Rector debate at Samfunnet
Rector debate at Samfunnet
For the first time since the merger with the Facultry of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, an election for the rector at NMBU is being held. On Thursday, March 13th, the AU, Tuntréet, and Samfunnet joined forces to organize a debate between the three candidates—on behalf of the students and on our terms.
Journalist: Hanna Lindeman
Translator: Oskar Nerheim
Photographers: Malene Tangen and Tord Kristian F. Andersen
All three rector candidates—the Fjellheim-Vinje-Weltzien team (which I will refer to as F-V-W), the Vincent rectorate, and Team Solve—participated in the debate, which was moderated by Tuntréet’s own Martin Hansebråten and William Bakke Dahl. The event took place in the banquet hall at Samfunnet, with a strong turnout from students: there were very few empty seats when the debate began.
It all started with the nine candidates lining up to answer yes or no to a series of questions, using cards they had been provided for the occasion. They all answered yes to the more entertaining questions, such as whether they had ever had a beer at Samfunnet or if they usually read Tuntréet. When asked if they would attend the Ur-premiere at UKA 2026, all answered yes—even Rector Siri (who, by the way, did not attend last year’s event). Let’s hope she means it this time if she is elected!
Next followed a more traditional debate, where the main question was how the different candidates plan to handle the necessary restructuring at the university, which includes saving several million kroner in the coming years. “If we have to cut costs, what should be reduced?” asked moderator Hansebråten, receiving fairly similar responses. There needs to be strict prioritization, funds must be reallocated and used differently, and space reductions must be made to save on energy costs. The next question addressed how the university will maintain the quality of education despite these cuts. Here, all candidates agreed that many programs require substantial resources, such as laboratory-based courses. They did not want to sacrifice these but instead looked for new solutions. The F-V-W team and Team Solve suggested increased collaboration across universities—both in Norway and abroad—to use resources more efficiently. The F-V-W team also proposed partnerships with external sponsors. Whether this means that NMBU students will soon have to wear Orkla or Nammo logos on their lab coats remains to be seen. The Vincent rectorate emphasized greater collaboration with institutions like NIBIO in research, as research and salaries are the biggest expenses.
When it came to student involvement and volunteerism, the candidates could not praise us enough. They rightly acknowledged that our strong culture of volunteer work is a major reason why we are consistently ranked as Norway’s most satisfied students. However, some statements seemed like pure election promises—such as Vincent’s humorous suggestion to eliminate 8 AM lectures on Thursdays, or Team Solve’s emphasis on the importance of fun and social events. As part of their campaigns, they naturally want to appeal to us as voters, but whether it comes across as sincere, hollow, or just for laughs is debatable. It’s reminiscent of candidates running for Samfunnet positions who promise cheaper beer in the bodega—you know it’s never going to happen.
Finally, the candidates had a chance to explain why we should vote for them. Solve used his time to highlight that he and his team all studied at NMBU. They know what it’s like to be students here and want to ensure that these years are the best of our lives. Vincent opened by stating that NMBU needs change, and his team has the expertise to make it happen. They also listen before they act and aim to maintain open and transparent leadership as one of their core principles. Rector Siri emphasized her passion for research, education, and communication, and how they will work together for the common good.
With that, we conclude a well-executed rector debate with one final message: Happy voting!
