08.30
-
21.00
Kongsberg, Bergseminaret
We welcome members from all European university alliances to three full days of combining professional development, best practise sharing, strategy building, development of international partnerships, and cultural experiences.
The purpose of this administrative staff mobility is first and foremost to raise competence and share best practices within selected fields suited for Community Managers, Communication Officers and connected/similar positions within the European university alliances.
The event takes place at USN Campus Kongsberg, in the center of the international technology city of Kongsberg, surrounded by stunning nature, and offering cutting-edge programs and industry partnerships, and holding the advantage of co-location with other entities, enhancing the campus's appeal and strategic position.
Training Venue: Bergseminaret
Bergseminaret, under the name "The Royal Norwegian Mining Academy," was one of Europe's first institutions for higher education in mining engineering. It was founded in Kongsberg September 19, 1757, following a royal decree by King Frederick V, and operated until 1814.
Its founding marked a significant development in Norway's educational landscape, particularly in advancing technical and scientific knowledge.
The purpose was to strengthen Denmark-Norway's mining expertise and to elevate the level of competence at the Kongsberg Silver Mines. Until 1811, alongside the Military Academy in Christiania, Bergseminaret was the only educational institution in Norway offering higher education.
In December 2023, the international technology group KONGSBERG (kongsberg.com) purchased the historic building and jointly manages Bergseminaret with USN.
Together we carry forward Bergseminaret's legacy by continuing to emphasize engineering and technology education. USN benefits from Kongsberg's historical association with technical expertise, and its campus is strategically located in this city known for its high-tech industry. This relationship highlights USN's commitment to fostering innovation and maintaining strong ties with the region's historical educational roots.
Participation fee:
- Free for EDUC staff members
- 150 € incl.VAT/person for participants from non-EDUC universities
Funding: Local Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme
The participation fee includes: training program, 3 days of coffee breaks and lunches, tours and activities in Kongsberg, welcoming dinner, and a charity program.
The participation fee does not include: travel costs, accommodation, insurance, breakfasts and dinners, and other general and personal expenses.
Extended stay: Whether to explore Norway, visit other USN campuses, or connect with specific communities and individuals at USN or among our partners, please feel free to reach out to educ@usn.no for assistance.
Sign up
Online form (nettskjema.no)
Deadline: October 1
Programme
Watch out for more details to come.
Monday 24 November
18.00
Informal Meet and Greet
Venue TBA
Thuesday 25 November
Involving those around us
08:30-09:00
Arrival and Registration
09:00-11:00
Morning Session
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Keynote: Speaker TBA
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Icebreaking
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Lecture: Regional Anchoring at USN + Societal Outreach in EDUC
Refreshments
- Best Practise Showcase: Active Community Engagement: Getting Regional Business and Industry Involved
Lunch
13.00-16.00
Afternoon Session
Workshop with Arild Tjomsland (usn.no): Identifying Best Practices for Societal Outreach in European University Alliances
- Objectives:
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share and identify best practices for effective societal outreach
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develop actionable strategies for improving community engagement and societal impact
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enhance collaboration and communication strategies across university alliances
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Campus Tour
18:00-22.00
Evening Programme
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Guided Tour of the Silver Mines of Kongsberg (norskbergverkmuseum.no)
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Informal welcome dinner in Festsalen (norskbergverkmuseum.no), 342 meter below the ground
Wednesday 26 November
Involving the Students + Storytelling from Your Alliance
09:00-12:00
Morning Session
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Best Practice Showcase: Student to Student Communication
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Best Practice Showcase:European University Alliance Alumni Networks
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Presentation: EDUC Student Involvement
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Presentation: Building on Solid Foundation: Experiences from Creating an Alumni Network from Scratch
Refreshments
- Group Work: Identifying Best Practices for Student Involvement in European University Alliances
12:00-13:00
Lunch
13.00-16.00
Afternoon Session
- Best Practise Showcase: Using meeting places for storytelling and visual speed presentations to engage colleagues and other audiences with their participation in and outcome from European university activities.
- Workshop with Tassy Thompson (tassy.no): Building Communities by Sharing Stories. How, and why to do it + Get prepared to tell the story from your adventure in Kongsberg
18:00-20.00
Evening Programme
- Cultural Experience: Optional winter embracing local cultural activity to promote informal networking and relaxation. Choose between:
- Sauna in Lågen
- Easy Ski-Adventure (equipment will be provided)
- Tobogganing + Camp Fire Night
Thursday 27 November
Inter Alliance Collaboration + Community Building in Practise
07:30-08:30
Optional sauna
09:00-12:00
Morning Session
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Lecture: A New Era of Collaboration
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Best Practice Showcase: Successful initiatives of community-building across the European universities.
Refreshments
- Presentation: Summary, key takeaways, and action items
- Panel discussion: Sharing experiences, discussing lessons learned and future opportunities/commitments to ongoing collaboration and support + suggestion for future events
12:00-13:00
Lunch
13.00-16.00
Afternoon Session
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Charity Programme: Charity community building programs are an integral part of the training, and we hope that all of us will enjoy their charity and community-building benefits. Choose amongst:
- Snow clearing/gritting for the elderly/disabled
- Waffle making at care home
18:00-21.00
Evening Programme
Network event: Casual gathering with drinks and snacks + on stgae easy going speed presentations by willing participants from the storytelling workshop. Venue TBA
Friday 28 November
Optional sauna
09:00-11:00
Morning session (only for EDUC participants)
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Meeting: T6.1
From 12:00
Afternoon Session
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Farewell Hangout: For those awaiting departure. Venue TBA