Indoor Temperature and Ventilation
Many find that the temperature is often too low, especially during the winter months, negatively affecting comfort and concentration. This recurring issue leads many to prefer studying at home. Additionally, there is a widespread desire for better air quality, as the current ventilation often results in stuffy and poor air quality in both reading rooms and group study rooms. Many also mention that the facilities at the Faculty of Medicine are of such quality that they prefer to use the premises on the Blindern campus or stay home.
Detailed approach
The faculty will engage in dialogue with relevant parties to conduct measurements in the spaces where our students spend time (particularly reading rooms). This is to examine the possibility of increasing the temperature and addressing the ventilation. The University of Oslo has a common policy for temperature, but given the variation in buildings, it is important to ensure that students have a proper study environment despite standardisation.
Amenities in the Reading Rooms
Several students have expressed the need for various small electrical kitchen appliances in proximity to the spaces they use. The cafeterias have opening hours that are significantly shorter than the hours students spend, for example, in the reading rooms, and it has been noted that small kitchen appliances could enhance satisfaction with the learning environment.
Detailed approach
The faculty is examining the budget requirements for such an expense, maintenance, related regulations, how this can be sustained over time, and assessing if it's feasible to introduce these appliances in or near our student facilities.
Task Force with Students and Staff
Findings from the Learning Environment Survey indicate that 12% of respondents have experienced discrimination, harassment, racism, or a combination of these. Additionally, 13% have observed discrimination, harassment, or racism. Those who have experienced or observed discrimination, harassment, and/or racism reported it occurring from fellow students, lecturers, patients/relatives in clinical practice, and clinical practice teachers and/or healthcare personnel.
Detailed approach
The faculty is establishing a working group to develop measures focused on diversity, inclusion, discrimination, harassment, and racism. These measures are not intended to replace the notification system (Speak Up) but to act proactively to ensure a proper learning environment. The group will represent all study programmes. The working group is expected to deliver a report with proposals for measures, including justifications, four months after commencing work.
Use of Anestesien
The faculty has received feedback indicating a shortage of student spaces, both for study groups and non-academic social interaction. The faculty believes that Anestesien, being one of the largest student social venues at the University of Oslo, should be utilised more during the daytime. This is particularly important as the faculty has limited other spaces available.
Detailed approach
The faculty will review the agreement regarding the use of Anestesien and engage in dialogue with the Medicinerforeningen (Medical Association) to determine the extent to which the venue can be used as a student space during the day.