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Elin Maria Berg

“I am running for election because I believe it is essential that temporary academic staff have a clear and experienced voice on the University Board.”

PhD research Fellow Elin Maria Berg Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Faculty of Humanities and Education

PhD Research Fellow Elin Maria Berg
Dept. of Foreign Languages and Translation
Faculty of Humanities and Education

Why are you running for election?

I am running for election because I believe it is essential that temporary academic staff have a clear and experienced voice on the University Board. Since 2014, I have held a range of roles at UiA – as a student, research assistant, part-time university lecturer, and now as a PhD candidate. I have previously served as the elected representative for temporary staff and currently hold the position of deputy representative.

As a Nordic immigrant to Norway, I also bring first-hand experience of arriving new in Norway, with challenges of integration and adaption. These experiences enable me to approach issues from multiple perspectives, while maintaining a strong understanding of the structural and practical challenges faced by temporary staff. I am well-acquainted with the responsibilities of board membership and committed to contributing effectively.

What are the three most important issues you want to work on?

Fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment:
Temporary academic positions can be challenging, sometimes even lonely, particularly for newcomers and those without long-term job security. I will advocate for stronger integration of temporary staff into our academic communities, and for initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive work environment. A sense of belonging is fundamental to both professional development and personal well-being.

Clear frameworks for success:
Temporary positions often involve new and sometimes unclear responsibilities. With clearly defined expectations, proper follow-up, and support structures in place, we are better positioned to succeed. Furthermore, I believe we should strive to match the high levels of student satisfaction with equally strong support for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and other temporary staff. Strategic efforts to improve PhD completion rates and to strengthen the support available to both candidates and supervisors are essential.

Academic development and research opportunities:
Temporary teaching staff must have real opportunities to use their R&D time and participate in research groups. For PhD candidates, further development and quality assurance of the university’s doctoral programs should be a key priority. I also see great potential in fostering more interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties, which can enrich both individual scholarship and institutional cohesion.

Why should your colleagues vote for you?

I bring a solid understanding of strategic governance and decision-making processes, and I am not hesitant to voice my views in constructive dialogue. I have a genuine interest in board work, driven by a desire to contribute to the effective governance and development of the institutions I am part of. I offer both relevant experience and a strong commitment to representing the interests of temporary staff.

A bit about me

My research focuses on feedback practices and language learning, and I have a deep interest in learning processes. Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my three children, working on my dissertation, or training in Muay Thai. I am originally from northern Sweden.

Education

  • 2014–2020: Master’s Degree in Teacher Education (Grades 8–13), University of Agder
  • ORG-123: Organization and Leadership in Knowledge Organizations (10 ECTS)

Professional Experience

  • 2022–present: PhD Research Fellow, Department of Foreign Languages and Translation, Faculty of Humanities and Education, UiA
  • 2021–2022: Temporary University Lecturer, same department
  • 2018–2022: Secondary School Teacher in English and French (various substitute and annual positions)
  • 2016–2020: Coordinator for student assistants, TRAWL research project, UiA
  • 2009–2014: Operations Manager, Bølgen & Moi Kristiansand AS
  • 2007–2009: General Manager, Bølgen & Moi Kristiansand AS

Board and Committee Experience

  • 2025–present: Lay Judge, Conciliation Board, Kristiansand Municipality
  • 2024–present: Member, Muay Thai Judging Committee, FLIS Section, Norwegian Martial Arts Federation
  • 2022–present: Deputy Chair, Oksa Muay Thai Sports Club
  • 2024–2025: Deputy Member, UiA University Board (elected by temporary staff)
  • 2023–2024: Member, UiA University Board (elected by temporary staff)
  • 2023–2024: Member, Muay Thai Committee, FLIS Section, Norwegian Martial Arts Federation
  • 2016–2017: Student Representative, Suitability Assessment Committee, UiA
  • 2015–2017: Board Member, Kristiansand Ice Hockey Club
  • 2015–2016: Student Representative, French One-Year Program
  • 2014–2015: Student Representative, Teacher Education Program
  • 2014–2015: Member, Study Council for Teacher Education, UiA
  • 2007–2009: Board Member, Bølgen & Moi Kristiansand AS

 

Published Apr. 30, 2024 - Last modified May 12, 2025