Service Declaration

The Service Declaration applies to everyone who is admitted to studies at the University of Oslo. It also applies to students in continuing education and to international students. The declaration does not apply to external candidates.

The legal rights of students are defined in legal acts, regulations and other provisions, and are not included in this document.

The Service Declaration provides an overview of the services that the University is obligated to supply to you as a student, and what the University expects from the student in terms of effort and dedication to studies. The declaration also describes the services of the Student Welfare Organization (sio.no), also called the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO). In addition to the Service Declaration, students are referred to the websites of UiO and SiO. Students can also seek guidance at the faculty level.

The Service Declaration is formulated in accordance with instructions and guidelines provided by governmental authorities. It was adopted by the Academic College on 8 May 2001 following consultations with the faculties, the Student Parliament and SiO. The Service Declaration is updated regularly.

UiO welcomes feedback from students as well as employees if any points in the Service Declaration are found to be vague. Students and employees are encouraged to submit proposals and input to the declaration. Any feedback received will be forwarded to the proper organizational level(s), where the matter will be followed up. Wherever possible and appropriate UiO will re-launch the service in accordance with the declaration. Such feedback should be sent to the Department of Education Services, PO Box 1072, or by e-mail to postmottak@uio.no .

UiO wishes everybody a rewarding experience as a student!

Studies and teaching

University studies are based on both classroom instruction and self-study. The number of classes and forms of instruction vary from one course to the next. As a consequence, the requirements and expectations concerning student participation also vary.

The student can expect that the University will

• offer a large and varied range of courses. Any changes to the courses offered are posted on the UiO website no later than the preceding semester
• offer programmes of study that can lead to bachelor¡¯s and master¡¯s degrees, as well as professional studies that qualify for specific professions
• inform about classes like when and where they will take place and about deadlines for registration no later than three weeks prior to the start of the semester (Quality system for educational activities at UiO
• provide information on the academic results that are expected from the students, and on the syllabus
• provide instruction that is in accordance with the programme description and relevant with regard to the learning objectives
• have lecturers with high level academic and educational skills who can provide instruction which is challenging and research-based
• offer instruction in the form of seminars, reading groups and classes that provide opportunities for practical writing exercises and feedback on academic performance
• strive to use flexible forms of learning
• strive to achieve universal design as a norm for teaching
• adapt instruction for students with functional impairments
• regularly evaluate the instruction through UiO¡¯s quality assurance system for education, for example through student evaluation of the instruction
• provide an inclusive learning environment for all students
• facilitate periods of study at foreign seats of learning

The University expects that the student will

• organize his/her own use of time for instruction and self-study
• acquire or already have the necessary previous knowledge and be prepared when attending instruction
• obtain the necessary literature on the reading list
• cooperate with other students in the learning process, for example in study groups, and accept assignments associated with preparation for and participation in the instruction
• make use of the opportunities to submit written exercises.
• participate in a constructive and critical manner in student evaluations of the instruction and in critical review of the disciplines
• meet deadlines for registration for instruction, examinations and meetings
• regularly attend the seminars/groups/courses for which he/she is registered
• observe compulsory attendance of classes, and submit compulsory assignments by the stipulated deadline
• seek information and advice at the earliest possible time if special teaching arrangements are required.

Learning environment

The University of Oslo continually strives to ensure that the students can benefit from a positive and inclusive learning environment. The learning environment comprises physical as well as psychosocial elements. It is essential that the students have access to adequate facilities necessary for their learning activities. An appropriate physical learning environment entails clean and safe premises, equipment, indoor climate and other related conditions. An appropriate psychosocial learning environment implies that the learning environment is inclusive, and that appropriate action is taken to prevent bullying, discrimination and similar. Studies at UiO may imply that students will need to learn to cooperate with persons with whom they would not cooperate in other contexts.

The student can expect that the University will

• offer a library with a large selection of academic books and journals, and modern library services for all the faculties¡¯ disciplines
• ensure access to syllabus literature (The University Library, Akademika and Unipub) [1]
• offer appropriate and safe laboratory facilities and qualified personnel who will provide training and guidance in the proper use of the necessary equipment and the facilities
• offer favourable arenas for learning, including PC lounges, seminar rooms and reading rooms
• facilitate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning
• design the physical learning environment for the students in the best possible manner in the form of functional equipment and furniture, as well as premises for instruction and recreation
• strive to ensure universal design of premises and buildings
• follow up complaints and flaws of the physical and social learning environment

The University expects that the student will

• familiarize him-/herself with and respect the rules for the use of facilities and equipment
• participate in courses in the use of the library and for searching in databases, and make use of the library for their studies
• make sure to update his/her address in the student web in case of a change of address

[1] The University Library cannot guarantee that all students will have access to, or be able to borrow, all syllabus literature. Neither can UiO guarantee that all literature will be available for purchase from the Akademika bookstore or Unipub at all times, for example with a view to articles for use in PhD courses. The Norwegian Audio and Braille Library (Norsk lyd- og blindeskriftbibliotek) is charged with production of syllabus literature for blind and visually impaired persons in Braille, in digital form or as audiobooks.

Information, student and career guidance and other administrative services

As a student you will find many places where university staff can offer information and counselling on studying at the University of Oslo. The content of these information services may vary according to the responsibilities of the services, but you can expect that the services are of a high standard. How you use these services is your choice, but you will benefit more from them if you make an effort on your own. There are a number of information channels available, and you will always receive a reply.

The University presumes that you regularly visit websites for updates on issues that are relevant for your course of study, and that you seek information and guidance if you have questions with regard to these. UiO strives to maintain high-quality web pages with updated information on issues that are relevant for the students.

The student can expect that the University will

• provide academic and practical information to students prior to the commencement of studies
• offer a buddy scheme and social arrangements for new students
• offer correct, easily available and updated information and respond to questions from students in a forthcoming manner
• offer advisory services through student guidance, the Career Centre, SiO¡¯s health services, Student Counselling and the Student Chaplain of Oslo
• have consultants/student advisers in the faculties and the departments who can provide assistance and guidance for the choice of courses and programmes
• provide guidance to students who wish to study abroad
• provide guidance to students who need special facilitation of their situation of study and their examinations
• ensure appropriate and efficient routines for processing cases
• offer an alumnus scheme for students with a completed degree from UiO
• contribute to informing employers and society in general about the University and its programmes and degrees.

The University expects that the student will

• information meetings and stay updated with regard to information from the University through the channels used by the course
• stay updated and seek information and guidance as the need arises
• familiarize him-/herself with administrative information from UiO¡¯s web pages
• act according to the information provided
• make use of the counseling services as the need arises

When you seek information and guidance on matters related to studies by way of a visit, a telephone call or an e-mail to one of the University¡¯s information services, you can expect:

• an overview of the types of information, guidance and other assistance this service can provide, as well as information on opening hours, telephone hours and response time for e-mails
• that your enquiry is taken seriously, and that you will receive a response in a forthcoming manner ¨C either directly, or through assistance in finding the relevant website, service or executive officer
• staff who efficiently can assess whether you can receive a satisfactory response to your request there and then, or whether you should make an appointment with an executive officer or a student adviser
• updated and correct information, and indications of when information on changes to studies/administrative procedures will be available
• that all types of information provided by the University administration ¨C in oral or written form ¨C are binding, and that the University will compensate adverse effects to the student of any incorrect information with any means that the University has at its disposal, but restricted to the institution¡¯s obligations as defined by law
• that your enquiry is subject to professional secrecy regarding personal matters

You will obtain more benefit from information and guidance provided by one of the University¡¯s information services on issues pertaining to studies if you:

• find out what kind of assistance the service offers, and seek information and/or counseling at an early stage
• consider carefully what information, help or assistance you need, and search for relevant web-based information
• visit the faculty¡¯s information service if you are uncertain where to turn (see below)
• are aware that obtaining information and assistance from the services may require more time during peak periods
• contribute to improving the information services by providing feedback directly to the services or in responses to user surveys

To find the relevant information service:

• for each programme of study or course, see contact information on their web pages via www.uio.no/studier/
• for each faculty or the central administration (joint services), see the overview on http://www.uio.no/studier/infotjenester/
• for each welfare area, see Livet rundt studiene

Student counselling

In order to assist you as a student in the completion of your studies, the University offers individual student counselling as an aid in situations that can involve difficult choices, problems of motivation or when you cannot find the appropriate information on the web, and when you need assistance to relate the general information on studies to your own situation. In a counselling session you are the expert on your own situation. The task of the counsellor is to help you make well-founded, independent decisions concerning your own course of study, and not to make the decisions for you.

When you make an appointment for an individual counselling session, you can expect:

• information on the fields/topics of study for which the service provides guidance, and on the practical circumstances for the session, like duration, place, the opportunity to bring a companion and preparation, if relevant.
• clarification of the matter for which you seek guidance, so that the session will be conducted with a counsellor who has the relevant expertise

When you meet the counsellor you can expect:

• clarity with regard to the studies/courses that the counsellor possesses a general or specific competence in, and how the counsellor can contribute
• respect and an accommodating attitude with regard to your situation and background
• support to make independent choices that are suitable for you, by way of a dialogue regarding your opportunities, interests and skills, and through information on various alternatives available for the particular situation related to your studies
• help if you feel that you are at loss in the everyday life of studies, or if you do not feel at ease as a student

In the counselling session, with regard to the relevant field of study, you can expect to :

• find the applicable information and regulations, with confirmation of how these apply to you
• plan your studies and assess the consequences of different alternatives with regard to the situation of study that you want
• clarify issues concerning the situation as a student in a programme/course that you are considering, with information on opportunities for periods of study abroad
• clarify issues pertaining to opportunities for employment resulting from various courses of study, with information on relevant services provided by the Career Centre
• reconsider whether you have chosen a programme/courses that is/are suitable for you, and assess possible changes to your course of study
• find the appropriate office/executive officer if the session reveals additional problems that are outside the counsellor¡¯s field of expertise

Student counselling is offered by:

• the faculties¡¯ information services
• advisers/consultants within a number of departments/centres/programmes of study

Career guidance

UiO offers career guidance services in the context of transition to employment.

When you meet the career adviser you can expect:

• respect and an accommodating attitude with regard to your situation and background
• support to make independent choices, by way of a dialogue on your opportunities and skills in light of career-related issues
• to meet a qualified adviser who takes your situation seriously

In the career guidance session you can expect assistance for:

• defining your competence and enhancing awareness of your own skills
• mapping out an appropriate strategy for a job search, and/or for starting your own career planning
• obtaining information on the job-search process from start to finish
• guidance with regard to writing a CV and an application, and the job interview

Examinations

The University will arrange examinations in accordance with applicable legal acts, regulations and other rules.

The student can expect that the University will

• have easily accessible information on
  • the form of examination 
  • required previous knowledge
  • provisions and deadlines regarding registration for an examination
  • the date, time and place of the examination
  • opportunities for applying for special examination arrangements (See: Guidelines for exemptions from examinations for students with disabilities)
  • provisions and deadlines for explanations of and complaints on examination results, and for complaints regarding formal errors of the examination arrangement
• have varied forms of examination (for example written examination, oral examination, semester assignment, take-home examination, practical examination, portfolio submission and portfolio assessment) within a programme of study
• give an examination question paper that is appropriate with regard to the programme description
• undertake an objective and fair assessment
• observe deadlines for publication of examination results and deadlines for processing of complaints
• continuously assess and develop its form of examinations
• confer diplomas, Diploma Supplement and provide transcripts
• provide confirmation of achieved grades and degrees in English on request

The University expects that the student will

• register for an examination by the stipulated deadline and in accordance with prevailing regulations
• withdraw from the examination at the earliest possible date and no later than before the final deadline if the examination cannot be attended
• familiarize him-/herself with information on examinations and observe the provisions found in legal acts, regulations, rules and instructions
• use only approved forms of work and approved examination support materials

Student welfare

The University Board has the final responsibility for the students¡¯ learning environment, and in cooperation with the student welfare organizations, the management of the institution shall facilitate a beneficial environment for studies and seek to improve student welfare at the seat of learning. The Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) which is the Student Welfare organization is partly financed through the semester fees paid by the students, and provides most of the student welfare services. The services are developed in cooperation with the students and the University. Some of SiO¡¯s services are described elsewhere in the Service Declaration.

The student can expect that SiO will

• be responsive to the needs and wishes of the students
• offer cafeteria services with varied, nutritious and reasonably priced food
• provide a number of student housing units and information on private housing
• offer general health services as part of the Regular GP scheme [1]
• offer psychological/psychiatric services, psychomotor physiotherapy and advisory services free of charge. Dental services are available at reduced prices for students younger than 40 years.
• offer a wide spectrum of physical exercise and sports activities at low cost
• offer separate day-care facilities for children of students
• facilitate voluntary activities for students in cooperation with UiO
• strive to adapt its services for students with disabilities, and use universal design as a norm

SiO expects that the student will

• obtain information on the relevant services, and on deadlines and rules that apply to these
• use the services actively according to his/her needs
• give feedback on the services, so that these can be improved

[1] All students can use the Student Health Services, including those who have chosen another physician as their regular GP. In peak periods, however, students who have chosen the Student Health Services as their regular GP will be given priority.

Academic community and university democracy

UiO has as its goal to ensure that all students can benefit from a positive learning environment. The students¡¯ well-being in their daily studies is to a large extent dependant on the students themselves. Active participation can constitute an investment in a positive experience as a student, in establishing personal networks and in later employment and social activity.

Through their studies, the students shall have the opportunity to develop their abilities in critical and innovative thinking, and in combining academic knowledge and ethical awareness and reflection. The studies should also promote the students¡¯ sense of responsibility in themselves and for society. The University will promote dialogue and discussion between students and staff.

The University wishes to promote openness and tolerance, and does not accept discrimination of individuals or groups on the basis of skin colour, faith, ethnicity, functional impairment, sexual orientation or gender.

The buddy scheme and the students¡¯ associations play a key role in the academic community. The University and SiO facilitate a wide spectrum of academic and extracurricular student activities by putting the necessary premises, equipment and other resources at these associations¡¯ disposal.

Furthermore, the University and SiO facilitate political activity by students through the Students¡¯ Committees, programme committees and the Student Parliament. The students may elect representatives for all decision-making bodies within the university system (e.g. the University Board, the Learning Environment Committee and the Studies Committee) and have the right to vote in elections for the office of Rector and Pro-Rector. This provides the students with an opportunity to exert real influence on decisions and priorities, but this influence depends on whether the students themselves seek information on relevant problems and take an active interest in the decisions that are made.

These standards have been adopted by the University Director on 27 September 2004, and are applicable from 1 January 2005 for all offices/employees in departments/centres, at the programme and faculty levels and in the central administration to which students are referred as points of contact for information and guidance on issues pertaining to studies.