Changed governance of the university’s professional services

The assignment is to be reported to the Board in September 2026. The external investigator is Jörgen Tholin, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Gotland and former University Director at the University of Gothenburg.

If you would like to contact Jörgen directly, he can be reached at the email address tholinjorgen@gmail.com.

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Jörgen’s ten reflections on Linnaeus University right now

1. Greater awareness of the financial crisis is needed among both managers and staff. The situation is serious and will not resolve itself.

2. Clearer governance of the support functions is needed, partly due to the financial situation.

3. Increased standardisation of tasks across the entire university.

4. Simplification of tasks and processes is necessary.

5. Clearer division of responsibilities to minimise duplication of work. Many similar tasks are currently performed both in faculty offices and divisions. It must be clear who does what.

6. Savings sometimes also require investments – this is important. Investments must be made within the existing budget.

7. Support functions need to be close to the core activities. The support must capture the needs of the core activities in a coordinated and systematic way.

8. Distinguish between organisation, (financial) governance, and geographical location.

9. Administrative support staff need to learn more about how academia works.

10. Let go of the past. Stop comparing with how things were ten years ago or what was said during the merger.

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