"Why does the Department of Human Resources (HR) belong together with Communication? The rector has argued that there are several examples of this from institutions in the private sector. But I find it difficult to follow that argument. In the private sector, HR is much more management’s right-hand man then is the case at the university. And I suspect there’s a reason why this constellation is not found at other Danish universities.

You can ask the same question of AU Finance and Planning, which the senior management team have once again merged. What professional arguments are there in the first place for the five units that have been presented by the management in relation to the merger? I have not heard an answer as to why they are doing this if it’s not a question of economy.

And what about having influence on your own situation? That’s an area where I need to hear much more from the senior management team. This, of course, has to do with the fact that all this could mean major changes for many of my members. Some of them will perhaps yet again be moved around and some will maybe yet again be given new duties.

And if the people at the departments believe they’re getting their all-rounders back to make coffee, do their travel expenses and filing, and that everything will be like it was in the good old days, then they’ve got another think coming. Because the administrative staff members who were moved from the departments to AU Administration three years ago are no longer the same. Today they’re specialised employees with a strong expertise because that was what was required of the administrative staff in connection with the academic development process."

Translated by Peter Lambourne