Project Student Wellbeing is taking a big step forward by hiring its first student consultants. This initiative shows Project Student Wellbeing's dedication to promoting students' views in everything they do.
"Those of us who work for students must also work together with students. It's important for us to show how this can be done with students as partners, with equal roles. We do this through participation in the project, in interaction with student representatives and now with these appointments," says project manager Olea Magdalene Norset.
From left: Nora Grimkelsrud Cowles, Olea Magdalene Norset and Ingvild Rorge. Photo: Kristiansand municipality
In August, the project welcomed Ingvild Rorge and Nora Grimkelsrud Cowles. They will contribute with tasks such as project development, content production, organization of workshops and evaluation of activities.
Different strengths, common goals
Ingvild and Nora have different professional backgrounds, but share a common understanding of students' needs and challenges. Ingvild is studying for a master's degree in Social Planning at the University of Agder and is active in student sports. She has also been a mentor for first-year students and has valuable insight into how to create safe student environments.
Nora has studied political science at UiA and has leadership experience from Fadderstyret. She has also worked at the student service center at USN in Kongsberg and has been active in student volunteering and student democracy. They are both newcomers to Agder and bring this perspective to Project Student Wellbeing.
"I applied because I want to help students have the best possible experience during their studies. I studied here for three years, then moved away for a year to work and am now back for further studies. So it's very motivating to actually be able to work with well-being and strengthening the ties between the students and the region," says Nora.
Looking forward to an exciting autumn
The student consultants and project manager have made plans for the fall. The aim is for Nora and Ingvild to deliver concrete results that the project can build on. They will also have the opportunity to explore new areas they are interested in.
"For me, it's also about doing my bit to make more students feel at home in Kristiansand and Grimstad, both during and after their studies. It will be exciting to collaborate with Nora, Olea and so many other players on initiatives that can help create an even more engaging environment," Ingvild elaborates.
With a 15% position, student consultants should have the flexibility to balance studies, work and private life.
"I'm really looking forward to having Nora and Ingvild on the team. We know that the closer we are to the actual target group, the easier it will be to reach students with our work. At the same time, they are first and foremost students, so we will create a campaign that reflects this," Olea concludes.
