This text has been translated from Norwegian with the assistance of GPT UiO.
– We are fortunate to have an excellent faculty board that thoroughly reviews the cases they handle. The board members contribute valuable analyses, and we receive comprehensive and principled evaluations in our board meetings, which benefits the faculty, said Dean Anne Julie Semb.
New study programme at the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics had expressed the desire to create a new study programme in economics and finance, with an expected start in the autumn semester of 2026.
– The new programme will provide valuable additional expertise in finance, which we believe will be appreciated both in the job market and among prospective students, wrote Department Head Karen Helene Ulltveit-Moe in the application to the faculty. The initiative also aligns with the University of Oslo's strategy to "develop and renew studies for all student groups and respond to society's need for interdisciplinary knowledge."
The dean recommended that the faculty board approve the Department of Economics' application, and the board members expressed their support for this.
Reduction of underutilised funds
The faculty board was presented with the 2024 financial report and was asked to approve it. Faculty Director Gudleik Grimstad emphasised the reduction of accumulated underutilised funds during his presentation.
– During 2024, the faculty reduced its underutilised funds by 33 million NOK, while the total reduction over the past two years amounts to approximately 57 million NOK, explained Grimstad.
– This development aligns with previous guidelines from central university administration to increase activity levels and thereby reduce accumulated underutilised funds. It is now important that we do not continue reducing the funds at the same pace, but maintain sufficient flexibility in our long-term forecasts, he said.
Research programme at the Department of Psychology
The faculty board dedicated significant time to reviewing an application from the Department of Psychology to establish a permanent research programme starting in the autumn of 2026. The programme was intended to encourage early recruitment into research.
However, the dean's briefing noted that the focus on research integration should be incorporated into regular study programmes to benefit a broader range of students. Moreover, the faculty did not wish to recommend a programme that might lead to delays in students' original study progression.
The faculty board adjusted the dean's proposed decision slightly, concluding as follows:
The faculty board does not approve the proposal to establish a research programme at the Department of Psychology in its current form. The board requests a revised version of the proposal where:
- Admission is limited to students enrolled in the professional programme.
- It is specified that the research programme does not extend the total time required to complete a doctoral programme.
- It adheres to the PhD regulations concerning the inclusion of study credits into the doctoral programme.
Other matters
The faculty board also approved an adjustment to the scope requirements for promotion to professor. It was briefed on the status of proposals for a new centre policy at the faculty and updated on the progress of a revised distribution model. See the full agenda for the meeting (Norwegian only). The protocol will be published at the same location once it is ready.