The background to this is that digitalisation, artificial intelligence and changing needs in teaching place new demands on the University’s support for teaching staff and training.
The decision affects the Unit for Educational Services, the Division of Higher Education Development and Student Affairs, where the new unit will be based.
“Today, there is a high level of expertise in teaching and learning in higher education and teaching support across various parts of the organisation. By bringing together those who work across the University in a new unit, their respective skills will be utilised to the full and generate greater benefits for the University as a whole,” says Pro Vice-Chancellor Ann Kristin Wallengren.
Joint governance is the first step
The change will be implemented in two stages. In the first stage, starting on 1 July, a joint steering group will be set up to oversee course development and seed funding within the current Unit for Educational Services and Division of Higher Education Development. Over the autumn, the steering group will prepare for the new organisation, draw on expertise and experience, and plan the focus of the organisation and range of courses.
In the second stage, a new unit will be formed with effect from 1 January 2027 within Student Affairs. The unit will offer activities and courses for teaching staff. It will also develop programmes and courses in teaching and learning in higher education in collaboration with the steering group. The current remit of the Unit for Educational Services relating to teaching support including system management, system support and student support will also move to the new unit.
The new organisation is intended to create better conditions for collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and shared responsibility for the University’s professional development of teaching staff.