Rector Klaus Mohn's speech for the students at the official semester opening ceremony 2022.
Dear students,
Welcome to the University of Stavanger (UiS)! And a special welcome to those of you who are new students. It's great to see bustling life on campus again after a few quiet summer weeks.
A warm welcome also to our international students. Our campus is a community, with 2,000 employees and 12,000 students. Inspired by knowledge and friendship, our hope is that you will thrive and grow during your years with us.
Many of you have moved away from home for the first time. You have said goodbye to your parents, to friends, and perhaps to a boyfriend or girlfriend. Now something new is beginning. Now you have to trust yourself. And regardless of whether you feel optimism or dread, your life as a student is starting now.
Student life is rewarding, but also demanding. Here you will be able to hone your skills in a range of subjects, and you will learn, grow and become more independent. The premise is that you don't shy away from challenges!
You are welcome to let yourself be carried away, and especially now during the Fadder festival. But for goodness sake don't get carried away too much! Stop if necessary. Feel free to be contrary. Stand your ground. Show yourself. Speak out, and don't be silent. It is not always the easiest course of action, but truth is the most developing approach, both for you and those around you.
At our university, everyone can speak their mind, and the tone is tolerant and inclusive. At the same time, everyone should tolerate being confronted, as long as it is done with respect. This is the only way to facilitate civilized debate, which is an important source of recognition and insight.
The space for free and independent knowledge is under pressure. The truth is, in some ways, out there. Politicians increasingly speak against those who know better, and the business world uses enormous resources to promote certain messages and views among the majority of the population.
Universities must be a counterweight to this. As students, you must reflect knowledge without an agenda. Facts and research-based insights shall and must lay the foundation for democracy, freedom and criticism of power. If truth does not prevail, the very foundations of our society will be shaken.
Do not lose faith that the truth exists, and that it is possible to change something for the better. We need such an attitude if we are to succeed in meeting the major challenges in the society around us, in relation to climate and nature, inequality and the development of democracy.
Finally, remember that your time as a student is so much more than the studies themselves! Find extra energy and motivation for the reading room by engaging in social activities: make friends, have fun and get involved! Then your time as a student will produce good memories – and habits – that will last a lifetime.
Welcome as a student at the University of Stavanger, and the best of luck with student life!