It was Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud who, scissors in hand, declared the university established by cutting a symbolic ribbon held by, among others, Minister Oddmund Hoel. The mayors of the university's host municipalities also joined in the confetti-filled celebration on stage during the ceremony.
– This has been a wonderful day. We started with an academic programme for all university staff and invited guests, followed by a festive dinner with a fantastic atmosphere. This is a university celebration that our staff truly deserves, said Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud.
Comedian and TV host Else Kåss Furuseth was hired as the evening's host and guided guests through a programme that included speeches, talk-show-style sofa talks, and a performance by Frida Ånnevik.
– I am proud and delighted to lead an institution that has cleared the high bar for university status and is now establishing itself as Norway's eleventh university. I have long said that we will not just become a university but a good university. I am confident we will succeed in that, Svenkerud added.
The University of Inland Norway (INN) was likely the last institution to be accredited under the old, stricter criteria for university accreditation, rather than the transitional or simplified rules that were introduced later.
Broad academic programme
The academic programme, which kicked off Thursday’s celebrations, featured a variety of parallel sessions on topics such as 'A School on the right track?', 'Work and inclusion: how do we make it happen?', and 'AI as a Tool, Humans as the Goal'. Final project productions from the university's TV School were also showcased.
Awards were presented for achievements in research, teaching, and external collaboration. Newly minted doctoral candidates for 2024 were celebrated, as were academic staff who received promotions during the year.
– This day has highlighted the wide spectre of our academic competence. It is the strength of our academic communities that forms the foundation of our new university, said Svenkerud.
Norway’s 11th university
INN is now the eleventh university in Norway. The change in status from university of applied sciences to university followed a decision by the King in Council on 8 November.
In connection with the university celebration on 28 November, the institution has unveiled a new logo and updated branding across its website and other platforms. Over time, new signage will also be installed at all campuses, both indoors and outdoors.
INN has applied for university status twice. The first application, submitted in 2020, was rejected. A new application, filed in December 2022, was reviewed by an expert committee, which concluded that the university met the necessary criteria. This was confirmed by the board of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) at its meeting on 12 September.
Facts about the University of Inland Norway
- Norway's 11th university
- Nearly 15,000 students
- Six PhD programmes, more than 30 master's programmes, and over 40 bachelor's degrees
- Approximately 1,300 full-time equivalent staff
- Annual budget of NOK 1.5 billion
Contact:
- peer.svenkerud@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 43 04 06