Teaching and academic activities will continue as normal, while students and staff are encouraged to take the situation into consideration when organising or attending social events and commemorations.
"Today, we wish to express our gratitude for King Harald’s lifelong service to Norway and the Norwegian people. For 35 years, King Harald has been a unifying symbol for our country. With warmth, wisdom, humour, and humanity, he met people in all of life’s circumstances," says Acting Rector Levi Gårseth Nesbakk.
He highlights in particular the King’s ability to bring people together, as well as his commitment to issues such as social exclusion, diversity, love, and mental health.
"King Harald showed generosity and was a monarch of his time. In a turbulent time, when trust is more important than ever, the King was able to unite the people. He remained true to his values. He was courageous and wise. He was a king of the people."
"Thank you for everything. May King Harald’s memory be honoured in peace."
A part of our lives
For today’s students, too, King Harald has been a constant presence throughout their lives.
“For my generation, King Harald has been a reassuring and unifying figure who has always been there, both during great national celebrations and when the country has faced difficult times,” says Benedicte Larsen Mathisen, President of the Nord Student Organisation.
She particularly highlights the King’s message of belonging, inclusion, and the equal worth of all people.
"I have always experienced him as warm, down-to-earth, and humorous, almost like a grandfather to all of Norway. This is a difficult day for many in my generation. King Harald has been a part of our entire lives, and it is hard to imagine Norway without him."
Mathisen encourages students to take care of one another in the days ahead.
"We will carry with us some of what the King stood for: seeing people and being there for one another. As student leaders, we will take extra care of our fellow students and help ensure that everyone is seen, heard and taken seriously."
Measures at the campuses
Nord University will fly its flags at half-mast at all campuses equipped with flagpoles. Flowers will also be placed at the foot of the flagpoles.
From Monday, memorial spaces will be established in social areas across the campuses. These will include a portrait of King Harald, candles, and a book of condolence for students and staff who wish to leave a message. You can leave your message here:
Vesterålen: By the main entrance
Stjørdal: By the piano in Glassgården
Namsos: In Glasshuset
Steinkjer: InnoCamp, Origo
Levanger: Røstad, in the cafeteria
Nesna: In the common area outside the cafeteria
Bodø: By Petter Dass at the Business Schoo
Mo i Rana: In the cafeteria
It is also possible to send condolences digitally through the Royal Court’s official website.
Teaching and academic activities continue as normal
Teaching and other academic activities at Nord University will proceed as planned.
The same applies, in principle, to academic events and meetings, including those involving external participants.
Should any changes be made to scheduled activities, those affected will be informed accordingly.
Social events and celebrations
Organisers must assess whether planned events should go ahead, be moved or postponed.
Students who have arranged activities may carry them out as planned, but we encourage everyone to take the situation into consideration.
For more guidance: Guidelines for the National Mourning Period (Norwegian only)
Nord also marks the occasion digitally
The King’s passing is also being commemorated through Nord University’s digital channels. The University’s logo will be temporarily adapted on social media, and a dedicated banner has been added to nord.no to mark the passing and direct visitors to memorial messages.
Activity on social media will be subdued during the period of mourning. Regular content and scheduled posts have been scaled back, and published content will primarily be devoted to remembering and honouring King Harald.
At the same time, the University will use its digital channels to communicate necessary information to students, staff, and others affected by commemorations or changes to planned activities.
This page will be updated
We are receiving many inquiries from students and staff about what will happen to teaching, examinations and other activities at Nord University on the day of the funeral. We will provide further information as soon as possible.
Nord University will continue to monitor the situation and any national guidance that may be issued. This page will be updated as new information becomes available regarding commemorative events, the day of the funeral, or other activities taking place at the University.
Students and staff will also receive relevant information through the University's internal communication channels.
