Ans.Red.

Samfunnet’s General Assembly SS22

Ans.Red.
Samfunnet’s General Assembly SS22

Samfunnet’s General Assembly SS22

Monday April 4 was the day of this springs General Assembly. It became clear that those attending were hesitant to run for Head of finance, and being a representative in the Election Committee was this years’ hottest position.

Journalist: Othelie Eliassen

Translator: Amalie Pedersen Brønmo

Photographer: Margreta Brunborg


The first cases on the agenda were run through quickly, without comments from the audience. The report from the different bodies of Samfunnet contained no shocking revelations, and were approved without any further discussion from the crowd. 

From the report of Samfunnet so far in 2022, it is mentioned that the operating committees are started, and the renovation of Halvor’s hybel is planned. At the business committee there is organizing and reconstructing happening, especially with regard to the career fairs. Tuntreet informed us about the return to normal numbers printed after Covid, and that there are plans to place more racks around campus.  

Changing the purpose paragraph 

After all the reports had been looked through, GA moved on to the incoming cases, where the last case would turn into the biggest discussion. 

This case was presenting a change in Samfunnet’s purpose paragraph, which is the purpose that all of Samfunnet’s bodies are working towards. The suggestion made by Lise Benette Hovd and Vegard Sjaastad Hansen is to expand it, with the goals of including other students. The suggested addition was: «Furthermore the Studentsamfunnet i Ås also have as a purpose to work for an inclusive and social environment for the rest of the students.». The reasoning for adding this sentence was that Samfunnet already offers various activities to non-members. This includes the Career Day, Tuntreet and the general access non-members have. 

Many opinions were heard after the suggestion was made. Many people supported the sentiment behind the addition, but not the execution. The consequences of the change in the purpose clause, and the after-effect, was the greatest concern. Where do you draw the line between members and non-members of Samfunnet? How can you maintain the benefits members should receive for their attribution if non-members also are included? 

After everyone who wished to had voiced their opinion on the issue, with strong arguments on both sides, the suggestion was voted on. It resulted in the suggestion being rejected, and the purpose clause remains as it was.  

Positions in the Board of Samfunnet 

When all the ordinary cases had been looked at and the pea soup was eaten, it was time for the numerous elections. The first position to be filled was the Leader of the Board of Samfunnet, where there were two candidates registered beforehand and one who was nominated (by themself). After a round of presentations and questions that the candidates who were present had to answer, Vilde Pedersen was chosen.  

After the leader was chosen, the next position was Head of Event. Multiple people were nominated, most of whom declined. The choice was between the two registered candidates, and Vebjørn Røysland was chosen.  

Difficulties finding the Head of Finance 

The next position was Head of Finance, where no one had registered beforehand. The audience was quiet for a moment before the nominating started. In total 11 people were nominated where everyone said no in different ways – “I’m not very good with money, so no thank you,” and “thumbs down” were reasons given. When no one of the nominees said yes, it looked as though we were headed towards an extraordinary GA.  

Luckily, after having some time to consider during the next two cases, Ola Wallberg Nilsen (who were nominated earlier and declined), said yes to take the position. Nobody had any objections, and Ola was appointed as Samfunnet’s Head of Finance.    

Tuntreet’s new editor and NU’s positions 

Following the trials of finding the Head of Finance, was the election of a new editor for Tuntreet. There were no one who had registered beforehand, but Synne Louise Strømme was nominated and announced “I accept” to an enthusiastic crowd, and was elected.  

Next item on the agenda was the positions in the Business Committee. Thea Dyring was appointed the new Head of Event after beating the nominated Jacob Arntzen. Magnus Wæhre became the new Sponsorship Coordinator and Hannah Storum was chosen as the new Head of Career Day.  

When the Business committee had filled all of their positions, we moved on to Student Representative in the Board of House and Finance. There were some back and forth, where two people first declined, only to be nominated again and say yes. In the end, the position went to Michelle Seigerud. 

«Everyone» is nominated to the Election Committee 

The last positions of the day to be voted for was the ones of the Election Committee, who needed three representatives, and had to registered beforehand. It would become clear that these positions would be the ones with the hardest competition and the largest number of nominations. 28 different people were nominated, where some of them were nominated multiple times. Out of these 28, four said yes. After a few chaotic rounds of voting, Vendel-Agathe Hide, Knut Sørbø and Eline Furseth were selected for the positions.  

HHH gets a new collegium 

Next on the agenda was Hans Hovenhet Hestehoven, where Einride Berg, the outgoing Grand Master, suggested a new collegium. Prier to elections it was discussed whether they should be appointed one by one. Berg emphasized the importance of electing the collegium as a trio, and asked GA to do so. GA met his wishes and the collegium was appointed as one. 

And so, after existing for almost 100 years, Hans Hovenhet Hestehoven got their first female Grand Master Jenny Osuldsen, Halvor Haukerud became the Master of Ceremonies and Turid Stubø Johnsen became the Cantzler. 

Seeing as there were nothing on case 11, meaning no other additional suggestions, GA could come to and end in the traditional way, with all of Aud. Max. singing the national song.  

From the top left: Synne Louise Stromme, Eline Furseth and The Dyring. Center from left: Ola Wallbærg Nilsen, Vebjørn Røysland and Magnus Sørhaug Wæhre. From the bottom left: Vendel-Agathe Hide, Knut Sørbø, Michele Seigerud and Hanna K. Storum. Absent: Vilde Kjeldrud Pedersen.