The board gathered at Campus Kristiansand for the last meeting of the semester, discussing perhaps the most important matter of the term: UiA’s overarching strategy for the next four years.
After a round of consultations within and outside UiA and discussions in the previous board meeting, the university director presented a revised proposal for board approval.
This new proposal was developed and debated in collaboration between the rectorate, deans, and directors of common services. After thorough discussions and proposed amendments, a new strategy has now been adopted.
The vision for UiA remains “co-creation for future knowledge.” The six main goals are:
- UiA shall be the students’ university
- UiA shall have relevant, robust, and attractive study programmes
- UiA shall improve the quality of research and academic and artistic development work
- UiA shall lead in the efficient, sustainable, and responsible use of new technology and new working methods
- UiA shall strengthen its focus on socially beneficial innovation and entrepreneurship
- UiA shall take a clearer position on a national level
Each goal outlines specific focus areas to achieve them. For example, under the goal of being the students' university, UiA will:
- Strengthen student democracy, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and involve and empower students in how the university and study programmes are developed
- Involve more students in research, innovation, and academic and artistic development work
- Further develop campuses as attractive and sustainable study locations, with good learning environments and social opportunities
- Enable students to articulate their competencies and participate in a rapidly changing workforce
Read complete strategy (pdf, in Norwegian only - English coming soon).
AI in all study programmes
UiA is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence among Norwegian universities. The board has now adopted ambitions and guidelines for AI at UiA.
The document outlines how UiA will use AI in education, research and academic and artistic development work, dissemination, and administration. It states that “knowledge and skills about AI shall be integrated into all study programmes to prepare students for the workforce.”
The document was adopted with only minor changes from the proposal.
Increasing focus on continuing and further education
The university board was presented with a report on lifelong learning at UiA, in follow-up to the parliamentary reports "Education for Transformation - Increased Workforce Relevance in Higher Education" and "The Competence Reform - Learn Throughout Life," with concrete measures suggested.
The project has worked broadly on five focus areas to facilitate growth in the field of continuing and further education. The proposed measures were endorsed by the university board.
Adopted ambition for workforce relevance in UiA’s studies
Another parliamentary report that UiA is following up with a report is the Workforce Relevance Report. This report specifies UiA’s measures to follow up on the report.
It includes an ambition that all students in degree programmes will practice applying their professional competence, skills, and general competence in collaboration with the workforce and society.
Other selected matters from the meeting
- The board acknowledged the operations report for the first tertial, approved the internal accounts, and adopted the revised budget.
- The study portfolio for 2025-2026 was adopted, and in September, a working group will be established to review the sustainability of UiA’s overall study and course portfolio.
- The education and research report for 2023 was acknowledged.
- Amendments to the regulations on studies and exams following the new university and college law were adopted.
Please note! All documents are in Norwergian