Leaders of Sweden’s higher education institutions visit Jönköping

On 17 and 18 March, the Swedish Association of Universities and University Colleges’ highest decision-making body, the SUHF General Assembly, met in Jönköping to discuss current issues within the higher education sector. The meeting focused on topics including collegial governance, academic freedom and the use of AI by higher education institutions.

The Swedish Association of Universities and University Colleges (SUHF) was founded in 1995 and aims to safeguard the interests of universities and university colleges. It also serves as a platform for cooperation and coordination, with 38 Swedish higher education institutions as members. SUHF’s first general assembly was held in Jönköping following its formation in 1995, and now, over 30 years later, Jönköping University once again hosted the event.

“It is very pleasing that SUHF has chosen Jönköping to host the General Assembly in the same year that it is the Student City of the Year. But above all, it is important that in these times of, among other things, disinformation and AI, we can discuss issues that are of great value to us,” says Måns Svensson, President at Jönköping University (JU).

Key issues on the agenda

The General Assembly, SUHF’s highest decision-making body, comprises the members’ vice-chancellors and university directors. It meets twice a year to decide on recommendations for the members. This time, discussions included collegial governance, academic freedom, and proposals for national recommendations regarding higher education institutions’ use of AI.

“The General Assembly is an excellent opportunity for university management teams to discuss both the formal items on the agenda and other matters. It is also an opportunity to discuss various issues with individual colleagues. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jönköping University for their excellent hosting”, says Hans Adolfsson, Chair of SUHF and President of Stockholm University.

Jerker Moodysson, Vice-chancellor of Karlstad University and former Dean and Managing Director of Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) at JU, felt well looked after as a guest and appreciated the meeting days.

“I really appreciated the fruitful discussions, and I was very impressed by what JU showcased during the assembly”, says Jerker.