Green Pastures for SiO– the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo as the Quality Reform of Higher Education in Norway provides an increased use of campus by students.

FOTO: Aslak Johannesen

2004 has been a good year for SiO– the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo. Profits have increased by almost 20 per cent from NOK 47.2 million to NOK 58.8 million in 2004. SiO has also increased operating revenues by NOK 42 million from slightly more than NOK 621 million in 2003 to almost 663 million in 2004. Christoffer Wiig, Chairman of the General Board of SiO, believes that the increase is directly related to the Quality Reform of Higher Education in Norway.

“We notice in particular that students are spending more time on campus and assume that this is the reason why the turnover of the Student Cafeterias has increased by NOK 2.8 million, which equals an increase of 3.4 per cent from 2003,” Wiig states.

Lisbeth Dyrberg, Director of SiO, underlines that SiO` s value added first and foremost lies within Student Welfare– as opposed to financial capital.

“SiO is satisfied with the 2004 annual accounts, and that it is in keeping with the demands fro a healthy economy and the expectations of SiO being a non–profit organisation, Dyrberg explains.

Rising Challenges

“A change in political framework conditions as a result of new Higher Education legislation may lead to changes in public measures such as construction development and sharpened competition from commercial market players. Living conditions in Oslo can prove difficult in the future as we are expecting an increasing number of students at our institutions,” Dyrberg continues.

Rolf Gunnar Strand, a college professor at BI (the Norwegian School of Management), comments on the 2004 profit and loss account.

“I have browsed through the accounts and assessed the figures in relation to common requirements for profitability, liquidity, financing and capital adequacy. Profitability does not appear to be very good. Notwithstanding, it is fine given the enterprise in question.”

@blåcase: Prosperity: SiO` s organisational survey from 2004 indicates that the level of prosperity is generally very high and this year Welfare is top of the class. Employees at Eilert Sundt kindergarten, (from the left) Lene Johansen, Elise Johansen and Thomas Ferger, all agree on the findings in the organisational survey, which reveals that there is a high level of motivation and job satisfaction in the establishment.

“It is possible to voice your opinion and know that people are listening to what you have to say here,” Lene explains.

Thomas Ferger has been working in this kindergarten for eight years. He feels that the many challenges and learning experiences are the reason why he has stayed put for such a long time.