Course Objectives

The course will provide an introduction to organisational work at public university colleges. The students will learn about the influence and voice which they have at the institution. The knowledge about the university college’s structure and function which the students acquire will help them to exercise their positions to the advantage of the students and the university college. Students who accept such a position at Telemark University College will learn how the college is organised and about the formal laws, regulations and local rules which regulate the activities of the college. They will also learn about formal and approved procedures and about how decisions are made on various levels. The course will also include an introduction to communication, cooperation and leading and participating in meetings.

Course Description

1. The functions of various committees.

2. Laws (Norwegian Universities' Act, the Public Administration Act, the Freedom of Information Act), regulations, circulars and local regulations (Telemark University College examination regulations and other necessary regulations established by the university college).

3. Leadership principles at Telemark University College.

4. Budget management at Telemark University College: Orientation on the budget-allocation model: how the budget is organised and budget distribution at the university college.

5. Internal management documents: strategic plans, year-plans, various plans of action.

6. Meeting procedures.

7. The role of civil-servant organisations.

8. Communication, interaction, speaking techniques and meeting leadership.

9. Work as a student representative.

Learning Methods

The course has two parts:

1. Obligatory meetings/lectures.

2. Work as student representatives at Telemark University College.

ECTS credits will be given for the course as a whole.

Assessment Methods

Obligatory lectures/ meetings. A report from the student’s representative position with a description and analysis of their own function and influence. The report should consist of 4-5 typewritten pages. Pass/ Fail.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean