany. Further destruction occurred during the Warsaw Uprising. After the Uprising, many SGGW employees sought refuge in Skierniewice.
The first meeting of the Wydział Ogrodniczy Council took place in Skierniewice. They began to rebuild the Wydział. In spring, the University reopened including the Wydział Ogrodniczy. In 1944/1945, the Wydział Ogrodniczy had 165 students.
The first post-war meeting of the Wydział Council in Warsaw took place in the Agricultural Chemistry Department. The structure of the Wydział in 1945/1946 included departments such as Landscape Architecture and Park Science, Phytopathology, and Plant Physiology. Also included were Genetics and Plant Breeding, Soil Science, and Floriculture and Urban Horticulture.
Throughout the fifties and sixties, the Wydział experienced many structural and curricular changes. New institutes, cathedrals, and departments emerged. Some were moved to other SGGW faculties. Education began in most of the current modes. These included one-level, two-level, and doctoral studies. Part-time studies also opened.
Today, the Wydział Ogrodnictwa i Biotechnologii, Wydział Socjologii i Pedagogiki continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of society. It remains a vital center for education and research. It shapes future leaders in its fields.