NUAS PROGRAM FOR LEADERS IN ADMINISTRATION 2026-2027: Leading Sustainable Change in Nordic University Administration
IN COOPERATION WITH
We invite you to join the Nordic Association of University Administrators’ (NUAS) Program for Leadership Advancement (PLA). The program consists of five seminars held across the Nordic countries.
Together they provide time, tools, and inspiration to reflect on your own leadership, strengthen your professional role, and build lasting networks across borders.
The purpose of the program is to:
– Increase insight into developments influencing administrative leadership in Nordic Higher Education.
– Examine key challenges and themes in a changing university environment.
– Provide time and guidance to reflect upon and develop your leadership role.
– Create an arena for professional networking and knowledge sharing.
TARGET GROUP
The programme is designed for administrative leaders in leadership positions close to staff and operations.
The ideal participant is:
– An administrative middle or line manager with one to two years of experience in the role, or
– An administrative manager with more experience but who is relatively new to the higher education sector.
In most cases, this means leaders who have staff reporting directly to them and who are responsible for leading teams. The programme is not aimed at leaders whose role is primarily to lead other leaders rather than staff teams – i.e. not directed at roles with indirect rather than direct staff responsibility.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS SAY
“Participating in the NUAS PLA program has been a transformative experience for me. It deepened my understanding of strategic leadership in higher education and strengthened my ability to drive meaningful change within our university. Through collaboration with Nordic colleagues, I’ve gained fresh perspectives, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose. The University of Iceland benefits not only from the insights I bring back, but also from being part of a broader network committed to excellence in university administration.”
Svavar Jósefsson
“The core of the program gave a good framework for daily interaction but also inspired to explore and investigate how to continuously develop my leadership. It widened my mindset, gave me new tools and perspectives; clearly valuable for any employer but also for me personally.”
Line Altern Halvorsen Valbø
THE FIVE MODULES
Module 1 – Leading Self
Aalborg, Denmark
The first seminar begins with you as a leader. We focus on self-awareness, personal strengths, and coping strategies in times of change. Participants will reflect on their own leadership challenges, explore how personal patterns of reaction and preferences influence their leadership, and develop strategies to respond constructively under pressure. The seminar also highlights the importance of context, moving beyond the idea that organizational challenges are best addressed on an individual level. By the end, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of themselves as leaders and feel ready to grow within a supportive Nordic network at the PLA program.
Module 2 – Leading Teams
Reykjavik, Iceland
In Iceland, the focus turns to leading teams in the Nordic university context. We explore how leaders can build trust, resilience, and innovation, ensuring teams are equipped to navigate change and complexity. Through dialogue, reflection, and practical exercises, participants strengthen their ability to guide group dynamics, foster well-being, and support high performance. Emphasis is placed on the leader’s role in creating clarity and confidence, while drawing on shared Nordic values of openness and respect.
Module 3 – Leading through Collaboration
Vaasa, Finland
This seminar explores how administrative leaders must accomplish many of their goals in collaboration with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Working with academic faculty, internal service units, and external partners requires the ability to bridge different perspectives and professional cultures. Participants will reflect on the challenges of cross-boundary leadership and explore models for effective collaboration that support strategic goals and high-quality outcomes. The module builds on team leadership and extends it to a wider, collaborative approach that prepares for the following focus on the organization as a whole.
Module 4 – Leading the Organization
Linköping, Sweden
This seminar looks at administrative leadership in the context of the university as an organization. We investigate how leaders can contribute to strategic development, create sustainable structures, and strengthen adaptability in complex environments. Themes include building resilience, fostering sustainable work environments, managing crises and uncertainty, and enhancing student influence. Participants will gain insights into how to balance long-term strategy with daily leadership practices in a changing sector.
Module 5 – Leading in Society
Oslo, Norway
The final seminar places administrative leadership within the wider Nordic and societal context. We examine the role of universities in societal development and explore how leaders can translate societal expectations into daily practice. We also explore whether there is such a thing as a Nordic leadership model and the implications for leadership and leaders in administration. Being the last module in the program, the seminar also ties together the main themes of the previous modules, leaving participants with a stronger sense of purpose and clarity on how to bring new insights back to their organizations.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The programme takes up to 35 participants from NUAS member universities only.
Participants will be selected based on their motivation, expected benefit from the programme, and potential contribution to the group, as well as ensuring a balanced geographical and institutional distribution across the Nordic region.
The registration is closing on the December 10, 2025!
Applicants are notified whether their application has been accepted no later than January 15 2026.
Click here for application form template.
HOW TO APPLY
Send the following two documents to nuaspla@nuas.org
1. Your personal application form (use the attached template).
2. A letter of support from your immediate leader including their name and position. The letter should confirm:
– That you will have time allocated to participate in all five seminars, the shorter online activities and preparation work in between.
– That your institution has secured the resources needed for participation fee, travel, and accommodation for all five seminars.
DATES AND PLACES
The programme begins at 09:00 on the first day and finishes no later than 16:00 on the final day (local times). Please consider, if you will need to arrive the day before or depart a day after each module, as full participation in all seminars is obligatory.
March 17-19 2026 Aalborg, Denmark
May 19-20 2026 Reykjavik, Iceland
September 24-25 2026 Vaasa, Finland
November 23.-24. 2026 Linköping, Sweden
February 3.-4 2027 Oslo, Norway
PARTICIPANT FEE
The program fee is 31,000 DKK, which cover local transport and meals from start of the seminar program on the first day to finish on the last day.
All other transport or meals must be covered by the participants, as well as all accommodation. The accommodation will be arranged by the organizers, and must be paid by the participants.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE PROGRAM
– Dennis Jim Frederiksen, Program coordinator for the PLA program, Development Consultant, HR Wellbeing and Organizational Development, Aalborg University.
– Adam Smale, D. Sc. (Econ), Dean at the School of Management, University of Vaasa
– Annette Bergströmm, HR partner Leadership, Head of Unit Competence provision Office, Linköping University
– Guðrún Lárusdóttir, Project manager, human resources and professional development, University of Iceland
– Kristel Mari Jæger Skorge, DR. Art MPA, University Director, The Norwegian Academy of Music
– Kira Vinberg Iversen, Head of administration at Universities Denmark and the General Secretary of NUAS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact the General Secretary of NUAS:
Kira Vinberg Iversen nuaspla@nuas.org