No. 7, 26 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.

Management seminar 25-26 February at the Sandbjerg Estate

The rectorate, circle of deans, heads of departments and circle of heads of secretariats gathered for the half-yearly management seminar. The main topic was a discussion of the administrative reorganisation process. Director of Administration Niels Højberg and Head of Department Flemming Larsen gave an introductory presentation that was discussed in cross-disciplinary groups. Feedback from these groups will be incorporated into the further work that can be seen (in Danish only) at: http://www.au.dk/da/politik/strategi/admforandring/version8.

Managing Director Lars Goldschmidt, the Danish Association of Consulting Engineers (FRI), gave a presentation on “quality at the universities and in the business community”. This was followed by a lively discussion, where it was made clear, among other things, that the University of Aarhus should continue to educate competent graduates, but that the university’s high-level activities also require society to make the necessary, flexible framework available. And in those areas where collaboration with the business community is being developed, it is crucial that the companies contribute actively on an equal footing with society and the universities.

Study Committee met on 20 February

The Study Committee (in Danish only) is in the process of planning a joint procedure for accrediting degree programmes so that from now on, the University of Aarhus can carry out this task in a way that is not only more consistent, but also demands fewer resources. The committee is also studying the future planning of written examinations. A working group has been appointed for quality assurance. This group will write a draft for a quality policy that will be discussed at a conference on 21 August. The group is also working on designing a quality system and is looking at key figures.

Research support unit

For some time, the University of Aarhus has had an agreement with Aarhus Hospital in which the university’s researchers can draw on support in connection with formulating applications for external funds. The rectorate has entered into negotiations with Aarhus Hospital about continuing the joint research support unit (in Danish only) in an extended form, so that even more people can get help in the work involved in making applications.

Kind regards

The Rectorate