First, a few words about student recruitment. The report compiled last year, which led to a number of proposed measures, has now resulted in a decision by the vice-chancellor.
Under this decision, the university will establish a programme for strategic student recruitment, led by a steering group chaired by the deputy vice-chancellor. The group will include the faculties’ deputy deans and vice-deans responsible for undergraduate education. It will act in an advisory capacity and may propose student recruitment measures for decision by the relevant bodies.
The vice-chancellor’s decision also includes an action plan setting out the route towards a more coordinated student recruitment process. Here at the faculty, we have started working closely with the Division of Communication on the information campaign for our programmes.
Graduation ceremonies and Thesis Day
Planning for the graduation ceremonies in Alnarp and Ultuna is also well underway, together with the students’ unions. In Ultuna, a farewell reception will take place on 29 May, following Thesis Day. In Alnarp, the graduation ceremony will be held on 4 June, also coordinated with Thesis Day. Registration pages will be published shortly, so please do keep an eye out for them. We very much hope that many students and staff will be able to join us.
Admissions Master's programmes
International admissions to our Master’s programmes have now closed. Once again this year, we received a strong number of applications. As is the case for SLU as a whole, those admitted are primarily fee-paying students (that is, applicants from outside Europe). We are now eagerly awaiting the close of the Swedish application round and hope to welcome many more students to our programmes.
New research secretary
One tangible way in which the faculty can support the research taking place in our departments is by providing a knowledgeable research secretary. Our new research secretary, Velocity Hughes, took up her post at the beginning of March. Among other roles, she has worked as a research coordinator at Lund University, held a postdoctoral position at Imperial College London, and completed her doctoral studies in microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington. I am delighted to welcome her to LTV; she has already begun to familiarise herself with key colleagues and our various activities.
Recommendations on the use of AI
You may also be interested to know that SUHF held its general assembly in Jönköping. At the assembly, the vice-chancellors and COOs of all higher education institutions meet to discuss issues of overarching interest to the sector. This spring, the agenda included a report on collegiality, as well as academic freedom in a troubled world.
Of more operational significance are the national recommendations on the use of AI. SUHF’s working group on AI has drawn up a series of points to guide the country’s higher education institutions in their use of IT tools. The document is now out for consultation, and we can expect it to be finalised later this year.
The Västra Noden project
As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, the Västra Noden project has gained new momentum. Project managers have been appointed, Henrik Nyström (SLU) och Anna Rosling Wendt (AH), and they will carry out an in-depth preliminary study this spring. Henrik Nyström is based at Västra Noden, enabling him to observe and experience the site at close quarters. We hope the work will now continue at a steady pace until the redevelopment is complete.
Train station in Alnarp
Work on the train stop is progressing at a different pace. Around the turn of the year, construction of a double track and platform means that Sundsvägen will be closed. Further information will be provided by the Swedish Transport Administration, which is leading the work. If you have seen the campus plan, you will have noted how the train stop will affect the area around the embankment. As these changes draw nearer, planning has already begun to ensure the area becomes as attractive as possible.
Another part of the campus project concerns the area around Plaskan, which has now been cleared and dredged to increase the water depth. The banks around the pond will be planted with suitable shrubs and other plants. The water body will also be used to collect rainwater and contribute to the campus’s water supply, one of the key elements of the campus plan. Please pop by the pond when you have a moment and see how the surroundings are developing.
I hope we are heading towards an eventful and rewarding spring, with plenty of opportunities for enriching meetings and collaborations, lectures and publications. Thank you, as always, for all you do.
Håkan Sandgren
Head of Faculty Administration
