Next stage of the academic development process

On 17 June 2010, the University Board adopted the recommendation about the academic development process. Following this decision, the university will now initiate an analysis of the decentralised academic structure. In the opinion of the Rector’s Office, the work plan will not necessarily be identical in all of the main academic areas. However, it is important to ensure the involvement of both employees and students – particularly in the process regarding the new boards of studies. And last, but not least, continued openness is essential as regards the academic development process. The university management will discuss the analysis work on 30 June.

The website for the academic development process will closely follow the analysis work. A special subpage has been set up in this regard, providing a forum for students and staff to share their thoughts and ideas about interdisciplinary collaboration on research and education. The site will be updated with new interviews and video features during the summer and autumn.

• See more (in Danish only) on the Interviews and news page.

Annual celebration 2010

Aarhus University is holding this year’s annual celebration on 10 September. The event has proud traditions and begins during the afternoon with speeches and a prize-giving ceremony in the Main Hall. Later in the evening, the festivities continue with a buffet and musical entertainment in the Concert Hall Aarhus.

Invitations will be sent during the week beginning 2 August, and university employees can register for the evening celebration on a first come, first served basis. Compared with previous years, there will be room for approximately 200 more members of staff in the Concert Hall’s Main Hall (Store Sal) this year.

• Read more (in Danish only) about the annual celebration.

Vision plan 2010–2028

At its meeting on 17 June, the Board of Aarhus University approved a vision plan for developing the university’s physical framework up to the centennial celebration in 2028.

This long-term planning will ensure that the building-related framework is in place for the expected strong growth in both education and research activities, and the building plans should meet the needs for facilities determined by the analysis work carried out this autumn in connection with the academic development process. The vision plan describes opportunities for extending the university’s current campus areas.

• See the vision plan 2010–2028 (download PDF file in Danish only).

Positive financial outlook

In connection with Financial Report 1, the Rector’s Office presented a provisional assessment of Aarhus University’s budget for 2010 at the Board meeting on 17 June. Although some unresolved factors naturally remain – such as completion bonuses, student intakes and a reassessment of the property value – there is every indication that the university will keep to the planned budget.

No cost-cutting measures are expected to be necessary in the main academic areas – as a result of savings incorporated in the 2010 budget – as these will be covered by funds such as the reimbursement of property tax.

Financial Report 1 can be requested here.

Calendar 

• 30 June: University management meeting
• 12 August: University management meeting
• 23 August: Deadline for applications for the four new dean positions
• 30 August: University management meeting
• 10 September: Aarhus University’s annual celebration

Kind regards
The Rector’s Office
25 June

The Rector’s Office publishes a newsletter every week. This newsletter includes a brief description of current activities and discussions. You can sign up for the Danish version of the newsletter at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve, after which you will receive an e-mail whenever the newsletter is issued.