The University Board held a meeting on 7 May at Campus Grimstad.
The Board regularly engages in dialogue with the university's host municipalities, and this time it was the turn of Grimstad municipality and Mayor Beate Skretting.
Topics for dialogue included collaboration for student wellbeing in Grimstad and the planned university nursing home.
Establishing master's programmes – one-year study programme postponed
The University Board considered three proposals for establishing new programmes.
Two proposals were adopted: a professional master's programme with integrated practical-pedagogical training, and an experience-based master's programme in education – supervision and management of professional learning communities.
Regarding the proposed one-year study programme in responsible digitalization and sustainability, several board members had questions related to the funding of the programme.
The original proposal involved the Board allocating funds to finance the programme for five years.
Several board members felt that there were fundamental aspects regarding the financing of flexible programmes that the Board had not discussed, and which could set a precedent. They wanted this better examined, also in context of the ongoing work on a new budget model and sustainable programmes and courses.
The University Director considered the questions timely and revised her proposal for a decision. In June, the University Board will have a new matter regarding the establishment of the one-year study programme on its agenda.
Was briefed on applicant numbers
The applicant numbers and subsequent student enrolment numbers form the basis of much of the university's activities and finances.
Before the meeting, the Board received an overview of the generally positive applicant numbers for UiA, along with an overview of some numbers that are more concerning.
The rector expressed special thanks to the student ambassadors who, under the direction of the Division of Communications, travel across the country to speak with upper secondary school students about studying in Agder. In evaluations of these school visits, UiA achieves the best results.
New budget model under development
In September, the University Board is scheduled to adopt a new budget model for UiA, which will guide how funds at UiA are distributed each year.
A proposal is currently being discussed throughout the university, and the Board was given the opportunity to discuss it during the meeting.
Was briefed on the work environment
In 2025, the university conducted a survey to assess the work environment at UiA.
Overall, the work environment is perceived positively, with employees rating it an average of 4.1 out of 5.
However, the survey also revealed that 101 employees reported experiencing unacceptable behaviour over the past six months.
UiA is actively working on enhancing various aspects of the work environment both at the institutional level and within each unit, including improving how conflicts are managed.
All agenda documents are available for review (in Norwegian).