Requirements for appointment
The board is the highest governing body of the higher education institutions. Chapter 10 in the Act relating to universities and university colleges regulate the appointment, and the tasks and duties, of the Rector. The Higher Education Institution (HEI) is to be led by a Rector, either appointed by the board or elected by students and staff.
Main rule: Appointment of the Rector
Sec. 10-1 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges mandates that the Rector shall be employed, for a fixed term of four years. No one can serve more than two consecutive terms. The Rector serves as secretary to the board. When the Rector is appointed pursuant to sec. 10-1 in the Act, the board is chaired by someone employed outside the HEI. The chair is appointed by the Ministry of Education and Research.
A HEI with an appointed Rector may appoint a director. However, the director under an appointed rector has no statutory duties, tasks or assignments. The board establishes any and all levels of management below the Rector.
Exception: Rector by election
The board may decide that the Rector shall be elected pursuant to sec. 10-2 of the Act. Both internal and external candidates are eligible. The Act exempts no one from running for the Rector office, but the board may set formal qualification criteria, e.g. a Ph.D. degree.
The service period is normally four years and no more than eight years. The elected Rector is the chair of the board. On behalf of the board, the Rector has the overall responsibility for, and manages and supervises, the institution’s activities.
When the Rector is elected, the Director, serves as secretary to the board and shall, in consultation with the Rector, prepare and make recommendations concerning matters that come before the board. The director is a mandatory function at HEIs with elected Rectors. The director also has other statutory obligations.
Conditions of service
The requirements for employment as administrative staff at higher education institutions, as well as the number of administrative staff employed in each HEI, is part of the institutional autonomy. Administrative staff at HEIs are required to operate within the boundaries set forth in the Public Administration Act and the Act relating to universities and university colleges. Working conditions are regulated in the Working Environment Act and the Civil Service Act.