The University Board at the University of Agder (UiA) convened at Campus Grimstad on 15 October.
The first item discussed was the establishment of a professional degree programme in psychology, with the first cohort starting in autumn 2026.
Almost simultaneously, the Støre government presented its national budget, suggesting an allocation of 30 student places in psychology to UiA.
This allocation is a prerequisite for launching the degree programme and will cover most of the ongoing costs associated with it. However, initial expenses such as construction and organisational costs are not included. UiA anticipates these costs will amount to about NOK 100 million for the 2026-2034 period.
Therefore, the board is asking the university director to explore future financing opportunities, including external funding sources.
Increased sustainability and greater reuse
Strengthening sustainability within the study programme and course portfolio was another key topic at the board meeting. A task group submitted a report on 1 March about the university's study programme and course portfolio.
The purpose of this effort is to explore structures, mechanisms and models that can contribute to more strategic use and development of the study programmes and courses at an institutional level, ensuring long-term sustainability. The goal is to facilitate greater reuse, as well as more interdisciplinarity within the study programme and course offerings.
"We're talking about institutional frameworks, guidelines for bachelor's programmes and a process for how academic environments should be involved in the work moving forward," says Hilde Inntjore, vice-rector for education.
New campus plan
UiA aims for the campuses in Grimstad and Kristiansand to be sustainable. The UiA board has now approved a new campus development plan stretching 15 years into the future. This plan ensures that the spaces are flexible enough to adapt to changing needs and that resources are used effectively.
The campus development plan is a strategic long-term plan that deals with buildings, areas, rooms and outdoor spaces on campus. Other relevant plans made in collaboration with partners address areas that complement or extend beyond the work on campus.
One point in the plan involves further developing a dedicated area for teacher education. The Teacher Education Unit is housed in buildings 46-48 on Campus Kristiansand, which are older structures that predate HiA/UiA's establishment at Gimlemoen. The UiA board decided to expedite the project and the goal is to enhance visibility, identity and belonging for students, staff and regional partners. Emphasis will be placed on developing infrastructure that supports professional identity and collaboration.
Other selected matters:
- Budget proposal 2027 - initiatives beyond the framework
- Establishment of a Council for Good Academic Practice
- Planned student admissions 2026-2027
See all board documents [Norwegian only]