The following is a response to the declaration of support made on behalf of the International Students Union and the Fantoft Coalition regarding the re-election of Sigmund Grønmo that was published in Studvest and På Høyden.
I feel it is my duty as an international student that has also lived in Fantoft to independently represent my opinion as an involved and concerned individual.
As a science, and more importantly an international, student I came to hear about Bergen not by any sort of Erasmus program or international peer review based rankings, but from published journal articles regarding the scientific work done here. I was looking for a competitive school that was doing breakthrough research in my field of study. This search led me to the University of Bergen, which I can proudly say produces breakthrough and significant contributions to cutting edge problems and issues facing modern day society. These achievements could not, and cannot, continue without support and involvement of staff, students, and administration, which in turn need funding and facilities.
The new biology buildings will indeed help and are a welcoming addition to the science faculties; however, it is important to clarify that these additions (as well as the newly opened Student Centre) were planned and put in motion prior to the current rector’s term – contrary what has been otherwise suggested. Moreover, the ranking of the University has not necessarily improved in all aspects. For instance, the Times Higher Educational Supplement annual rankings are largely based on peer review (50% to be exact), which does not necessarily accurately reflect the University’s overall ranking. Unfortunately peer reviews are much more subjective than indicators such as the quality of the education, faculty and research, which can be more objectively inferred by looking at an institution’s publications and awards. Other ranking methods that put more focus on such objective indicators have illustrated a different picture of the UiB. The Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities for instance, indicates that UiB has not improved its ranking, but has remained in the same rank range both in the world wide ranking and regionally (within Europe).
With that said, ranking isn’t everything as it speaks more of the present and past. Instead we should be focusing more on where we want to be in the future. Consequently, the upcoming rector must be more forward thinking and be able to address and show foresight in aiming to develop UiB into the internationally renowned university that produces quality and advanced research.
This sort of demand and foresight is something that I believe can be addressed by Rolf Reed and his team (Ernst Nordtveit and Lise Øvreås). These individuals create a well-balanced group with representation and backgrounds from various faculties and departments (Biomedicine, Law and Biology, respectively). Together they plan to attract quality researchers to improve education and draw in students from around the world. Meanwhile, they aim to offer students relevant and more flexible study programmes while providing better and equal research career prospects for students. The team has responded to all published student suggestions and hope that this is only the beginning of a constructive dialogue that leads to progressive changes that enrich all of our experiences, one that is not limited to “student leaders and representatives”.
I encourage all students to read the Norwegian or translated English platforms of the candidates and attend any of the upcoming debates or information sessions. Please also make sure to vote and make your opinion count! This election is important, as UiB should be a first choice for all students, whether Norwegian, Erasmus, or independent international students alike. Please feel free to access Rolf’s platform information, which is available in both English and Norwegian, and find out why he makes a good candidate!
I would also like to add as a personal side note that I am deeply concerned that a democratic election of a rector is being supported on a student organizational level. I feel like it is unfortunate that student bodies such as the ISU-UiB and Fantoft Student Coalition are using their status to speak on behalf of so many students that may be associated with them.