Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen stepped down earlier this week as rector of Aarhus University.
At a time of considerable challenges and changes in the university sector in Denmark and globally, he made his mark on Aarhus University.
Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen was originally employed to turn Aarhus University into a much more globally-oriented institution, and has also led the university through major mergers. In implementing these mergers, as rector he has spearheaded the biggest reorganisation of the university in its history.
Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen is continuing at the university as an international advisor.
Read what guests said about Lauritz at the ceremony to mark his retirement as rector
On Tuesday 6 August, physics professor Brian Bech Nielsen took up his position as rector of Aarhus University. This is the third time in the history of the university that a physicist has been made rector. The first time was Erik Buch Andersen, who was rector from 1936 to 1937, and then Carl F. Wandel, who was rector from 1977 to 1983.
Brian Bech Nielsen, who is employed for a six-year period, conducted a round of visits in the spring to meet employees and to learn about their views on the university and its development.
An inaugural reception is being held for Brian Bech Nielsen on Friday 13 September in connection with the Annual Celebration.
A total of 7,276 applicants have so far been admitted to Aarhus University's Bachelor's degree programmes, thereby maintaining the high student intake seen in recent years.
Applicants have applied across a wider range of subjects compared to previous years, with applications to Science and Technology in particular seeing marked growth, thereby enabling the university to increase the number of admissions.
Science and Technology has offered places to 1,706 applicants, which is 6% more than in 2012. The School of Business and Social Sciences has 0.9% more students, while Arts has seen a decline of 1%. Admissions at Health are at the same level as last year, with all places being filled.
At the time of writing, 6,731 students have accepted places. There are still places available on several degree programmes, which can be applied for up until the start of the semester, so the final figures for the summer admissions will not be available until mid-September.
Even though more letters of admission that than ever before were sent to hopeful applicants to Aarhus University, not everything went smoothly. An IT error meant that 2,000 applicants were included on the standby list at mit.au.dk, even though they had in fact been admitted. However, those affected were supplied with the correct information in the letter which had been sent out, and they were also sent a message electronically informing them of the error on the same day.
Aarhus University alumni and employees can register free of charge together with a companion for a course of their choice at the Danish University Extension in Herning, Aarhus or Emdrup.
There is a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. When registering, enter the code "AU" under "Specialaftaler" (Special agreements).
Registration opens on Thursday 15 August at 9.00.
Aarhus University's annual celebration takes place on Friday 13 September. There is a limited number of tickets for the evening party at Concert Hall Aarhus, so – as in previous years – registration is on a first-come, first-served basis for staff. Registration for the evening party at the Concert Hall opens Wednesday 14 August at 9.00 AM.
Kind regards
The Senior Management Team
The Senior Management Team publishes a newsletter every week. This newsletter includes a brief description of current activities and discussions. You can sign up for the Danish version of the newsletter at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve, after which you will receive an e-mail whenever the newsletter is issued.
If you would like to subscribe to the English version of News from the Senior Management Team, please go to http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve/index.asp?sprog=en. The English version of News from the Senior Management Team is available at http://www.au.dk/en/about/uni/seniormanagement/newsletter/. You can read previous editions of News from the Senior Management Team at http://www.au.dk/en/about/uni/seniormanagement/newsletter/2013.