Adjustment of the Administration

Camilla Sønstabø Thorkildsen will serve as the department director for the Academic Affairs and Research Department. Her areas of responsibility will include student data, study and course plans, the quality system, and resource planning within study and R&D activities.

Section for Research Administration, Internationalisation, and Lifelong Learning led by Tone Jordhus, will oversee R&D administration, internationalisation, talent development, and continuing education and courses.

Section for Academic Affairs Administration led by Renate Hauge Sund, will be responsible for admissions, examinations, timetables, elective courses, facilitation of everyday student life, study plan-related orchestral and chamber music activities, and internship administration.

These two sections within the Academic Affairs and Research Department will be on par with other administrative sections: the Communication Section, Campus Services and Information Technology Section, Outreach and Events Production Section, Section for Finance, HR and Archives, and the Library. Each section manages distinct areas of responsibility, similar to larger institutions, making it impractical to merge any of them.

The changes are also aimed at clarifying leadership levels across the administration, balancing personnel responsibilities, and defining roles and authority within the Academic Affairs and Research administration.

Over the past year, the administration has mapped key work processes and, as a result, will establish cross-functional teams to improve task management across sections.

The purpose of these teams is to enhance information flow, coordination, and prevent duplication of work. This should lead to more effective decision-making processes, higher quality through shared expertise, and more comprehensive services for students and staff.

Areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is already in place and suitable for permanent cross-functional teams include:

• Long-term budgeting and forecasting
• Space allocation
• R&D dissemination/events
• Internal communication
• The student journey – from open day to graduation ceremony
• Digital infrastructure and development