Merit award scheme

This page is updated regularly. Questions regarding the merit award scheme can be posted to Martin Gaustad (see contact info in separate section)

On 13.03.2019, the University Board decided that the University of Agder must develop a common framework for pedagogical qualification. In the case file promoting the decision, it says that «...the intention with a pedagogical qualification framework is to bring more attention to teaching competence and to increase the status associated with educational work and teaching within the organisation. This occurs when the teaching achievements of those who systematically and continuously work on educational development and who document their teaching activities and share their experiences with others, are recognized and rewarded. A qualification framework for excellence in teaching will highlight and reward scientific employees who contribute positively to educational development as a part of the pedagogic community in their respective institutions/departments/professional environment...»

The principles of the qualification framework for the period 2019 – 2022 as stated by UiA’s Board:

• A common framework for pedagogical qualification is established at all departments.
• Eligible for nomination are permanent employees in any scientific position with at least five years of teaching experience at a university or college, with a basis of pedagogic competence.     
• Rewards of excellence are allocated every second year
• Criteria for teaching excellence:

1. Focus on students’ learning
2. Clear progressive development
3. Scientific approach
4. Collegial attitude and sharing of experiences

• The Rector may come with additional criteria for applicants from one or several departments, in consultation with the Board of the department.
• The Rector determines complementary criteria and documentation requirements
• Judgement is based on a pedagogical documentation folder and interview
• The Rector appoints the evaluation committee
• The expectation is that the rewarding of teaching excellence contributes to an increase in knowledge, among other towards potentially building a pedagogic academy at UiA.  
• The University Board assigns the status of teaching excellence.

No time schedule at the moment

The University Board will revise the princilpes of the Merit Award Scheme in the spring semester 2023.

The application and evaluation process will most likely take place in the first half of 2024.

 A more detailed timeplan will be launched in the fall semester 2023.

To be announced 

FAQ under construction

Article at Innaskjærs 20.11.19 regarding UiA´s merit award scheme:

https://www.uia.no/en/for-employees/news/recognition-for-teaching-excellence-at-uia?redirect=/en/for-employees/news/recognition-for-teaching-excellence-at-uia

Documents for applicants in the 2023-24 merit award will be published fall semester 2023

For older documents and links in Norwegian, please see "Samlet informasjon: dokumenter og nettressurser" on the web page about merit award scheme in Norwegian: https://www.uia.no/senter-og-nettverk/puls/merittering