“I hope the hub will become a place where students feel welcome, want to spend time, and want to co-create with one another, with staff and with external partners,” says Sacha Irene de Raaf, adviser and hub manager at the University of Inland Norway (INN).
Within the European university alliance EMERGE, all partners are to establish hubs as a shared focal point at each institution. INN’s first hub opened on 18 February in Hamar, and hubs will gradually be established at all campuses.
The hubs are primarily social meeting places for students, where they can learn about the European University and the opportunities emerging in the fields of study and mobility. However, they also serve as venues for various activities, events and collaboration with the wider community and working life.
Jade Hauan, a student ambassador for EMERGE, took part in a BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) in Slovakia at Matej Bel University, where student ambassadors from all the member countries met to learn more about the values underpinning the collaboration: inclusion, sustainability, resilience, solidarity, multilingualism and cultural diversity.
“We do many things both similarly and differently across the countries, and we have a great deal to learn from one another. Personally, I am looking forward to more short and flexible mobility opportunities being introduced for us here in Inland Norway, so that international experiences become more accessible to all students,” says Hauan.
It is therefore a pleasure to announce the first EMERGE opportunity open to all students:
EMERGE Project Manager Bente Gaalaas Rønningen, Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud and EMERGE student ambassador Jade Hauan.
Photo: Hedda Smedbold / INN
Hauan highlighted a quote from the Nansen Fredssenter as highly relevant to EMERGE: “Dialogue and a community of disagreement as preparedness for peace.”
Photo: Hedda Smedbold / INN
In the hub, you will find information about the EMERGE universities, table tennis and board games, a whiteboard for writing messages, and relevant opportunities for students.
Photo: Espen Kristiansen / INN
Bente Gaalaas Rønningen is INN’s EMERGE coordinator and leads the work within the alliance.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
The hub is intended as a social space for students, where it’s easy to drop in to play games, study for exams, or simply hang out.
Photo: Hedda Smedbold / INN
At INN, all faculties are involved in EMERGE, and work is carried out across campuses, departments and units on joint degrees, mobility, lifelong learning, community engagement, cultural and language offerings, sustainability, and strategy.
Photo: Espen Kristiansen / INN
During the opening ceremony, a special EMERGE cake was also served.
Photo: Espen Kristiansen / INN
“International collaboration is absolutely essential when we are working to create a good and secure world. I believe we can all agree on that,” emphasises Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud.
It was the rector who cut the ribbon and officially declared the hub open. In his opening speech, he highlighted the importance of close European cooperation at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
“The timing is important, and the timing is right. We are now joining forces in Europe and deepening our cooperation with institutions that share common interests with us. In EMERGE, we are regional universities facing many of the same challenges, which we can address together,” explains Svenkerud.
The universities in EMERGE are all located in more peripheral regions, often characterised by an ageing population, youth outmigration and lower economic growth. The alliance aims to demonstrate that innovation and development do not take place solely in major centres, but also in more rural and outlying areas.
“Through EMERGE, we have the opportunity to make a mark that I hope will help move Europe forward,” says Svenkerud.
We now invite all students and staff to explore how they can engage with our new European University, and to use the hub in Hamar as a venue for both social and academic initiatives.
Read more:
- The European university alliance EMERGE
- BRIDGE internships for students
- What is a European university?
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