The development and operation of the study programs must, however, be based on close cooperation between course providers and program directors. The departments also must be allowed to address matters that influence the departments' academic direction and priorities. In rare cases of disagreement between the course providers and the program directory, the matter is in principle passed on to the dean, who can make a decision in the matter.
The program council has the responsibility to:
- draw up a program description in accordance with §3.3 of the regulations.
- enter into agreements with course suppliers for the program. Agreements shall include details regarding course content, when the courses are offered and course capacity, in order to ensure that the program students have access to teaching and examination.
- ensure that the courses offered through the program represent and integrated and coherent whole and that these support the goals of the program. It is important to note that for the disciplinary programs, this also includes a responsibility to ensure that the recommended 40-groups do not include courses from their own discipline.
- ensure that the program's students needs are addressed.
- engage in work that ensures that the program maintains a high quality.
- ensure that the aim of internationalization is prioritized by the program.
- ensure that guidelines are in place regarding the transfer of credits from other educational institutions and course exemptions. In those cases where courses shall form the basis for admission to a master's program, consent must be obtained from that master's program.
- develop and maintain admission requirements (for master's and PhD programs).
The program councils are appointed by the dean, upon suggestion from the department board, and they meet 2-6 times per year. The program councils consist of 7-9 members, including one student representative.
Administration of the program councils: program council secretary per study program
- Culture and Communication: Runa Torp Vivé
- Organization, Management and Work: Hanna Aanestad Tungland
- Human Geography: Camilla Kongsli
- Sociology: May-Linn Vold
- Development Studies and Sustainability: Maren Kristine Anmarkrud
Issues to be addressed during the program council meeting should be sent to the program council secretary 10 days before the meeting (7 days if the issues is complete and does not require further preparation). The agenda and the accompanying documents will normally be sent to the program council members one week in advance of the meeting.
The invitation to the meeting (for sociology and human geography) is also sent to all employees and the minutes from the meetings are published on the department website.