No. 3, 20 November 2007

The rectorate publishes Rectorate News every Tuesday – apart from holidays and public holidays. This newsletter includes a brief description of current activities and discussions. You can sign up for the newsletter at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve, after which you will receive an e-mail whenever Rectorate News is issued.

The English version of Rectorate News is available every Wednesday at http://www.au.dk/en/uni/rectorate/newsletter.

Techtrans and researcher support

As you are no doubt aware, a techtrans (National Network for Technology Transfer) unit has been established under the leadership of Søren Mikkelsen, Deputy Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Services. A plan is currently being drawn up regarding how this work will be organised in future – including work that involves several main academic areas.

A working group has also been appointed to produce a report as soon as possible. This will clarify the best way to organise and ensure researcher support in connection with applications for external funds, support for project management and reporting, etc. We expect to have a statement ready by January, when the presentations have been discussed and a decision made.

Lengthy study periods?

There has been some debate in the media about the length of study periods. A number of circumstances cause students in some areas to first graduate in their 30s. It is difficult for the universities to reduce the amount of time spent prior to actually embarking on studies. As regards our own chances for getting students through their studies as well as possible, we naturally need to examine the study environment, student guidance, etc. We have implemented many measures in this area at the University of Aarhus and must continue to focus sharply on ensuring top-quality degree programmes.

However, the rectorate feels that discussions often become too one-sided.Changing from one study programme to another, for example, is not necessarily a bad thing, just as work experience relevant to the particular studies can – to a certain extent – also be extremely beneficial for developing competence. The university would like to contribute to establishing a course of studies that is as good and effective as possible. However, a number of other criteria should be considered, and not just the time between matriculation and the school leaving examination.

New administrative structure

At a meeting at DPU on 13 December, Niels Højberg and others will talk about work on the new administrative structure. Invitations will be sent to the administrative staff at the main academic areas, and a separate notice will be sent to members of staff participating in the meeting.

Rector’s Christmas speech

On 20 December, Rector Lauritz B.Holm-Nielsen is holding his traditional Christmas speech in the Lakeside Lecture Theatre in Aarhus, followed by a reception for all members of staff.

There will be a video hook-up and transmission via the Internet, so staff at the university’s remaining locations will be able to watch. The rectorate urges all the main academic areas/departments that are not able to take part in the event in the Lakeside Lecture Theatre to hold a small gathering immediately after the Christmas speech to give staff an opportunity to wish each other a happy Christmas.

Strategy work

The university’s overall strategy is about to be printed in Danish and English editions, and will be available on our web site within the course of a week. Once they are available – and by 13 December at the latest – a number of printed copies will be sent to every main academic area. The strategies for the main academic areas will be presented at the meeting of the University Board on 20 December.

Kind regards

The Rectorate