Video from the Semester Opening + Greetings from the Rector and the STA leader

See video from the semester start opening: (english subtitles)

Semester start greeting from Rector Sunniva Whittaker:

Dear UiA students

Rector Sunniva Whittaker (Photo: Jon Petter Thorsen/Aptum)

This year’s speech will only be communicated in written form and is a sign that the academic year we are entering out of the ordinary.  Becoming a student marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life and I am sure you have come to our university with some clear expectations about what this new life will be like.

As a new student you are unique. You bring with you experiences and knowledge you can build on through your studies at UiA. You will also learn to challenge accepted truths and to distinguish between fake news and real facts. Starting today you will join a knowledge community where you can put knowledge you already possess into new contexts, acquire new knowledge and also contribute to creating new knowledge through your studies and through extra-curricular activities.  UiA’s vision is cocreation for tomorrow’s knowledge. As a student you will be challenged and you will have to opportunity to challenge your lecturers and our external partners. As a university our mission is to ask good critical questions and to find good solutions in collaboration with others. By doing so we can contribute to solving the major challenges facing our societies. I hope and believe that you share this vision and that you look forward to finding your place in this community.

The next few days, weeks and months may be somewhat different from what you were expecting. We must use this new situation in a positive way.  We live in a world where unexpected incidents are the rule rather than the exception. One of the most important take-aways from your time as a student will be your ability to adapt to new situations, accept change and to see the possibilities that lie in these changes. You will enter the academic world with experiences no previous cohorts of students have possessed.  Whether you come straight from school or you have had a job your life was affected by the COVID-19 situation this spring.  You have had to follow infection prevention rules which have limited your social life, your travel plans and maybe also your possibility of finding a summer job. These limitations give us pause to reflect on what is important in life. Routines you have taken for granted were no longer in place and you have had to adjust to new ways of doing things. What we at UiA experienced this spring is that our students value life on campus and have clearly communicated that interaction with fellow students and with UiA faculty is important for both learning and satisfaction. This has been decisive for us when we planned the semester opening. We have done our utmost to allow you to get to know your co-students and lecturers while we have taken the necessary measures to protect your health and safety. You may not have the opportunity of getting to know as many of your fellow students as you would have under normal circumstances, but you will have an even better opportunity to get to know the students on your study programme as well as your lecturers.

This year we have rented facilities outside our two campuses to allow our students to get together for both academic and social purposes. This will give you the possibility of getting to know our host cities Kristiansand and Grimstad. Both cities are eager to welcome you.

Based on their experiences during the spring semester our students have reported that thew have acquired better digital skills and their interest for digital tools has increased. This is something we will build on this autumn to give you a good teaching experience despite the COVID restrictions but also when the situation has ben normalized in order to enhance your learning.

I have experienced, as have very many others, that my years as a student are among the best in my life. You establish long-lasting friendships, discover new interests and gain new perspectives that will shape you as an individual. UiA is a university where diversity is a part of the academic culture. You will meet students with different backgrounds and interests. Be curious, get involved and challenge yourself!  UiA’s job is not only to prepare you for the labour market, it is also to help you grow as a human being.  Spend your time here well. Seize the opportunity to make your time as a student unforgettable!

Semester start greeting from the leader of STA, Olea Norset

Dear fellow students. Dear all.

Leader of the Student Organization in Agder (STA), Olea Norset (Photo: STA)

A new semester begins. For some, it is back to everyday life. For others, it is the start of a whole new life. A special and extra welcome to those of you who are beginning your studies at UiA this semester: enjoy the moment and the time ahead.

This is a special time for many, and in different ways. Some have moved away from home for the first time, some will be taking further education, and some have always lived in the city and are now beginning their studies.

The world is also different now that we are living through a pandemic. In this regard, I want to start by saying this: now, at the beginning of your studies, during the autumn and onwards, remember to take care of each other, show empathy and use alcohol… you know, hand sanitizer. If we are here to learn, we must also stay healthy.

For many, these have been and still are difficult times. Yet, I am optimistic about the future, because I am here at UiA today. All of us, us students who are ready to learn, be curious and contribute to the development of the society. We are often seen as the hope of the future, and indeed we are. Our lessons, solutions and knowledge are what will help make the world a little bit better today and tomorrow. We are not solely responsible for this, but we are a part of the bigger picture. At least I am honored to contribute to the society I live in, and I hope you share this feeling too. Because it is with education and research that we prepare ourselves for the future.

UiA is the university for cross-disciplinary acquaintances, professional discussions with lecturers and where you will have many opportunities to contribute in making UiA an even better place. There is a low threshold for contacting teachers, so take advantage of that. There are also many fellow students to get to know. Find your student association, cultivate interests and make new memories.

I should also add that even though university life is an exciting and fun time of your life, it can be somewhat demanding at times. In times like these, you will find many resources around you that will help get back on track. The health services provided by SiA, the Student Welfare Organisation in Agder, are a good example of this. If you are having a hard time in finding the help you need, STA will point you in the correct direction.

I hope everyone will feel welcome and at home here in Southern Norway and at UiA. Take part in new activities and student associations, get to know new people and yourself. This is a new era in your life and I wish you good luck on your journey. And if you stumble along the way, STA is here to support you.

Have a wonderful semester start!

Semester start 2020 Campus Grimstad