News from the senior management team no. 23/2018

A record number of applicants 

Aarhus University had received more than 10,300 first-choice applications by the quota 1 deadline on 5 July, which represents an increase of 5 per cent on 2017 and the highest number ever. This success can be explained in part by increasing numbers of applicants to engineering degree programmes, medicine, psychology, biology and anthropology.  These are preliminary figures, so they may change by the time the final figures are published next week.


"Zero tolerance" at Aarhus University

Students must find it easy and straightforward to get help and support if fellow students or staff at Aarhus University subject them to behaviour that crosses a line. This is why a website has now been launched which shows who people can contact if they need to talk about their experiences and agree on what further action should be taken.

The “Zero tolerance” website shows examples of behaviour that crosses a line. It also states that the perception of the individual is what determines whether the behaviour crosses a line. All advice is confidential.


Framework contract signed 

Aarhus University’s strategic framework contract with the Ministry has now been signed by Connie Hedegaard, Chair of the Board, and Tommy Ahlers, Minister for Higher Education and Science. This framework contract defines the direction for each institution of higher education over the next four years. These framework contracts will replace the earlier development contracts.

Aarhus University has seven overall objectives for the next four years:

  1. To reinforce the quality of research with a view to strengthening Aarhus University’s position as a strong international research institution
  2. To underpin research efforts in areas where the labour market is particularly in need of expertise and a qualified workforce
  3. To enhance students’ learning outcomes
  4. To prepare students more thoroughly for the job market
  5. To help promote greater innovation in private enterprise and the public sector
  6. To develop the university’s contribution to society through research-based public sector consultancy
  7. To strengthen the development of school and day institutions on the basis of research

DKK 34.5 million for new high-tech research programme at AU

Denmark has invested billions of DKK in state-of-the-art research facilities around the European Spallation Source (ESS) near Lund in Sweden. Professor Bo Brummerstedt is about to become the research director of the first Danish lighthouse environment, which will be focusing on exploiting Denmark’s major investment in ESS. The pivotal point will involve exploiting new technological research opportunities in the field of materials research. This appointment comes with a grant totalling DKK 34.5 million.


New course for AU managers

A new course is providing an introduction to basic management skills and aims to reinforce day-to-day management at AU.

The senior management team wishes to give leadership development higher priority, and hopes that new and more experienced managers alike in both administration and the research programmes will consider whether the course may be relevant to them.    


New AU Key Figures now available

AU Key Figures is an online reference work presenting important key figures for Aarhus University in the fields of research, education, talent development, knowledge exchange, personnel, finance and facilities. The information is primarily for internal use, but is also included in the performance reporting in the annual report, in reports to ministries and in Universities Denmark’s statistics.  

AU Key Figures has just been updated to include 2017 figures, and the archive includes figures dating back over the last five years. 


Attend the Danish University Extension for free – places still available

There are more than a hundred lectures and lecture series on offer in Aarhus, Emdrup and Herning, so have a look and find something to look forward to when the summer draws to a close.

Current and retired Aarhus University employees are allowed to register for one free course. The deadline for applications is 10 August.


Calendar

The senior management team publishes a weekly newsletter Here, we provide information about decisions and initiatives from the senior management team, as well as current activities and discussions. You can register for the newsletter at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve, and you will then receive an email every time the newsletter is published.

You will find previous newsletters from the senior management team at http://www.au.dk/om/uni/universitetsledelsen/nyhedsbrevuniled/2017.

If you would like to register for the English version of the news from the senior management team, you can do so at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve/index.asp