Unanimous board wants to re‑appoint Anders Fällström as Vice‑Chancellor
At an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, Mid Sweden University's board decided to propose a second reappointment for Anders Fällström to the government. The board agreed.
"I am pleased that a unanimous board can present a proposal for a second reappointment of Anders Fällström as Vice-Chancellor of Mid Sweden University to the government. This means that the work that has been initiated to strengthen Mid Sweden University's position regionally, nationally and internationally can be completed," says Helene Hellmark Knutsson, Chairman of the Board.
The Board's reason for the decision is that Mid Sweden University needs to clarify its role regionally, nationally and internationally and strengthen its collaboration with other actors based on a changed political climate and other external changes.
The university also needs to strengthen its funding, mainly in terms of research with more external funding, collaboration and fundraising. The quality and quality systems of research and education must also be strengthened.
"The current Vice-Chancellor has initiated a strategy work with several new initiatives and the Board believes that this work must be completed in order for Mid Sweden University to be strengthened in the long term," says Helene Hellmark Knutsson.
Chairman of the Board Helene Hellmark Knutsson. Photo: Patrik Trägårdh.
The completed consultation process showed that there were different perceptions in the different hearing groups. Students and T/A staff supported the proposal with some support. The hearing group for teachers and researchers disagreed, and there were some who recommended a new recruitment process or a new consultation process, while others supported the board's proposal. The hearing group for the safety representatives recommended a new recruitment process in the first place and reappointment in the second place. The board also received criticism for the fact that the consultation process was over the summer, which made it difficult to gather employees for a common position.
"We feel that the hearing groups have shown great commitment and given the board important input before the decision. Overall, we believe that the changed political situation and the changes in the world around us that are now taking place mean that the university needs a clear and long-term strategy. This strategy must also be well anchored among researchers, teachers, students and administrative staff, and this is one of the clear messages that is made by the board and the consultation groups after this process," says Helene Hellmark Knutsson.
The formal decision on a second re-appointment is made by the Government.