Rules of procedure for Uppsala University

Statutes

Uppsala University upholds the free pursuit of knowledge in education and research and stands up for academic integrity, diversity and quality. The independence of universities is a cornerstone of democracy. Moreover, it is an essential prerequisite for the freedom of individuals to choose their education and the ability of research to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges facing society. The University seeks to contribute to open and knowledge-based public debate with freedom of expression and human rights at its heart.

Academic freedom, collegial governance and student influence are fundamental principles at the University. All staff and students share a responsibility for the University’s development. The University’s activities are characterised by equal opportunities. The internal culture is distinguished by open, objective and critical discussion in which ideas and scholarly theories are constantly reformulated and questioned. The credibility of science and good research practice are defended. The University will preserve and develop its diversity and its role and visibility in society.

The University is regulated as a government agency and is therefore subject to legislation on its governance, requirements for the correct legal management of official business, and other matters. Collegial influence plays a central role in the organisation. The University has a decision-making structure in which academic leaders are appointed for fixed periods on the proposal of electoral colleges or elected assemblies, and academically qualified individuals are in the majority in management bodies that decide on the contents and quality of education and research. The students have an active role in the University’s operations, are involved in educational development and participate in consultations and decisions.

Chapter 1 General provisions

Section 1 The University is required to have rules of procedure containing important regulations on the overall organisation of the institution, delegation of authority to make decisions, the management of issues and other operational procedures, unless otherwise provided by acts or ordinances. The board of governors decides on the rules of procedure.[1], [2]

Section 2 Any changes to the regulations decided on in the introductory section “Statutes”; Chapter 1, Section 2; Chapter 3, Sections 3−6; Chapter 5, Sections 2–4; Chapter 6, Sections 2 and 5; Chapter 7, Section 1; Chapter 8, Sections 1–3; and Chapter 9, Section 1, require two identical decisions taken six months apart. This decision-making procedure does not apply in the case of regulatory changes that stem directly from changes in the national regulatory framework.

Chapter 2 General concepts

Academically qualified individuals

Decisions are to be made by academically qualified individuals if these decisions require appraisal of

the organisation, implementation or quality of a course or programme, or

the organisation or quality of research.

If the appraisal is to be made by a group of individuals, the majority of them are to be academically qualified.[3]

Section 1 The definition of the term ‘academically qualified individual’ is relevant for the right to vote and/or stand in elections to the University Board, disciplinary domain boards, faculty boards and the Electoral Assembly.

The term ‘academically qualified individual’ means in this context a person who is

− employed as a professor or

− employed as a teacher or researcher when the position requires a doctoral degree or equivalent expertise.

Individuals who have a permanent contract or a fixed-term contract lasting longer than two years that comprises at least 50% of a full-time role at the University and whose duties within the area of responsibility of a disciplinary domain or faculty board comprise at least 40% of a full-time role, are defined as teachers or researchers within the area of responsibility of that board.

The term ‘academically qualified individual’ in this context also means an adjunct professor or adjunct senior lecturer who has a permanent contract or a contract for at least two years comprising at least 40% of a fulltime role in the Faculty of Medicine, and whose principal employer is a regional health authority within Sjukvårdsregion Mellansverige (the central Sweden healthcare region).

Delegation

Section 2 Delegation entails transferring the authority to make decisions from a body or official to a subordinate body or official. Any transferral of tasks not involving decision-making is not considered to be delegation.

Those who have the authority to make decisions also have the authority to delegate, unless otherwise specially prescribed. A delegation can be made to a decision-making body or an official.

A correctly implemented delegation entails the transfer of responsibility for any decisions taken to the body or official who has been delegated the task.

A correctly implemented delegation requires the recipient of the delegated task to be sufficiently independent and qualified to carry out the task. The scope of the delegation must be clear. The party delegating a task has a duty to supervise the delegated tasks and to take action if the tasks are not being handled correctly.

A delegation can be withdrawn at any time, either fully or partially.

A delegation must be made in writing and signed by the delegating party. When given to an official, the delegation should also be signed by the party acquiring the authority to take decisions.

Chapter 3 Organisation

Figure 1. Organisation of Uppsala University

University Board

Section 1 The board of governors of a higher education institution shall supervise all of its operations and assume responsibility for the fulfilment of its mandate.[4]

The governing board of Uppsala University is known as the konsistorium (University Board).

Vice-Chancellor

Section 2 The vice-chancellor is the head of the University as a public authority.[5]

Disciplinary domains

Section 3 Uppsala University’s activities are organised into the following disciplinary domains:

− Disciplinary Domain of Humanities and Social Sciences

− Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy

− Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology

Faculties

Section 4 The disciplinary domains are organised into faculties.

The Disciplinary Domain of Humanities and Social Sciences consists of the following faculties:

− Faculty of Theology

− Faculty of Law

− Faculty of Arts

− Faculty of Languages

− Faculty of Social Sciences

− Faculty of Educational Sciences

The Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy consists of the following faculties:

− Faculty of Medicine

− Faculty of Pharmacy

The Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology consists of the following faculty:

− Faculty of Science and Technology

Departments

Section 5 Activities are conducted within departments, unless otherwise decided for a specific activity. Each department belongs to a faculty.

Electoral College (permanent consultative assembly)

Section 6 Uppsala University has an Electoral College that serves as a permanent consultative assembly.

Internal Audit

Section 7 The University has an internal audit function which reports directly to the University Board.[6]

University Administration

Section 8 The University has a University Administration.

University Library

Section 9 The University has a University Library.[7]

Chapter 4 University Board

Composition

The board of governors of a higher education institution will consist of the chair and 14 other members, unless otherwise stated in the second paragraph. The chair must not be employed by the higher education institution. Section 4 of Chapter 2 of the Higher Education Act (1992:1434) stipulates that the vicechancellor is a member of the board.

The government may, following a request by a higher education institution, decide that the board of governors of the higher education institution will consist of the chair and ten other members, if there is reason for this due to the needs of the higher education institution.

The board of governors will elect one of its members to act as deputy chair. Ordinance (2018:1131).[8]

Members of the board of governors other than the vice-chancellor must be appointed for a fixed term of no more than three years. Ordinance (2018:1131).[9]

The teachers are entitled to be represented by three members of the board of governors. If, pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 1, the Government decides that the board of governors will have a chair and ten other members, the teachers may appoint two members of the board of governors. The teachers’ representatives must be appointed by election within the higher education institution. The higher education institution may issue more specific regulations about the election procedure.

The students are entitled to be represented by three members of the board of governors. If, pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 1, the Government decides that the board of governors will have a chair and ten other members, the students may appoint two members of the board of governors.

The chair and the other members of the board of governors who, pursuant to Section 4 of Chapter 2 of the Higher Education Act (1992:1434), must be appointed by the Government, are to be appointed after a proposal pursuant to Section 7b. This proposal is to be preceded by consultation within and outside the higher education institution and comprise persons with competence and experience from activities that are significant for the institution's mandate pursuant to Section 2 of Chapter 1 of the Higher Education Act. Section 2 of the Higher Education Act. An even gender distribution among the members must be observed in this proposal.

The staff representatives who, pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 4 of Chapter 2 of the Higher Education Act (1992:1434), are entitled to attend and to speak at meetings of the board of governors are to be appointed according to the provisions of the Staff Representatives Ordinance (1987:1101). Ordinance (2018:1131).[10]

Section 1 The University Board consists of a chair and 14 other members.

Section 2 The teachers are represented by three members. The University Board decides elsewhere on more specific regulations about the election procedure for members appointed by the teachers.

Section 3 The students are represented by three members. Members appointed by the students are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769). Members appointed by the students are appointed for a maximum period of one year at a time.

Duties

The agency’s management is answerable to the Government for the agency’s activities and must ensure that they are conducted effectively and in accordance with applicable legislation and the obligations deriving from Sweden's membership of the European Union, that the financial reports reliably and fairly present the results of activities, and that the agency manages central government funds prudently.[11]

Section 4 The University Board takes decisions on the University’s internal organisation. This involves decisions about which disciplinary domains, disciplinary domain boards, faculties and faculty boards are to exist at the University.

Section 5 The University Board takes decisions on the following matters (points 1−11):

  1. important issues relating to the overall operational focus and the organisation of the University;
  2. annual reports, interim reports, budgetary records and other important reports, and ensuring that the University has an internal management and auditing system that functions in a satisfactory manner;
  3. measures resulting from audit reports and audit memoranda from the Swedish National Audit Office;
  4. guidelines and audit routines for internal auditing and measures resulting from observations and recommendations arising from internal audits pursuant to Section 10 of the Internal Audit Ordinance (2006:1228);
  5. major issues relating to the internal allocation and monitoring of resources;
  6. issues that pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 15 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) are to be determined by a staff disciplinary board, if no staff disciplinary board has been established at the University or if the Government Disciplinary Board for Higher Officials is not required to issue a decision pursuant to Chapter 4, Section 16 of the Higher Education Ordinance;
  7. the admission regulations specified in Chapter 6, Section 3, second paragraph of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100);
  8. rules of procedure containing important regulations on the overall organisation of the University, delegation of authority to make decisions, the management of issues and other operational procedures, unless otherwise provided by acts or ordinances;
  9. appointment regulations;
  10. other important regulations;
  11. other issues that are of fundamental importance.

Sections 8, 10 and 15 of Chapter 2 provide that the board of governors also decides on the proposal of a vice-chancellor, appoints the vice-chancellor’s deputy and decides on the establishment of a staff disciplinary board. Ordinance (2010:1064).[12],[13]

The vice-chancellor decides on matters other than those referred to in Section 2, unless:

  1. otherwise provided by enactment or ordinance, or
  2. the board of governors has otherwise decided.

If, however, in this ordinance or elsewhere it is provided that a certain duty is incumbent on the vicechancellor, the board of governors may not assume that duty. Ordinance (1998:1003).[14]

Point 11 above applies when there is no requirement that a decision be taken by academically qualified individuals or by a group of individuals in which the majority are academically qualified.

Section 6 The Annual Report must be signed by all members of the University Board.[15]

Section 7 The University Board also takes decisions on the following:

12. its own working procedures;

13. arrangements for drawing up proposals for vice-chancellor and appointing a deputy vice-chancellor, beyond what is specified in Chapters 5 and 6;

14. more specific regulations on the election procedure for members of the University Board appointed by the teachers, beyond what is specified in Chapter 6, Section 3;[16]

15. proposals for appointment as vice-chancellor;[17]

16. appointment of a deputy vice-chancellor following consultation with teachers, other employees and students in line with Chapters 5 and 6 and in any manner otherwise decided by the University Board;

17. appointment of a university director at the proposal of the vice-chancellor;

18. deviations on special grounds from the principle that certain decisions must be taken by academically qualified individuals;[18]

19. an operational plan for the agency;[19]

20. other matters concerning roles and budgetary frameworks for the vice-chancellor, disciplinary domain boards and certain units under the vice-chancellor;

21. major statements of goals and strategies and regulatory documents concerning the University as a whole;

22. the owner directive for the holding company;

23. responses to particularly important consultations;

24. recipients of certain honours and prizes.

Section 8 Points 1−24 above may not be delegated.

Chapter 5 Vice-Chancellor

Section 1 Appointment as vice-chancellor is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.[20] The vicechancellor is to have a deputy to serve instead of the vice-chancellor when he or she is not on duty, and who otherwise substitutes for the vice-chancellor to the extent determined by the vice-chancellor.[21] At Uppsala University, the vice-chancellor’s deputy is referred to as the deputy vice-chancellor. The University Board decides elsewhere on additional deputies for the vice-chancellor.

Procedure for proposing a vice-chancellor and appointing a deputy vice-chancellor

The vice-chancellor shall be appointed by government decision for a period of no more than six years on the basis of a proposal from the board of governors of the higher education institution. The appointment may be extended but no more than twice and for no more than three years at a time.

Before the board of governors submits its proposal, it must consult with teachers, other employees and students in the manner determined by the board.

In the process of proposing a vice-chancellor, the board of governors must consider both female and male candidates as far as possible. The board must report to the government the way in which the gender equality aspect has been taken into account. Ordinance (2002:558).[22]

The vice-chancellor is to have a deputy to serve instead of the vice-chancellor when he or she is not on duty. The deputy shall also otherwise substitute for the vice-chancellor to the extent determined by the vicechancellor.

The vice-chancellor’s deputy is appointed by the board of governors. Ordinance (2010:1064).[23]

A person qualified for appointment as a professor or senior lecturer is qualified to be a vice-chancellor or a vice-chancellor’s deputy. Ordinance (2010:1064).[24]

Section 2 The University Board should initiate the process in good time, normally a year and a half before the end of the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor’s term of office, by deciding to initiate an opencompetition recruitment process, or decide to assess the possibility of a simplified re-appointment process.

Section 3 A recruitment committee consisting of eight members is appointed. Two external members from the University Board are appointed by the University Board. Three academically qualified individuals and one representative of the other employees are appointed by their respective representatives in the Electoral College. Two members are appointed by the students in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769). The University Board appoints a chair of the recruitment committee. The recruitment committee decides on its working procedures.

Section 4 The procedures for proposing a vice-chancellor and appointing a deputy vice-chancellor must be kept separate.

The procedures for proposing a vice-chancellor and appointing a deputy vice-chancellor follow the order below when recruiting via an open competition:

  1. The recruitment committee produces proposals and consults with the University Board about the required person specification. The recruitment committee sends the proposal out for consideration to the Electoral College.
  2. The University Board takes a decision on the person specification.
  3. The recruitment committee produces a list of candidates. As far as possible, the recruitment committee must nominate both female and male candidates.
  4. The recruitment committee consults with the University Board regarding candidates to be interviewed.
  5. The recruitment committee submits the names of candidates who are to be interviewed to the Electoral College.
  6. Interviews are conducted. The members of the University Board are entitled to be present, but not to make representations during the interview.
  7. The Electoral College submits its proposal to the recruitment committee.
  8. The recruitment committee then submits its proposal to the University Board.
  9. The University Board approves the proposal for vice-chancellor and submits it to the government.

Points 1–8 apply equally to the appointment of a deputy vice-chancellor, in addition to the following:

10. When appointing a deputy vice-chancellor, the recruitment committee consults with the proposed vice-chancellor about deputy vice-chancellor candidates before consulting with the University Board.

11. The University Board appoints the deputy vice- chancellor.

If a re-appointment is possible and the current vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor are available for re-appointment, the University Board must assess the possibility of a simplified process in accordance with the following procedure:

12. A recruitment committee is appointed in accordance with Section 3.
13. The University Board tasks the recruitment committee with conducting an assessment of the current vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor’s work, which includes making an assessment of the possibility of re-appointment via a simplified process. If the recruitment committee finds that reappointment of the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor is a realistic option, the recruitment committee then consults the current vice-chancellor about re-appointment of the deputy vicechancellor.

14. The recruitment committee submits its assessment and proposals for the process to the University Board, which then decides whether to initiate a simplified re-appointment process or an opencompetition recruitment process.

15. When a simplified re-appointment process is decided upon, the current vice-chancellor/deputy vicechancellor is called to an interview by the Electoral College. The members of the University Board are entitled to be present, but not to make representations during the interview

16. The Electoral College submits its proposal to the recruitment committee.

17. The recruitment committee then submits its proposal to the University Board.

18. The University Board decides to propose the re-appointment of the vice-chancellor to the government/takes a decision on the re-appointment of the deputy vice-chancellor or decides to initiate an open-competition recruitment process.

Duties

The head of agency is accountable to the governing board and is to manage day-to-day activities according to the directives and guidelines decided by the governing board.

The head of agency is to keep the governing board informed of activities, provide the governing board with the material on which to base decisions and execute the governing board’s decisions.

Subject to the authority of the governing board, the head of agency is responsible for the agency’s employer policy under Section 8 and represents the agency as employer.[25]

Section 5 The vice-chancellor assumes responsibility for the University’s employer policy by:

  1. developing and coordinating central government employer policy in collaboration with other agencies and authorities;
  2. ensuring that employees are well acquainted with the objectives of the University’s activities;
  3. creating good working conditions and making use of and developing employees’ skills and experience.[26]

Section 6 The vice-chancellor takes decisions on:

  1. nominating an individual for a professorship;[27]
  2. an annual account of the use made of the possibility of nominating individuals for professorships, and submits this account to the University Board;
  3. the appointment of professors; [28]
  4. promotions from senior lecturer (associate professor) to professor;
  5. the changing of a professor’s field;
  6. discontinuing the appointment procedure for a professorship;
  7. entering into an agreement between Uppsala University and an adjunct professor’s principal employer;
  8. withdrawing the entitlement of a doctoral student to supervision and other resources for doctoral student education; [29]
  9. establishing and discontinuing main fields of study and degree programmes within the framework decided by the University Board;
  10. appointing vice-rectors and deputy vice-rectors and determining the duties of vice-rectors;
  11. appointing deans who are chair of a faculty board and deputy deans and determining the duties of deans;
  12. the rules governing the election of a chair, deputy chair and members of disciplinary domain boards and faculty boards and members and alternate members of department boards;
  13. the specific composition of disciplinary domain boards and faculty boards;
  14. establishing and closing departments;
  15. the management of a department exclusively by a head of department (prefektstyre);
  16. appointing heads of department and deputy heads of department;
  17. the duties of a head of department;
  18. a different composition of a department board than that decided by the University Board, if warranted on special grounds;
  19. establishing and closing centres that are directly answerable to the vice-chancellor and centres that have their own staff and/or their own leasing agreements for premises;
  20. the rules of procedure for centres and other operational units directly answerable to the vicechancellor, as well as the director’s duties;
  21. the instructions for and composition of the Campus Gotland Board;
  22. other regulations and guidelines of fundamental importance;
  23. the duties of the university director;
  24. the appointment of the library director;
  25. the rules of procedure for the University Library and the library director’s duties.

Section 7 The vice-chancellor may delegate their duties, unless otherwise specifically provided.[30] However, points 1−10, 12–15 and 17–25 above may not be delegated.

Section 8 The vice-chancellor is responsible for ensuring that the University establishes the advisory bodies for international, national, regional and local collaboration with other institutions that are required to enable the University to fulfil its duties.

Working procedures and the vice-chancellor’s decision-making session

Section 9 The vice-chancellor takes decisions following preparations and presentations. The university director, or the official appointed by the university director, is responsible for preparing and presenting matters.

Section 10 The vice-chancellor’s decisions are normally taken during a special session in the presence of the university director and a representative of the University’s students, appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769).

Vice-Chancellor’s Management Council

Section 11 The Management Council is a supporting and advisory body for the vice-chancellor. The Management Council consists of the vice-chancellor, deputy vice-chancellor, vice-rectors, university director and three representatives of the University’s students, appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769). In addition, the vice-chancellor can co-opt further individuals as members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Management Council.

The Management Council does not take decisions. The vice-chancellor is expected to consult with the Management Council on important matters of principle and strategy.

Chapter 6 Electoral College (permanent consultative assembly)

Composition

Section 1 The Electoral College is to consist of 65 members. A personal alternate must be appointed for each member, who will only have the right to be present and authority to make decisions in the absence of the ordinary member.

  1. Thirty-six members are appointed by way of elections within the disciplinary domains in a manner decided by the University Board. Academically qualified individuals (see definition in Chapter 2, Section 1 of the Rules of Procedure) in any of the disciplinary domains are entitled to vote and eligible for election. The seats are divided between the disciplinary domains based on the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) within the group of academically qualified individuals.

    Members appointed from the group of academically qualified individuals are appointed for three years at a time with the possibility of a total term of office of nine years.

2. Eighteen members are selected by the University’s
students. Doctoral students are included in this member category. Members appointed by the students are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769).

Members appointed by the students are appointed for a maximum period of one year at a time. Members can be re-elected.

3. Eleven members are appointed from among the other employees following a nomination procedure decided by the University Board. These are selected by a group consisting of representatives of other employees. This group is appointed in a manner decided by the University Board. The group is to consist of six members and the composition must be representative of the other employees in the University’s internal organisation, based on FTEs. The seats in the Electoral College are allocated based on the group of other employees in FTEs.

Members appointed from the group of other employees are appointed for three years at a time with the possibility of a total term of office of nine years.

Staff associations are permitted to appoint four individuals with the right to attend and to speak at the Electoral College. The staff associations decide for themselves how these individuals are appointed.

Representatives of the group that selects members within the group of other employees and those individuals appointed as members of the Electoral College from the group of other employees must be employed at Uppsala University and

- must not form part of a disciplinary domain’s body of academically qualified individuals, and
- must have a permanent employment contract that comprises at least 50% of a full-time role.

The Electoral College selects a chair and Deputy Chair from the members who represent academically qualified individuals. The chair and deputy chair are elected for three years with the possibility of re-election for a further period of three years.

Duties

Section 2 The Electoral College serves as the consultative assembly during the procedure for proposing a vice-chancellor and appointing a deputy vice-chancellor.

Section 3 The members who represent academically qualified individuals act as an electoral assembly for elections of faculty members to the University Board.

Section 4 The Electoral College must also be given the opportunity to comment on proposed nominators and the proposed chair and external members of the University Board.[31]

Section 5 The Electoral College decides on its own working procedures.

Chapter 7 Disciplinary domains

Disciplinary domain boards and vice-rectors

Section 1 The disciplinary domain board is the decision-making body of the disciplinary domain. The majority of the members of the disciplinary domain board consist of academically qualified individuals. The chair of the disciplinary domain board is referred to as the vice-rector and the deputy chair is referred to as the deputy vice-rector.[32] The deputy vice-rector serves instead of the vice-rector when the vice-rector is not on duty, and otherwise substitutes for the vice-rector to whatever extent the latter decides.

The following disciplinary domain boards exist at Uppsala University:

− Humanities and Social Sciences Disciplinary Domain Board

− Medicine and Pharmacy Disciplinary Domain Board

− Science and Technology Disciplinary Domain Board

Composition

Section 2 The disciplinary domain board consists of a chair, deputy chair and 13–19 members, of whom at least three must be students. Student representation should be adjusted in relation to the size of the board. In addition, representatives of the staff associations have the right to attend and to speak.

Section 3 Members – with the exception of members appointed by students – are appointed by election within the disciplinary domain. Individuals who do not belong to the faculties in the disciplinary domain may be elected to the disciplinary domain board. Individuals who are academically qualified within the area of responsibility of the disciplinary domain board are entitled to vote in disciplinary domain board elections.

Section 4 Members appointed by the students are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769).

The students may appoint a maximum of two group alternates. These alternates have the right to attend and to speak.

Section 5 Representatives of staff associations are appointed in accordance with the Staff Representatives Ordinance (1987:1101).

Section 6 The term of office of the chair, deputy chair and members is three years, with the possibility of extension. The term of office of the chair and deputy chair may be renewed but no more than twice and for no more than three years at a time. By-elections that cover a maximum of 18 months of a term of office will not be counted in the limitation of numbers of terms of office given above. Members appointed by the students are appointed for a maximum period of one year at a time.

Section 7 The disciplinary domain board is in quorum when more than half of the members, including the chair (or deputy chair), are present. Decisions are taken by acclamation, unless a vote is requested. Votes are to be held openly in accordance with Section 29 of the Administrative Procedure Act (2017:900). The outcome is decided by simple majority. In the event of a tied vote, the chair has the casting vote.

Duties

Section 8 The role of the disciplinary domain board within each disciplinary domain is to:

  1. exercise overall responsibility for activities within the framework of the instructions issued by the University Board and the vice-chancellor;
  2. decide on the rules of procedure for the disciplinary domain;
  3. decide on the organisation and implementation of educational programmes and systematically assure, enhance and monitor their quality;
  4. decide on the organisation and quality of research;
  5. decide on the establishment and discontinuation of third-cycle subject areas;
  6. decide on the appointment of examiners in first-cycle (bachelor’s), second-cycle (master’s) and third-cycle (doctoral) studies;
  7. submit proposals or opinions to the vice-chancellor regarding the establishment and discontinuation of main fields of study and degree programmes;
  8. annually submit documentation to the vice-chancellor before the University Board decides on the distribution of resources between the disciplinary domains;
  9. annually draw up an operational plan for the disciplinary domain and decide on tasks and the distribution of resources between faculty boards, departments, etc. in the domain;
  10. submit documentation to the University’s annual report and annual budget input to the government;
  11. submit documentation to the vice-chancellor regarding the University’s long-term premises planning;
  12. annually submit proposals or opinions to the vice-chancellor regarding plans for talent recruitment, development and retention;
  13. decide on the employment profile for professors following consultation with the vice-chancellor;
  14. decide to initiate recruitment of professors;
  15. submit proposals to the vice-chancellor to nominate an individual for a professorship;
  16. decide to initiate recruitment of senior lecturers/associate professors (universitetslektor) and associate senior lecturers/assistant professors (biträdande universitetslektor);
  17. decide to change the field of a senior lecturer/associate professor (universitetslektor), associate senior lecturer/assistant professor (biträdande universitetslektor) or research associate/assistant professor (forskarassistent);
  18. decide that an appointment as a research associate/assistant professor (forskarassistent) should be converted into an appointment as associate senior lecturer/assistant professor (biträdande universitetslektor);
  19. monitor students’ conditions of study and study environment and, where necessary, propose or take measures to improve these;
  20. carry out elections to the department board whenever a new department is established.

Section 9 The disciplinary domain board may delegate its duties to academically qualified officials or to bodies where the majority of members are academically qualified, unless otherwise specifically provided. Points 1−2, 7−14 and 17−19 above may not be delegated.

Section 10 If separate faculty boards are established within the disciplinary domain, those boards take responsibility for points 3−6, 13−18 and 20.

If separate faculty boards are established within a disciplinary domain, the disciplinary domain board must coordinate the proposals of the faculty boards under point 12 and submit an opinion and an overall assessment of the proposals to the vice-chancellor. The disciplinary domain board must also submit an opinion of a faculty board’s proposals under point 7 and submit it to the vice-chancellor before the vicechancellor takes a decision.

Chapter 8 Faculties

Faculty boards

Section 1 In the Disciplinary Domain of Humanities and Social Sciences, the faculty boards serve as the faculties’ decision-making bodies. The majority of the members of the faculty boards consist of academically qualified individuals. The chair of the faculty board is referred to as the dean.[33] The dean has a deputy who is deputy chair and is referred to as the deputy dean. The deputy dean serves instead of the dean when the dean is not on duty, and otherwise substitutes for the dean to whatever extent the dean decides.

The faculty boards are as follows:

− Faculty of Theology Faculty Board

− Faculty of Law Faculty Board

− Faculty of Arts Faculty Board

− Faculty of Languages Faculty Board

− Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty Board

− Faculty of Educational Sciences Faculty Board

Section 2 In the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy, the disciplinary domain board is also the faculty board and serves as the faculties’ decision-making body. Each faculty has an academic representative who has the title of dean. The dean’s term of office is a maximum of three years but may be renewed, though no more than twice and for no more than three years at a time. By-elections that cover a maximum of 18 months of a term of office will not be counted in the limitation of numbers of terms of office given above.

Section 3 In the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology, the disciplinary domain board is also the faculty board and serves as the faculty’s decision-making body. The chair of the disciplinary domain board is also the dean.

Composition

Section 4 The faculty board consists of a chair, deputy chair and 11–19 members, of whom at least three must be students. Student representation should be adjusted in relation to the size of the board. In addition, representatives of the staff associations have the right to attend and to speak.

Section 5 Members – with the exception of members appointed by students – are appointed by election within the relevant faculties. Individuals who do not belong to the faculty may be elected to the faculty board. Individuals who are academically qualified within the area of responsibility of the faculty board are entitled to vote in faculty board elections.

Section 6 Members appointed by the students are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769).

The students may appoint a maximum of two group alternates. These alternates have the right to attend and to speak.

Section 7 Representatives of staff associations are appointed in accordance with the Staff Representatives Ordinance (1987:1101).

Section 8 The term of office of the chair, deputy chair and members is three years, with the possibility of extension. The term of office of the chair and deputy chair may be renewed but no more than twice and for no more than three years at a time. By-elections that cover a maximum of 18 months of a term of office will not be counted in the limitation of numbers of terms of office given above. Members appointed by the students are appointed for a maximum period of one year at a time.

Section 9 The faculty board is in quorum when more than half of the members, including the chair (or deputy chair), are present. Decisions are taken by acclamation, unless a vote is requested. Votes are to be held openly in accordance with Section 29 of the Administrative Procedure Act (2017:900). The outcome is decided by simple majority. In the event of a tied vote, the chair has the casting vote.

Duties

Section 11 Where there are separate faculty boards within a disciplinary domain, the duties of the faculty board are to:

  1. decide on the rules of procedure for the faculty;
  2. decide on the organisation and implementation of educational programmes and systematically assure, enhance and monitor their quality;
  3. decide on the organisation and quality of research;
  4. decide on the establishment and discontinuation of third-cycle subject areas;
  5. decide on the appointment of examiners in first-cycle (bachelor’s), second-cycle (master’s) and third-cycle (doctoral) studies;
  6. submit proposals for decision by the vice-chancellor regarding the establishment and discontinuation of main fields of study and degree programmes;
  7. submit proposals to the disciplinary domain board for an annual plan concerning talent recruitment, development and retention;
  8. decide on the employment profile for professors following consultation with the vice-chancellor;
  9. decide to initiate recruitment of professors;
  10. submit proposals to the vice-chancellor to nominate an individual for a professorship;
  11. decide to initiate recruitment of senior lecturers/associate professors (universitetslektor) and associate senior lecturers/assistant professors (biträdande universitetslektor);
  12. decide to change the field of a senior lecturer/associate professor (universitetslektor), associate senior lecturer/assistant professor (biträdande universitetslektor) or research associate/assistant professor (forskarassistent);
  13. decide that an appointment as a research associate/assistant professor (forskarassistent) should be converted into an appointment as associate senior lecturer/assistant professor (biträdande universitetslektor);
  14. carry out elections to the department board whenever a new department is established.

Section 12 The faculty board may delegate its duties, unless otherwise specifically provided. Points 1, 5−8 and 11−13 above may not be delegated.

Chapter 9 Departments

Department boards and heads of department

Section 1 A department is managed by a head of department and a department board, unless the vicechancellor has decided otherwise in a particular case. The head of department is in charge of the department and chairs the department board.[34] The head of department has a deputy head of department who is deputy chair of the board. The deputy head of department serves instead of the head of department when the head of department is not on duty, and otherwise substitutes for the head of department to whatever extent the head of department decides.

Academically qualified individuals are eligible for the position of head of department or deputy head of department.

The majority of the members of the department board consist of academically qualified individuals.

Composition

Section 2 The department board consists of the head of department, who serves as the chair, 4−6 members appointed by teachers and researchers, one member appointed by the technical and administrative staff and 3−4 members appointed by the students. The number of members appointed by teachers and researchers is decided by the department board ahead of the coming term of office. Student representation should be adjusted in relation to the size of the board.

Section 3 Members appointed by the students are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Student Union Ordinance (2009:769). Other members are appointed by way of election.

Section 4 The deputy head of department is the head of department’s personal alternate on the department board with a permanent right to attend and to speak, and serves as chair in the absence of the head of department.

Alternates may be appointed for board members. These may be personal alternates or group alternates. The department board decides on the right of alternates to attend and to speak, as well as on the possibility of recording divergent opinions in the minutes.

Section 5 The term of office of the chair, deputy chair, members and alternates is three years, with the possibility of extension. The term of office of the chair may be renewed but no more than twice and for no more than three years at a time. By-elections that cover a maximum of 18 months of a term of office will not be counted in the term of office limitation given above. Exceptional permission for further extension of the chair’s term of office may be granted on special grounds. Exceptional permission for further extension of the chair’s term of office is approved by the vice-chancellor.

Members appointed by the students are appointed for a maximum period of one year at a time.

Working procedures

Section 6 The department board is in quorum when more than half of the members, including the chair (or deputy chair), are present. Decisions are taken by acclamation, unless a vote is requested. Votes are to be held openly in accordance with Section 29 of the Administrative Procedure Act (2017:900). The outcome is decided by simple majority. In the event of a tied vote, the chair has the casting vote.

Section 7 Matters before the departmental board are determined following a presentation by the head of department or the individual appointed by the latter.

Duties

Section 8 The department board decides on:

  1. the department’s rules of procedure;
  2. the department’s budget;
  3. overarching guidelines for activities;
  4. measures in response to audit reports;
  5. initiation of recruitment to temporary teaching positions (excluding adjunct professors, visiting professors and associate senior lecturers/assistant professors[35]) as well as the recruitment of lecturers (upon permission from the disciplinary domain board or faculty board);
  6. initiation of recruitment of technical and administrative staff;
  7. proposals for the position of head of department and deputy head of department;
  8. issues placed before the board by the head of department.

Section 9 Points 1−5 and 7−8 above may not be delegated. Point 6 may be delegated to the head of department.

Section 10 Other issues are decided by the head of department, unless the vice-chancellor has decided otherwise.

Chapter 10 Students

Students shall be entitled to exert influence over the courses and study programmes at higher education institutions.

Higher education institutions shall endeavour to enable students to play an active role in the continued development of courses and study programmes. Act (2000:260).[36]

The students are entitled to representation when decisions or preparations are made that have bearing on their courses or programmes or the situation of students. The Government or the authority decided by the Government may, pursuant to Chapter 8, Article 7 of the Instrument of Government, issue regulations on the number of such representatives and how they shall be appointed. Act (2016:744).[37]

If decisions or preparations are to be made by one single individual, information is to be provided and consultation take place with a student representative in ample time before the decision is made or preparations concluded.

If a decision is to be made by a group of individuals pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 6 of Chapter 2 of the Higher Education Act, the students are entitled to representation by at least three members. The number of student representatives in such a group may however be fewer if there are special grounds in view of the total number of members in the group.

In other respects the higher education institution itself decides on the entitlement of students to the representation stipulated in the first paragraph above. Ordinance (2010:1064).[38]

Section 1 The University Board decides upon application whether an association of students may be granted the status of a student union for a specified period if the association fulfils the requirements laid down in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 4, Sections 9–14).

Section 2 The student unions decide on the representatives to be appointed in different bodies.

Section 3 The rules of procedure for disciplinary domains, faculties, departments and other bodies are to regulate the entitlement of students to representation, information and consultation and ensure their participation in preparation processes.

Section 4 Special internal regulations govern the entitlement of students to participation, information and consultation in other respects in the preparation of matters that are to be decided by the vice-chancellor or have been delegated by the vice-chancellor.

Section 5 Wherever views need to be sought about a matter by way of consultations with one or more bodies and the matter affects significant activities related to educational programmes or the situation of students, the student unions at the University must be among the bodies consulted.

Consultation should also be possible with student representatives in the student unions’ collaboration bodies and student nations’ collaboration bodies.

Chapter 11 Campus Gotland

Section 1 Campus Gotland forms part of the University and offers education and research in line with the areas of responsibility specified for the disciplinary domain boards, faculty boards and departments.[39]

Campus Gotland Board

Composition

Section 2 The Campus Gotland Board has been established for Uppsala University – Campus Gotland. The vice-chancellor decides on the Board’s instructions and composition.

Duties

Section 3 The Campus Gotland Board is an advisory body assisting the vice-chancellor and the disciplinary domain and faculty boards. The Campus Gotland Board has a strategic mandate to develop, coordinate and enhance the identity of Campus Gotland.

Chapter 12 Other units

University Administration and university director

The University Administration provides support to the University Board, the vice-chancellor, disciplinary domain and faculty boards, departments and other activities with the aim of ensuring that the University fulfils its general responsibilities as a public authority and employer. The University Administration is responsible for managing and developing the administration of the University.

The university director is the head of the University Administration.

University Library and library director

Section 2 The library director is the head of the University Library.[40]

Staff disciplinary board

Section 3 The University has a staff disciplinary board. The composition and duties of the staff disciplinary board are regulated by the Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance.[41] The vice-chancellor is chair of the board. The other members of the board consist of staff representatives and a maximum of a further three members appointed by the University Board.[42]

Disciplinary board

Section 4 The University has a disciplinary board. The activities and composition of the disciplinary board are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance.[43]

Board for Investigation of Deviations from Good Research Practice

Section 5 The University has a Board for Investigation of Deviations from Good Research Practice. The vice-chancellor decides on guidelines for the board.

Protective Security Manager

Section 6 The University has a protective security manager. [44] The protective security manager is directly answerable to the vice-chancellor. [45]


[1] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 2.

[2] Quotes from national regulations are in italics in the Rules of Procedure, with source references. Information based on national regulations without consisting of direct quotes is given with source references.

The English translations are taken (with slight adaptations) from established translations where available, particularly the Higher Education Act and Higher Education Ordinance published on the website of the Swedish Council for Higher Education, https://www.uhr.se/en/start/laws-and-regulations/Laws-and-regulations/ (translator’s note).

[3] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 2, Section 6.

[4] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 2, Section 2.

[5] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 2, Section 3.

[6] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 1, Section 5a.

[7] Library Act (2013:801), Section 12.

[8] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 1.

[9] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 7.

[10] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 7a.

[11] Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance (2007:515), Section 3.

[12] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 2.

[13] As from 2018, the University does not need to submit an interim report. Ordinance amending the Annual Reports and Budget Documentation Ordinance (2000:605), Swedish Code of Statutes 2017:862.

[14] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 3.

[15] Annual Reports and Budget Documentation Ordinance (2000:605), Chapter 2, Section 8.

[16] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 7a.

[17] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 8.

[18] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 2, Section 6.

[19] Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance (2007:515), Section 4.

[20] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 8.

[21] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 10.

[22] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 8.

[23] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 10.

[24] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 11.

[25] Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance (2007:515), Section 13.

[26] Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance (2007:515), Section 8.

[27] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 4, Section 7.

[28] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 4, Section 13.

[29] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 6, Section 30.

[30] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 13.

[31] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Sections 7a and 7b.

[32] The duties of the vice-rector are described in greater detail in delegation to vice-rectors.

[33] The duties of the dean are described in greater detail in delegation to deans.

[34] The duties of the head of department are described in greater detail in delegation to head of department.

[35] The department board may initiate recruitment of associate senior lecturers (assistant professors) following delegation from the disciplinary domain board or faculty board.

[36] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 1, Section 4a.

[37] Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Chapter 2, Section 7.

[38] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 14.

[39] UFV 2011/1998.

[40] The duties and organisation of Uppsala University Library are described in the rules of procedure för Uppsala University Library.

[41] Government Agencies and Institutes Ordinance (2007:515), Sections 25–26.

[42] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 2, Section 15.

[43] Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 10.

[44] SÄK 2022/20.

[45] Protective Security Act (2018:585), Chapter 2, Section 7.

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