Organisation

Umeå University's departments and units are organised under four faculties; arts, medicine, social sciences and science and technology. In addition, research and education is carried out at seven schools and institutes, and sixteen research centres.

The highest decision-making body at the University is the University Board. Although, the Vice-Chancellor runs the day-to-day work of the University Management. The University Administration, the University Library and the faculties offer important support for the research and education conducted at the departments, centres, institutes and schools.

Organisational chart of Umeå University

All parts of the organisation

Umeå University consists of departments, units, sections, centres, schools, institutes and administrative offices. Find the one you are looking for in the list of the entire organisation.

List of all parts of the organisation

Departments

The basic unit of the University is the department. Departments carry out education as well as research within one or several related issues. The department is the primary work place, not just for students, teachers and researchers, but also for other professionals such as administrators, janitors, technicians and instrument makers. The department is normally led by a departmental board where at least two students are members. The head of every department has the title head of department (in Swedish: prefekt).

List of departments

Faculties

A faculty gathers the closely related subjects through education and research. Umeå University has four faculties: arts, medicine, social sciences, and science and technology. Each faculty is headed by a dean, who is also the chairperson for the respective faculty board. The faculty boards are responsible for scientific research, post-graduate education, as well as undergraduate education within the faculty. The board members are elected to their posts, with exception for the student members.

List of faculties

Schools and institutes

The schools and institutes at Umeå University offer depth and distinction which coordinate education and research within a field. Umeå University has seven schools, academies or institutes.

Umeå School of Architecture
Umeå Institute of Design
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics
Umeå Academy of Fine Arts
Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science
Umeå School of Education
Umeå School of Sports Sciences

Research centres

In a research centre, several researchers from varied scientific domains work to solve common problems. A research centre conducts a large part of the University's interdisciplinary research and are set up with the purpose of stimulating collaborations in the border between various traditional disciplines.

List of research centres

University Board

The highest branch at Umeå University is the University Board. It is the responsibility of the Board to decide on, among other things, the distribution of resources within the University.

The Board is made up of eight members who are appointed by the Swedish government. The board represents both community and business interests. Therefore, it is possible to have a chairperson that is not employed at the University.

The Board is also made up of the Vice-Chancellor, three members of the Board who represent teachers, and three members of the Board representing the student body.

University Management

The University Management is the second-highest decision-making body at Umeå University – after the University Board – and is led by the Vice-Chancellor.

University Administration

The University Administration is responsible for the supporting processes of strategic planning, administration and infrastructure. There are 12 administrative offices within the University Administration.

Umeå University Library

Umeå University Library (UmUB) comprises the University Library (UB), including the Medical Library (MB) at the University Hospital of Umeå (NUS) and Umeå University Library Arts Campus (UB Arts Campus).

The libraries offer services mainly to students and researchers at the University, but are also open to the public.

Advisory and decision-making bodies and partners

Strategic councils

There are four strategic councils at Umeå University

Committees, boards and councils

Decision-making and advisory bodies at Umeå University.

Corporations and foundations

Umeå University has ties to many corporations and foundations

Students' unions

The students' unions have the important task of working to improve educations and study environment for students at Umeå University. The unions also have an influence on the boards, councils and committees by providing student representatives.

Umeå Student Union

For students of arts, humanities, social sciences and the teacher education.

Umeå Student Union of Science and Technology

For everyone studying engineering, science, architecture or design.

Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union

For students studying at the Faculty of Medicine.