Dear all,

First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that it is still difficult to say anything in detail about what it will mean for us at Arts. There are still many things that are not clarified, and agreements that have not yet been reached. We do not yet know, for example, how the 8% cap on enrolment will be divided among the main areas, what considerations will be given to upper-secondary-school subjects, and how the new cap on enrolment will interact with existing reforms. As you all know, the devil is in the details.

After the summer break, a supplementary agreement will be made, and a committee will be formed to work with the other universities and the sector. It is important to me that we, as a faculty, make the best out of the reform, even though everyone knows it is not something we have wished for. Now, the task is to fill in the framework outlined by the government and the parties involved in a meaningful way. At the same time, we can hope that the new reform will provide an opportunity to loosen some of the rules that have made recent changes in the field of education difficult.

Although it is tough to live with significant changes and uncertainties, it is important for you to know that we are working tirelessly to figure out how the reform can be implemented at the university and in the sector as such. As a glimmer of hope, it is also worth celebrating that the taximeter increase for the humanities and social sciences will become permanent.

For me it is indisputable that we need to reach a point where Arts is a resilient workplace with ongoing professional development, job satisfaction, and high quality in research and education. At the same time, it should also be a faculty where our graduates can secure good jobs upon completion of their studies. I look forward to exploring how we can make good use of the business candidate model to explore this area.

Furthermore, I am also excited to interact in a more direct dialogue with you at the staff meetings regarding the reform, which the Vice Dean for Education and I are planning for immediately after the summer break. I also hope that you will give good input to your management, so they can pass on your suggestions and ideas during the management meetings scheduled later this autumn.

Now, I encourage you to let university be university and enjoy a well-deserved summer break, so that everyone is well-rested and prepared for the challenges that await us all in the autumn. I know that the faculty has overcome significant challenges in the past, and I am confident that we will also navigate through this reform successfully. I am actually quite certain of it.

Have a fantastic summer, everyone.

Best regards,

Maja