No. 5, 12 February 2008

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.

Budget Outlook 2008

The central government budget proposal for 2008 has now been published. As regards universities, several minor adjustments are proposed, including compulsory savings and discontinuation of funds. The rectorate will follow this development in the coming budget negotiations and will focus on the particular areas that affect the University of Aarhus.
The rectorate considers that we should continue to work and make plans in accordance with the budget approved by the Board, including an assessment of the situation at the end of Q1 2008.
It is noted with satisfaction that the Barcelona target is retained.

Purchasing policy at the University of Aarhus

Based on a specific enquiry regarding the purchase of research and laboratory equipment, the rectorate has determined that the University of Aarhus naturally follows the government’s purchasing policy and the SKI (National Procurement Ltd.) agreements entered into http://www.au.dk/da/adm/indkob. Well-founded exceptions to this rule require prior approval in each individual case. A procedure for this must be established in collaboration with the main academic areas.

Strategies for China and developing countries

Two working groups have been appointed, and they have analysed the university’s collaboration with China and efforts regarding developing countries. Based on this work, they have put forward two thoroughly well-prepared proposals for a China strategy and a developing countries strategy, respectively, for the University of Aarhus. The presentations describe proposals for instruments, means and focus areas, as well as providing a number of suggestions for initiatives. Drafts for the two strategies will now be submitted to the university’s nine main academic areas for their comments.

Centre for Applied Sciences

The Board of the Centre for Applied Sciences was appointed with the task of managing the development of collaboration between the Engineering College of Aarhus and the University of Aarhus, for the purpose of establishing a graduate engineer degree programme.
The Board has done an outstanding job of solving this task, and has passed on responsibility with the same excellence to the Aarhus Graduate School of Engineering (AGASE). After carrying out its work very well, the Board has proposed its discontinuation as of 1 February 2008. The rector has taken note of this recommendation and will thank the Board for its well-accomplished work.

Kind regards

The Rectorate

12 February 2008