Why do you want to join the board of the University of Oslo?
The group of the fixed-term employees with teaching and research positions is a large and diverse group that is constantly changing. First and foremost, I am running as a representative because I want to strengthen and support university democracy. Several temporary academic staff have been appointed for a short period of time, which can make it difficult to stay informed and engage with the university structure. On the other hand, it is essential that temporary academic staff also have a representative who can present and support issues that are important to them. Secondly, I have a vested interest in continuing the development of more predictable arrangements for temporary academic staff. This includes a greater focus on future career progression and a standardized flow of information. In addition, I am interested in continuing the important work with interdisciplinarity and collaboration across faculties.
1. Future work
Temporary academic staff represent a future knowledge competence within academia, but also in other work sectors. By increasing collaboration across faculties, as well as offering more courses that increase interdisciplinary competence, you can strengthen the employees' skills. However, this also means that all disciplines at UiO are safeguarded. The "relevance" of working life involves a lot, and it is UiO's responsibility to contribute to the promotion of all knowledge. In order for us to be able to contribute with future solutions, we need to develop all disciplines and promote active dialogue between disciplines.
2. Information flow
As part of the overall personnel policy that UiO wants to develop, it is also important to help ensure that temporary academic staff receive the right follow-up. A more detailed review regarding their rights, demands, their representatives and points of contact should be given to PhD candidates. Unfortunately, a compressed email is not enough when there is a lot of new information to digest. I believe that an individual dialogue with each employee should be carried out on this. I have a long study career at UiO and know several of the communication channels, but find that several of my fellow research fellows have less of an overview. This is especially evident if you are not familiar with UiO's structures from before. A more standardised flow of information can not only contribute to the temporary employee being more taken care of, but can also in the long term contribute to a greater commitment to university democracy. It is also important to involve in democracy through active dialogue. Within this, it is also important to facilitate for international employees. Especially international temporary academic staff do not have the opportunity to learn Norwegian, and it is therefore important to provide important information in English as well.
About me
I am a trained archaeologist and am currently working on a PhD on human-nature dynamics in prehistory. My previous degrees were completed at the University of Oslo. This also includes the Honors certificate "Environmental Humanities and Sciences". Prior to my doctoral work, I worked as a research assistant for various research groups, as well as being a teaching assistant during my studies. In addition, I am the current 1st deputy representative for the fixed-term employees with teaching and research positions in the Department Board of Archaeology, History and Conservation. I have also worked as an archaeologist during the field season at the Museum of Cultural History since 2019.
Nominator
- Anastasia Bertheussen, HF