The Election Committee is responsible for finding candidates for the Dean Election and for ensuring that they are presented in a way that gives voters a good basis for assessing their qualifications for the role. As chairman of the Election Committee, Terje P. Hagen is a key figure, and the one holding the reins when it comes to this autumn’s election.
“In a few weeks, we will elect a new Dean for the next four-year term. Can you tell a little bit about the process moving forward?”
“As most people know, the goal of the Election Committee is to mobilise candidates to run for office, and that proved very easy this year. In fact, they were coming out of the woodwork all on their own before we had even started our process. In the next phase, the candidates will be sent over to the Election Board, which will carry out a check to see whether the candidates are eligible for the position. That won’t be a big problem this time, either. Both candidates are clearly very good candidates. We then assume that the candidates will present their platforms as quickly as possible. Next, we will facilitate discussion of these platforms. The most important forum for that is the General Election Meeting, which we will host on 5 September. But folks can also debate the candidates in Uniforum, for example, as well as on other platforms, both before and after the meeting. The election itself will start on 7 September.”
“This is the first time in 12 years that we are having a real Dean Election. Surely as chairman of the Election Committee you must be happy to have gotten to be a part of this?”
“Absolutely! To uphold the university democracy, it is important that there be at least two candidates running. That will iron out any disagreements, give voters opportunities to challenge candidates on difficult issues, and generally help familiarise people with the candidates.”
“Yes, at UiO we elect people to our senior leadership positions, rather than appointing them. Can you say a little bit about what we have to gain from a thriving university democracy?”
“The fact that we have elected deans, and even an elected rector, helps to create legitimacy for those who are elected. This gives us a governance system wherein the people we elect are chosen from among our staff - and that gives them strength when difficult decisions need to be made. As employees, it also gives us better channels to promote our interests than in a system where the dean is simply appointed and as a result can shield her or himself from our oversight and views.”
“We have two good candidates for the election. A lot of people will probably find it hard to pick, and might think it doesn’t really matter who wins. Why should staff and students spend time on getting involved with the vote this year in particular?”
“Well, at the end of the day, we have two different candidates. It remains to be seen whether they will put forward two different platforms. If they do, then it will be important that every voter look at whose views best align with their own.”
“I also think that even if the two different candidates’ aims largely coincide, there will still be a difference between their two teams.”
“Jens Petter’s team represents a kind of continuity, since almost everyone in that team has extensive experience from the office of the current dean. Such experience is important, because it allows the Dean’s Office to become operational quickly. If we go with Hanne’s team, we will get a kind of renewal. They primarily represent experience at the department level. Hanne has served as Deputy head of department at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jan Bj?lie is the former head of department at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, and in addition Eli Feiring is the head of division for the largest division at the Institute of Health and Society.”
“Continuity versus renewal is an important dimension when considering these two teams.”
Participate in the General Election Meeting
We conclude this interview with an invitation! Come to the General Election Meeting on 5 September (from 14:00 - 16:00) which will be held both in-person and on Zoom. We are lucky to have the opportunity to help elect our own leader.
Don’t miss the chance to familiarise yourself with the candidates’ election platforms and what they mean to you. The General Election Meeting is a focal point for the entire faculty and will spotlight important questions. You can also help direct the focus towards matters that concern you. To this end, you are welcome to submit questions ahead of time.
Happy voting!