Academic Council
Latest news from the Academic Council at SUND
How are adjunct professors and associate professors assessed at SUND? What is the status of the psychology programme in Esbjerg? And what does the future hold for student guidance in Sports Science and Health? These were some of the topics discussed at the first Academic Council meeting of the year.
The Academic Council is responsible for ensuring that students and academic staff have a say in academic and scholarly matters. Below is a brief overview of points from the Academic Council meeting on 21 February 2025.
New roles in the Academic Council
Henrik Dimke was re-elected as chair of the council and will continue as meeting facilitator. New members were welcomed, and student representatives were introduced to their roles.
Discussions
Assessment of adjunct professors and associate professors: The Academic Council discussed a potential change in the procedure for assessing adjunct appointments. It was decided that Henrik Dimke and Anne Mette Kargaard would draft a proposal for a revised procedure, which will be circulated for comments within the council before being forwarded to SUND HR.
Working environment for assistant professors and postdocs: The council discussed challenges related to the working environment for these groups. It was decided to investigate whether additional measures are needed before any concrete initiatives are launched. A proposal to escalate the discussion to the departmental level was supported by the council.
Updates
University Council: Henrik Dimke provided an update on the topics discussed at the latest University Council meeting, including SDU’s campus activities in Vejle and the MedTech collaboration between SUND, TEK, and OUH.
MedTech collaboration between SUND, TEK, and OUH: Dean Ole Skøtt informed the council that work is underway to establish a new building between the new SUND and the new OUH in the Koblingszone (Connecting Zone) to accommodate MedTech initiatives and partners. Additionally, ongoing Life Science projects are exploring the possibility of a laboratory-focused building near the DIAS building, with funding options being examined by the Region of Southern Denmark and external foundations.
Psychology programme in Esbjerg: Dean Ole Skøtt announced that the programme will launch on 1 September 2025 with 75 available places, and the hiring of lecturers is currently in progress.
Expansion of Medicine in Esbjerg: Dean Ole Skøtt reported that the master’s programme in medicine will receive 20 additional student places and that a new bachelor’s programme with 50 places is under development. A solution for the allocation of physical space at Campus Esbjerg is being explored in collaboration with UC SYD.
Student guidance in Sports Science and Health: Student representatives reported dissatisfaction among students regarding the shift from subject-specific to general guidance. They are advocating for the reinstatement of subject-specific guidance.
Next steps
The Academic Council will continue working on the consultation response regarding adjunct appointments and assessing the need for improvements in the working environment for assistant professors and postdocs.
Want to know more? Read the full minutes from the Academic Council meeting on 21/02/2025.
About the Academic Council
The Academic Council at SUND is responsible for ensuring that students and academic staff have a say in academic and scholarly matters.
The council can express its views and provide advice to the faculty management on academic issues, including matters relevant to the faculty’s development, organisation, and finances.
The council consists of a chair and 11 members, representing academic staff (VIP), technical-administrative staff (TAP), and students. The dean is an ex officio member of the council.
The council meets at least twice per semester.