Strategic councils

The strategic councils at Umeå University provide forums for strategic discussions and can produce documentation for decision-making both at institution-wide level and faculty level within the councils’ respective areas of responsibility. Each council is headed by the respective deputy vice-chancellor or the university director. The councils have no decision-making authority.

The Strategic Council for Education (USSR)

The Strategic Council for Education (USSR) works to strengthen the quality of education at the University. The USSR consists of delegates from all faculties, Umeå School of Education, the Planning Office and the Centre for Educational Development. The students' unions are also represented in the Council. USSR is led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education Heidi Hansson.

The council is responsible for

initiating and coordinating comprehensive strategic discussions on education
encouraging and following up the implementation of educational and research strategies that in effect with regards to education
providing data for decision-making regarding future educational strategies
discussing and addressing topics revolving around education within third-cycle courses and study programmes – that is doctoral education.

Strategic Council for Research and Doctoral Education (FOSTRA)

The Strategic Council for Research and Doctoral Education (FOSTRA) works to strengthen the quality of research at the University. FOSTRA consists of delegates from all faculties, Umeå School of Education, the Planning Office and the External Relations Office. The students' unions are also represented in the Council. FOSTRA is led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Katrine Riklund.

The council is responsible for

initiating and coordinating comprehensive strategic discussions on research
encouraging and following up the implementation of educational and research strategies in effect with regards to research
providing data for decision-making regarding future research strategies.

The Strategic Council for the Administration (RADON)

The Strategic Council for the Administration (RADON) works to strengthen the quality of the University Administration. RADON consists of the university director, the deputy university director, the deans of the faculty offices, the head of Umeå School of Education, the administrative manager of the University Library, the heads of section of the University Administration, and a controller. RADON is headed by University Director Caroline Sjöberg.

The council is responsible for

constituting strategic support for the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management within the field
proposing improvements concerning the coordination of the University Administration on all levels of the organisation
coordinating and developing the quality assurance procedures within the University Administration.

Strategic Council for Equal Opportunities (LIV)

At Umeå University, the equal opportunities work is led by the interfaculty Strategic Council for Equal Opportunities (LIV).

The council should work in accordance with the Swedish Discrimination Act and the legally required equality work, including work to promote gender mainstreaming. This includes all students, faculty and staff at the University. At Umeå University, the gender mainstreaming work is coordinated with work concerning all grounds for discrimination.

Committees and councils

There are decision-making and advisory bodies at Umeå University. These committees, boards and councils decide on institution-wide matters and advise the Vice-Chancellor or other boards and councils.

Find out more

Corporations and foundations

Umeå University has ties to many corporations and foundations that help strengthen and improve our contacts with trade and industry. Together we share knowledge and develop new ideas.

Find out more

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.