Circle U.'s goal by 2030 is to be an interdisciplinary and inclusive alliance with clear links between education, research and innovation. The Circle U. Open Campus will be the heart of Circle U., linking together the various other platforms.
"Circle U. holds remarkable potential. Our vision for the Circle U. Open Campus is to present pioneering, multidisciplinary educational programs that focus on urgent issues like sustainability, embodying fundamental European values," says the newly appointed Dean.
He reveals that the primary objective in the inaugural year is to establish clear criteria for Circle U. offerings, essentially defining its unique concept. Additionally, mapping out the rich academic resources across the nine partner universities, particularly the current sustainability courses, and laying groundwork for collaborative module development.
Circle U. holds remarkable potential. Our vision for the Circle U. Open Campus is to present pioneering, multidisciplinary educational programs that focus on urgent issues like sustainability, embodying fundamental European values.
Rich and varied menu
Circle U. Open Campus is a virtual university campus and will be the gateway for students seeking educational opportunities within Circle U. It will provide educational and research training opportunities for students and researchers from all nine Circle U. universities, some physically at one of the partner universities, others digitally.
The full extent of the possibilities and opportunities offered through the Circle U. Open Campus is work in progress, but for students it will be summer and winter schools in global health, climate and democracy, undergraduate models on sustainability, joint courses on various topics and full joint master programs.
For early career researchers, it will provide transversal skills training, seed funding, project development seminars and interactive workshops. In addition, Circle U. Open Campus will offer online courses, webinars and Circle U. conversations for the general public.
Collaboration and student engagement
"I will collaborate closely with our excellent General Secretary, Kevin Guillaume, the entirety of the Circle U. administration, and the dedicated team at the Open Campus back office. Moreover, a select team of Academic Chairs, affiliated with the Open Campus, will be instrumental in refining our course offerings and spearheading various academic initiatives," says Engebretsen.
He adds:
"It's imperative for me to emphasize the value of student engagement. Their vision and feedback will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of our Campus. As part of this commitment, we're currently recruiting student fellows in Oslo, entrusting them with the vital role of ensuring student participation and perspective in close collaboration with The Circle U. Student Union (CUSU)."
It's imperative for me to emphasize the value of student engagement. Their vision and feedback will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of our Campus.
Demanding job
"I am extremely pleased that Eivind has taken on this job. He was vital in the writing of the new application for the next stage, and he knows Circle U. well through his engagement as an Academic Chair in the pilot project. Being Dean of the Open Campus will be a demanding job, but I am confident that Eivind, with his combination of creativity, coordination and collaborative skills, will make it a success," says Bjørn Stensaker, Chair of the Management Board.
Engebretsen will officially start in the new position on 1 November.