Strategy 2025 for Studentsamfunnet i Ås
The long term strategy was last revised in autumn 2022
1. Objective
Studentsamfunnet i Ås aims to promote a good camaraderie for their members. Lectures, debate and entertainment are to be beneficial and joyous for these.
2. Studentsamfunnets overall goal
Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall be an attractive offer and natural place to gather for all students tending at NMBU in general, and for the members of Studentsamfunnet in particular.
Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall strive to meet the activities and offers desired by the students, and work towards being a natural place to gather for students at NMBU, student associations, academic associations and meetings, both for daily and festive occasions.
Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall be a positive addition the local society and the University.
All students at NMBU shall have the same opportunity to take part of activities and become part of Studentsamfunnet i Ås’ rich and proud history. Studentsamfunnet shall appear politically neutral, and work for enriching the education of students with courses, talks, debates and opportunities for personal development through different events and engagement in boards and committees.
Volunteerism and the building are the heart of Studentsamfunnet i Ås. Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall be operated by, with and for the students, with the development of the offer for current students and students to come as main objective.
Studentsamfunnet i Ås are hosting UKA i Ås, the longest cultural festival in Norway, every other year. Studentsamfunnet i Ås operates the student newspaper Tuntreet, which will convey important information and curiosities. Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall work to make itself attractive to sponsors, and make NMBU students known to employers through the work of Næringslivsutvalget ved NMBU. Samfunnet i Ås represented by the board of Samfunnet has the superior responsibility for the daily operation of Studentsamfunnet i Ås.
3. Strategy for Studentsamfunnet i Ås → 2025
The strategy is made up of 7 strategical elements, each with a great importance for the operation and development
3.1 ACTIVITY/OFFER
Studentsamfunet i Ås should work further with improving floor areas to a maximum and create a wider offer of activities.
Long term goals: 3.1.1 By 2025, 90% of all rentable rooms are in use at least once every day during the semester.
3.1.2 By 2025, Klubben is a natural meeting arena, with a varied food offer and pub activities, which is open every day. Samfunnet i Ås runs Klubben itself.
3.1.3 At least 100 000 guests shall have visited Studentsamfunnet events over a period of two years. All events shall reach at least 80 % of its guest capacity.
3.1.4 The building of Studentsamfunnet shall be open for concert or party at least two Saturdays each semester.
3.1.5 Studentsamfunnet will be responsible for the organizing of every event addressed for students being held at Samfunnet, if serving and/or ticket fee is involved.
3.1.6 Samfunnet shall offer food to guest and volunteers during parties.
3.1.7 Samfunnet i Ås shall offer a wide range of activities and events to its users.
3.2 MEMBERS
Including membership numbers, membership benefits, Samfunnstjeneste. Samfunnstjeneste is crucial for operation of Studentsamfunnet systems concerning this must be prioritized. Focus on first class recruitment and fair community service delivery is important.
Long term goals:
3.2.1 Per 2025, 40 % of all students at NMBU will be members of Studentsamfunnet.
3.2.2 At least 60% of the first year students will be a member.
3.2.3 Studentsamfunnet shall have a system for samfunnstjenester that meets the needs of Studentsamfunnet and is accepted by the members.
3.2.4 Membership benefits shall be evaluated annually.
3.3 VOLUNTEERS
The volunteers in this context are board members, committee chiefs, committee members and assistants. Volunteers should have clear benefits. Training and cultural building must be central. At the same time, it is important to keep track of the costs associated with the benefits of the volunteers, as well as to ensure that these are fair.
Long term goals:
3.3.1 In order to increase competence and ensure ownership of their office, all volunteers must have a broad introduction to the Studentsamfunnet i Ås, where history, organization, finances and division of labor are explained. Hus & Finansstyret organizes one introductory course each semester, where all newly elected and newly appointed volunteers are strongly encouraged to participate.
3.3.2 Benefits for volunteers shall be revised periodically, in 2023 and 2025: a) Review of the number of committee members/recipients of benefits per committee/block/body. b) Reconcile cost/benefit for benefits for the volunteers.
3.3.3 All volunteers with managerial responsibility shall be offered a course relevant to their voluntary duties.
3.4 FINANCES
In recent years, the Studentsamfunnets finances has had a strong and positive development. At the same time, we have a significant need to spend on development and investment. As there is a lot of money in circulation, it is important that the funds be used wisely, and that one have a long term perspective.
Long term goals:
3.4.1 Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall have a financial result of 4 %, measured as an average over a two year period (UKEyear and non UKEyear).
3.4.2 Studentsamfunnet i Ås will be used as a sponsor arena to a greater extent, and will at all times have at least two major sponsor agreements.
3.5 THE PHYSICAL BUILDING
The building complex that houses the Studentsamfunnet i Ås is a valuable resource that is owned and operated in collaboration with other actors. The building must be able to accommodate a wide range of activities with widely different needs, and there is a need to utilize the capacity of the house well. Studentsamfunnet i Ås must ensure that they have the financial leeway to do the necessary maintenance and upgrades in collaboration with NMBU and other relevant players.
Long term goals:
3.5.1 There shall be a priority maintenance and development plan for the building stock, and Hus & Finansstyret shall annually record measures to the Operations and Maintenance Committee (DVU) based on Studentsamfunnets building needs.
3.5.2 Hus og Finansstyret shall encourage the Drifts og vedlikeholdsutvalg (DVU) to carry out a major project every second year, which shall be a visible evidence that it is being invested in the building.
3.5.3 An electronic locking system shall be provided on all pass through doors.
3.5.4 There shall be a social abode intended for the volunteers and elected officials of the house.
3.6 PARTNERS
Good partners are important for being able to run Studentsamfunnet I Ås both in terms of financial and operational operations.
Long term goals:
3.6.1 Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall have a good cooperation with its partners, including NMBU, SiÅs, Studenttingets AU and Ås municipality.
3.6.2 Studentorganizations, teams and associations at NMBU shall have strong affiliation with Studentsamfunnet i Ås, where Samfunnsbygningen shall be a natural venue to host events.
3.7 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The various parts of the organization have clearly defined roles. In this context, organizational development is about structure, collaboration and division of tasks, as well as improvements.
Long term goals:
3.7.1 By 2025, Studentsamfunnet i Ås shall examine the need of a CEO with a proposal for tasks and a corresponding percentage of position, a cost estimate and a plan of how this will be financed.
3.7.2 There shall be a good system for overlap and for transfer of competence and knowledge from one holder of a position to the next.
a) There shall be developed a set of routines which ensure that everyone submit an experience letter/report within 1 month of departure.
3.7.3 Those positions that require it shall have an overlap period of one semester. It has been defined which positions that require this, and these positions have a defined minimum time for the position (eg 1.5 years).
3.7.4 Studentsamfunnet shall have mapped the average length of service for committee members and committee directors, and worked out a strategy for how this is to be increased.
4.
Work program for 2023
4.1 ACTIVITY AND OFFERS
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS
4.1.1 Samfunnet shall during 2023 host at least 5 attractive events during the semester, in collaboration with a co host, where at least one of them are a new co host. The event must benefit the members of Samfunnet. An example of such a co host could be student groups, organizations, and associations.
4.1.2 Samfunnet shall in co operation with ISU and ESN host at least 5 different events, during the semester, which is aimed towards international students, this is to include international students.
4.1.3 Samfunnet will send out a survey to members regarding Samfunnet’s offer of activities during the end of the second to last month of the spring semester, and the second to last month of the autumn semester.
4.1.4 During 2023, a thorough review of the room use of the house will be carried out to optimize this and better facilitate the use of several rooms at the same time.
4.1.5 During 2023 it will be mapped and actively worked for so that 50% of the guests are inside the building within 1 hour after opening on evening events.
4.1.6 Studentsamfunnet shall during 2023 offer monthly activities aiming for an increased environmental and sustainable awareness among their participants.
4.1.7 Through out 2023, Klubben will have a daily, varied dinner offer.
4.1.8 At least two major events excluding regular events shall be arranged during 2023.
4.1.9 A committee for UKA i Ås 100 years will work with Stentor, the UKEbook, anniversary UKEreview etc. for UKA i Ås 100 years, and will be followed up through 2023.
4.1.10 There shall be arranged a themed week each semester with focus towards minimum one of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
4.1.11 The Business Committee at NMBU shall work towards offering six events each semester, in addition to Næringslivsdagen and Karrieredagen. The CV fotographing do not count as one of these events.
4.1.12 The Business Committee at NMBU shall test a new low threshold event during 2023.
4.1.13 The Business Committee at NMBU shall during 2023 explore new options for areas and solutions connected to career days, because of the planned renovation of Aud.Max.
NEW GOALS:
4.1.14 During 2023, the need for more passive offers at Samfunnet i Ås will be looked at.
4.1.15 A joint room booking system will be created which facilitates a optimized use of rooms and cooperation between Studentsamfunnet I Ås, NMBU and SiÅs.
4.1.16 There will held two large sober events during 2023.
4.1.17 More rooms must be used during evening events, where it must be striven for that all rooms have a passive and/or active offer.
4.1.18 During 2023, at least two events will be held at the Pergola per month in the months of April, August and September.
4.1.19 Samfunnet will in 2023 map what offers the students wants. The process must include that every member of Samfunnet can give their inputs. It is also appropriate to allow all students to give input on what kind of activities and events Samfunnet should offer.
4.1.20 Samfunnet must in 2023 have a larger focus on marketing of non alcoholic events.
4.2 MEMBERS
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.2.1 During 2023, 40% of the student population must be members of the Samfunnet i Ås, and 80% of the international students must be members. Of the first year students starting in 2023, 60% must be members during their first semester.
4.2.2 During the spring of 2023, a recruitment strategy will be drawn up for Studentsamfunnet i Ås, which is aimed towards attracting new students at NMBU.
4.2.3 In 2023, analyses will be carried out of events and the use of the offer at Studentsamfunnet i Ås. This data shall be used as a decision making basis in budgeting, planning and execution of events.
4.2.4 During 2023 there will be an evaluation of the membership benefits at Studentsamfunnet i Ås.
4.2.5 The usage of community services shall be mapped during 2023.
NEW GOALS:
4.2.6 At least 25% of completed community services must be self registered.
4.2.7 There must be at least 85% of self registered community services who attend work.
4.2.8 It must be considered how it can be arranged so that members feel a greater ownership and belonging to Studentsamfunnet i Ås.
4.3 VOLUNTEERS
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.3.1 The volunteers in need of relevant coursing will be offered this in 2023. Studentsamfunnet will also facilitate the use of internal resources for this type of coursing.
4.3.2 All volunteers will be invited, with a strong call for attendance, to an introduction lecture to Studentsamfunnet i Ås’ history, organization, finances and explained divisions of work. An overview of the participants in this introduction lecture will be registered.
4.3.3 Through 2023, the work with operating committees across the bodies at Studentsamfunnet i Ås will be evaluated and further developed.
4.3.4 In order to facilitate the optimized operation of events and offers at Samfunnet, through 2023 the necessary hours performed by volunteers each semester shall be mapped.
4.3.5 The advantages of being a volunteer at Studentsamfunnet shall be re evaluated during 2023.
NEW GOALS:
4.3.6 During 2023, the board of Samfunnet will look at the possibility of a room reserved for volunteers.
4.4 FINANCE
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.4.1 The board of House and Finance will implement measures to increase the yield of Studentsamfunnet’s equity.
4.4.2 Tuntreet will investigate the possibility of reducing costs, for example by reducing printing costs and licensing costs.
4.4.3 Tuntreet will strive to increase the amount of external financial support.
4.4.4 In order for committee chiefs to get a greater ownership of their work, all committee chiefs will revise their committee budget during the first semester and will during September submit proposals for a committee budget for 2024.
4.4.5 Climate accounts for 2022 will be presented at the spring GA.
4.4.6 The climate account must be used as a basis for decisions regarding planning and purchasing for Studentsamfunnet i Ås. Purchasing routines must be established to ensure more climate friendly operations.
NEW GOALS:
4.4.7 The Board of House and Finance will look at making long term investment plans with several of the committees at Samfunnet, to ensure that long term thinking is reflected in the committee budget.
4.5 THE PHYSICAL BUILDING
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.5.1 The archive in Kajaveien must be emptied, and the archive on Samfunnet must be optimized and digitalized.
4.5.2 During 2023, the board of House and Finance will establish a preliminary project for a possible expansion of the capacity at Samfunnet. This work should be seen in connection with the renovation of Aud.Max until 2024.
4.5.3 During 2023, a plan will be drawn up for how the outdoor area above Anton Hjeltnes can be used to increase the capacity of the building.
NEW GOALS:
4.5.4 A joint consumables store will be established for the board and committee chiefs at Samfunnet.
4.5.5 A plan must be drawn up for the use of space at Samfunnet, and rooms will be allocated to the various committees that need it.
4.5.6 Halvors Hybel will become a multi purpose room, which will be used for various events.
4.5.7 More rooms will be used during events to increase capacity and offer.
4.6 COLLABORATORS
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.6.1 During 2023, at least one cooperation agreement must be signed with a major sponsor for Studentsamfunnet i Ås.
4.6.2 Tuntreet and the sponsor team will work to provide more advertisers.
4.6.3 The sponsor team will develop guidelines and deals with collaborators during 2023.
NEW GOALS:
4.6.4 Sprellfestivalen in 2023 must have at least one major sponsor
4.6.5 Samfunnet must look at the possibility of increased cooperation with SiÅs when it comes to external events.
4.6.6 In 2023, there will be collaboration with the Buddy Week board at NMBU, where efforts will be made to ensure that Samfunnet becomes a more central part of the buddy week. The board of Samfunnet must work to have a representative in the Buddy Week board.
4.6.7 Samfunnet must look at the possibilities of having a sponsor and/or aid linked to individual events.
4.7 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
REVISED AND CONTINUED GOALS:
4.7.1 In 2023, all members and organs at Studentsamfunnet will work to ensure that at least 20% of all member attend both General Assemblies held in 2023.
4.7.2 In 2023, 80% of the participants at the GA will arrive during the first hour.
4.7.3 During 2023, Studentsamfunnet will map out what needs to change in the Association's operation to have a need for a manager.
NEW GOALS:
4.7.4 Studentsamfunnet must establish routines so that the organization becomes eco lighthouse certified.
4.7.5 A plan for reconstructing the boards of Studentsamfunnet must be made, and the work of these changes must be initiated.
4.7.6 During 2023, a template will be established for the overlap and transfer of competence and knowledge for Studentsamfunnet i Ås. It must ensured that important information related to previous work is traceable in order to take account of risks related to changes in roles and distribution of responsibilities.
