Notice to the Ordinary General Meeting in spring 2024
Today is exactly one month until the spring general assembly and the time has come to welcome you. The General Assembly is NTNUI’s highest authority and all members have the right to vote. This is where you can influence the direction you think is best for the world’s best club – NTNUI.
The executive board hereby convenes an ordinary general aasembly in the spring of 2024.
Time: Admission from 10:00, start 11:00. Recommend setting aside the whole day. Location: A1 at the NTNU Business School (Adolf Øien building). Map here. Catering: Food will be served during the general meeting. For whom: The general meeting is for all members of NTNUI. If you have paid NTNUI membership and have valid membership in the membership system, you have the right to vote at the general meeting. All groups in NTNUI have the right to meet, which means that all groups must present at least one representative.
Something you want to say? Do you have matters you would like to bring up to the general assembly? Send it to hovedstyret@ntnui.no by March 2.
Staup: After the general meeting, it is a tradition to go up to the Studenterhytta – also called Staup. Free transport will be organised, but it is also possible to take part in the traditional race up to the Hut. Free food is also served there. Signing up for Staup ishere. The deadline for registration is 10 March.
Case papers: The case papers are sent by email to all shop stewards and posted on our website ntnui.no before 9 March.
Text: Emilie Sofie Eilertsen Photo: NTNUI Blits and Private
Photo: Eivind Jølsgard/NTNUI Blits
In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month,” you get to meet some of the dedicated volunteers in NTNUI who contribute invaluable efforts. In January, you will meet the River Chief in NTNUI Paddling, Bendik Stenberg.
He is the Rover Chief in the paddling commitee a position he has held for almost 1.5 years. Prior to that, he served 1.5 years as the Sea Chief
He is responsible for organizing 3 basic courses per semester, in addition to 1-2 advanced courses. Thus, he often has the responsibility of coordinating activities over many weekends in a row. In addition to this, he serves as the main instructor during Tuesday training sessions. This year, I believe there have been no more than 1-2 training sessions he hasnt`t participated in (and often as main instructor). As the river chief he is also responsible for coordinating activities during each training session. He was also one of the two main organizers on the river during the annual “Sjoatur”, with around 20 paddlers on the river.
– Thea Kristine Terjesen, Leader NTNUI Paddling
Facts about Bendik
Age: 26 Studies: Psychology Years in NTNUI: Since the spring of 2021 Group: Paddling Voluntary position: River Chief
Who are you? I thrive with a full calendar and get bored quickly if there’s too much downtime. I like when there’s a lot happening so I can be productive efficiently!
How did you end up in NTNUI? It took the pandemic to free up space in my calendar for paddling, as it is a great outdoor activity that allows for social distancing. I had some experience in sea kayaking, and I was asked to be an instructor in NTNUI, teaching courses. Then, there happened to be an open position in the committee, and the then-leader invited me on a trip to Munkholmen, presenting a sort of sales pitch. So, I went from not being a part of NTNUI at all to suddenly being accepted into the paddling committee.
But you started as the Sea Chief and are now the River Chief, what do these roles entail exactly? One is responsible for activities either on the sea or riverfront. This includes organizing courses, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that training sessions are carried out effectively. It also involves some delegation. In essence, you’re responsible for making things happen in the area you oversee. For example, in the fall, we held five basic courses because there was a lot of interest.
What would you say is the best thing about your position? I would say the best thing about the position is that when you’re part of a committee, you’re usually with those who are the most enthusiastic and committed to keeping activities going. It’s incredibly fun to be a part of it, and you feel a greater sense of ownership of the club. I also find it can be dull to just be a participant on a trip, but if you organize and have a hand in it, it’s more enjoyable. The people in the committee are a very pleasant group, so it’s really nice to have a role in the committee.
Photo: Eivind Jølsgard/NTNUI Blits
So the organizational aspects and the governance involved in such a position are quite enjoyable? Yes, it’s really fun. At times it has been quite busy because when you have a role in planning and choosing dates, you often end up checking your own calendar and selecting weekends with no prior commitments. Last fall, I didn’t have a single free weekend until November, and this was decided before the semester even started!
But you do find this to be just fun? Oh yes, of course you can feel a bit overwhelmed at times. Serving on a committee can be time-consuming because you spend a considerable amount of time planning, but you want to be a part of all the fun things you plan too!
How did it go in combination with your studies then? It actually went quite well. When you’re procrastinating on studying, spending time on productive NTNUI Paddling tasks is quite convenient.
What do you think about the label “volunteer of the month or Ildsjel” that you have now received? Well, I was very surprised, and it came out of the blue. It’s an honor, and I really appreciate receiving such recognition for the work I put in. I also want to emphasize that there are incredibly many people working together and deserving of praise. We are a committee that invests a lot of time and collaborates on tasks.
Photo: Private
What makes you happy? Oh! Hmm… I’ve had many great moments out in the kayak. Personally, I often use the word “blissful” instead of happy because experiencing a blissful calm and peace, as I often do in the kayak, is very nice. It turns out that in my blissful or happy mode, I tend to become quiet and peaceful. Once on a trip, I was misunderstood for being grumpy and cold, and it seemed like I was having a bad day. It should be mentioned that it was quite cold on that trip, so it might have seemed like I was therefore freezing and having a bad day, but in reality, I was just finding true calm and happiness in the moment. The extreme nature one gets to see from the kayak and seeing nature from such a perspective gives a great sense of joy and an absence of worry and stress.
Have you ended up in the river or the sea during a kayaking trip? Oh yes. It happens that you end up in the water and have to take a little swim, but it’s part of the game. The worst part is actually the cold temperatures when putting on the spray skirt. The cold temperatures makes the spray skirt quite difficult to work with and I sprained my thumb this fall in an attempt to put it on.
Would you say being part of the committee and organizing trips and courses is the reason you get involved? It’s a significant part of it. You feel that you are useful and can use your skills in a good way. It’s also a lot of fun with the courses. Basic courses and introducing newcomers to the sport are also big motivations for putting effort into the role.
Do you have any advice for others considering committee positions? I would encourage it! The hope is that the things we do in the paddling committee, for example, make it easy for others to take over the baton. My goal is that when I leave the committee, it should be well-functioning and enjoyable to take on that role. It’s also important that when you take on a committee role, you need to dedicate some time to it, but my experience from the paddling committee is that it has given me much more than it has taken. It has given me a great and large community that I will continue to stay in touch with both in and out of the water. It’s definitely worth taking the risk if you’re considering a committee role. You just need to be good at knowing your own limitations and use the others in the committee to make the workflow smooth.
We usually end with a lighthearted question or dilemma. Rowing’s tights or the devil’s hat? It has to be Rowing’s tights, it’s cool!
The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no
Text: Pernille Svartveit Osmundsen Photo: Viggo Jakobsen/Globetrotter event og artist & Nils Dittritch/NTNUI
NTNUI Orientering was honored as the student sports team of the year when Trøndelag’s sports circle was assembled in early in November 2023.
Eirik Langedal Breivik and Anders Vestøl received the award from the leader of NTNUI Jenny Hunvik Photo: Viggo Jakobsen/Globetrotter event og artist
For the 14th time, Idretten’s Heiderskveld was organized in November. Here, the best in the Trøndelag sports circle gathered and were honored for their achievements both nationally and internationally. Scholarships, achievement awards and spirit awards were handed out to honor the many people who help create sports engagement and joy in Trøndelag. This time, NTNUI Orienteering was honored with the Student Sports Team of the Year award for the stable and good results in the club. The student club also asserted itself during the prestigious Tiomila last spring, which helped them get the award. NTNUI Orienteering has not won during Tiomila since 1992 when they won the women’s class, and last year they managed to win for the first time in the open class which ran through the night.
Facts about Tiomila (press to expand)
Tiomila or the 10mile is a highlight in orienteering and is organized annually in Sweden
There is a separate women’s class (5 stages) and youth class (4 stages) which run during the day, while the “Tiomilakavlen” runs overnight and is an open class (although mostly men take part in this)
NTNUI Orienteering lined up with 7 teams in the Damkavlen” and 6 teams in the “Tiomilakavlen”, with one of the teams being a purely women’s team
In total, there were 85 NTNU students who ran to the best of their ability in the championship
NTNUI Orienteering is one of the clubs with the most victories in the women’s relay with 4 golds, last won in 1992
This year was the first time NTNUI Orienteering won the “Tiomilakavlen”
On the winning team were both Anders Vestøl and Eirik Langedal Breivik who received the honorary award
The gala outfits were on and NTNUI’s leader Jenny Hunvik was on stage to present the award for Student Sports Team of the Year in front of a fully packed cinema hall at Nova Kinosenter. Hunvik says that NTNUI Orienteering has accomplished an incredible feat in 2023 and that it is difficult for those outside the orienteering community to understand how big it actually is to win Tiomila. She further says that being able to award the Student Sports Award in 2023 to Orienteering feels right, as they really deserved that honor and that she felt lucky to have the honor of handing out the award itself during Idretten’s Heiderskveld in November.
Stepping onto the stage to receive the award on behalf of NTNUI Orienteering were Eirik Langedal Breivik and Anders Vestøl, both of whom contributed to NTNUI Orienteering’s victory in the prestigious Tiomila. Vestøl expressed his excitement about receiving the award, emphasizing its significance given that orienteering is not among the largest sports in Norway. “It was a bit more formal than I had expected” he replied when asked about his experience of the evening, and added that it means a lot to be recognized this way. Also Lars Sandstad, leader of NTNUI Orienteering, emphasizes that it is not always easy to be seen when you perform in a sport such as orienteering. Therefore, such recognition for the entire club’s achievements throughout the year is extra nice.
NTNUI Orienteering is run by student volunteers and in November they organized the Nordic Student Championship Photo: Nils Dittritch/NTNUI
The victory in Tiomila meant a lot to the student club. Vestøl, which has himself participated twice in the championship, says that winning was prestigious and absolutely huge, especially when they have to manage “all by themselves”. The event is a highlight within orientation, where many clubs participating have a lot more money to spare, including funds for coaches, among other things. Nevertheless, the student team, which is driven by volunteerism and has a high turnover of members, managed to win the international competition.
Christmas card from The Main Board Photo: Ronja Pavall/NTNUI Blits
The Main Board of NTNUI wishes all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! There are several “debates” during Christmas, and disagreements about what is the icing on the cake for the perfect Christmas mood. We have therefore asked our dear Main Board some questions to hear what they think, and to get to know them a little better! Regardless of what you prefer to eat, drink, and watch during Christmas, we hope you have a great time and look forward to the next year with us.
Jenny Hunvik (Leader): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Lamb ribs Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown Favorite Christmas movie? – It stands between Love Actually and The Holiday. Mostly The Holiday, because Love Actually is saved for the day before Christmas Eve. What do you want for Christmas? – A new sports facility for NTNUI Who on the Main Board still believes in Santa Claus? – Sara
Mia Olden Larsen (Deputy leader): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Neither, I´m pesceterian. Before that, I used to eat pork, but now I eat “vegisterkaker” and fake meatloaf. Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown Favorite Christmas movie? – Miracle on 34th street What do you want for Christmas? – More game, just kidding hahah. A knitted wool-sweater, in green NTNUI color. Who on the Main Board buys Christmas presents the day before Christmas Eve? – Shall I just start to list them up? Me and Taran, I think Andreas also does it, and Ole Marius.
Christian Køhl (Main treasurer): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Pork Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown of course Favorite Christmas movie? – Hmm, that’s a tough question. There are so many to choose from. It’s difficult; I’ll have to go with one of the classics, either ‘Tre nøtter til Askepott’ or ‘Reisen til Julestjernen’, those are feel-good movies. What do you want for Christmas? – I don’t want anything specific. Something simple, like a shirt and those kinds of things. Who on the Main Board brings the most Christmas spirit? – It´s split in three, Mia, Jenny, and Sara. They all have such Christmas spirit and are hyped for the holidays. They make an unbeatable trio at it.
Sara Malnes Grobstok (Head of economics): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Lamb ribs Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown Favorite Christmas movie? – Love actually What do you want for Christmas? – New cosy-slippers If you had a Secret Santa within the Main Board, with an unlimited budget, who would you want to receive a gift from? Why? – Hmm, that’s a tough one. Frøydis. I think she could come up with something I didn’t know I needed. It would be fun and surprising; I really trust her instincts.
Marius Nielsen (Head of the track committee, “Mosjon”manager og SL-contact): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Pork, no doubt. Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown… AND red. If you had to choose? Then I´ll stick to brown. Favorite Christmas movie? – Home alone, the first ones. What do you want for Christmas? – Work out gloves, both I own have holes in the palm. And shoes for hiking. Its a practical Christmas this year. Who on the Main Board still gets an Advent calendar from their parents? – Mia. I have no idea, I just can picture her getting one.
Ole Marius Inderhaug (IT-manager): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Lamb ribs, preferably both. Red or brown Christmas soda? – Red, Rudolf og Nissens. There is no other Christmas soda. Favorite Christmas movie? – It has to be Home Alone. What do you want for Christmas? – Mom usually says nice kids, so maybe I´ll say nice NTNUI members. And hiking gear. Who on the Main Board gets coal in their stocking? – Hmm, hahaha, if theres going to be anyone who gets coal in their stocking it´s probably me.
Taran Five (equipment manager and aktivCampus-contact): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Lamb ribs Red or brown Christmas soda? – Neither. I don´t like Christmas Soda. What do you drink instead? Apple juice. Favorite Christmas movie? – It has to be Home Alone What do you want for Christmas? – Socks! Wool socks! Kari Traa, preferably pink or gray. Who on the Main Board wouldn’t have made it inside before “Blåfjellet” closed? – Andreas. Without doubt.
Ingrid Opsahl Klokkervold (Aministrative coordinator, Sports director and manager of halls-and indoor training times): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Pork. Red or brown Christmas soda? – I have to choose one? Yes. Red. Favorite Christmas movie? – “Tre nøtter til Askepott”, or Love Actually. No, it has to be “Tre nøtter til Askepott”. What do you want for Christmas? – An extra screen for my computer, so I can take my job with me. Who on the Main Board has been blasting Christmas music since October? – I think Mia and Jenny has put up their Christmas tree, so I´ll have to say one of them. Who has been secretly listening? Me hahaha
Andreas Bothner (Event-manager, deputy leader of the track committee): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Pork. Red or brown Christmas soda? – Brown. Favorite Christmas movie? – A Christmas Carol What do you want for Christmas? – Socks, and hat. Shoes also, and clothes. New battery for my car. Who on the Main Board is the biggest Grinch? – It has to be Taran.
Frøydis Indergård (promotion- og external affairs manager): Pork or lamb ribs on Christmas Eve? – Lamb ribs Red or brown Christmas soda? – Red! Favorite Christmas movie? – I´m probably a “Home alone”-person, all of them except the last two! What do you want for Christmas? – Wishing all my sisters and nieces to come for a visit because I won’t be celebrating Christmas with them this year. Who on the Main Board religiously follows Advent calendarson TV? – I think that has to be Sara.
In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month,” you get to meet a selection of dedicated volunteers at NTNUI who contribute invaluable efforts. In November, you will meet the Futsal coach, Thomas Aarnes.
I meet Thomas one Saturday afternoon after the Futsal team has played a match. He is very passionate and friendly, despite the fact that the game didn’t go quite as planned.
How nice that you want to meet us! Would you like to tel us a bit about yourself?
I’m Thomas Aarnes, 26 years old, originally from Nordmøre. I came to Trondheim in 2019 and have been a part of NTNUI for a full 4 years now. I already hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and am currently in my second year of studying for a teaching degree in geography. You could say I’ve made a long-term investment in the club.
Yes, truly a long-term investment. But how did you end up here?
It was actually a bit random, which is strange to think about because I enjoy Trondheim so much now. I lived in Kristiansand for a while, but moved up here following my girlfriend, who is now my fiancée. I got involved in futsal pretty much right away when I arrived. I’ve been playing futsal since high school, so I was interested in continuing with it. At that time, futsal wasn’t as popular, so I also joined the football team.
Thomas has put in tremendous effort as the coach for the men’s futsal team. He has also taken coaching mentorship courses and is involved in training future futsal coaches. Thomas is a skilled leader with extensive futsal knowledge and excellent pedagogical skills. This has contributed to making NTNUI one of the best futsal teams in the country!
Leader of NTNUI Futsal Øyvind Vie
For those who may not know, what is futsal?
t’s quite similar to football, but the main difference is that we play indoors on a handball court with handball goals instead of a full-size field. The futsal season starts in the winter after the football season is over and lasts until spring. We also play with 4 outfield players and a goalkeeper, and we use a different ball that doesn’t bounce as much. Last year, we were promoted to Eliteserien, which has opened up many new opportunities for us to travel for games and receive support from sponsors.
Futsal is growing in popularity both in Norway and globally Foto:Iris Natten Frydenlund/NTNUI Blits
Why did you choose to get involved in volunteering?
It was probably like for most people; I was asked to take on a small role, and it just grew from there. After my first year, the coach was stepping down, so he asked me and another person if we wanted to work as assistant coaches, which was very exciting as I had many ideas and thoughts I wanted to try out. As I got more responsibility, I wanted to make more of it, so I started searching on YouTube to find some tips and tricks we could try out in training. Eventually, the responsibilities piled up, making it challenging to juggle both football and futsal. So, I decided to fully commit to futsal.”
I’ve also taken the grassroots coaching course, where you train grassroots coaches in futsal. Even though I initially thought I would be the one receiving the training, I ended up suddenly becoming a course facilitator. The more I learn, the more I want to be involved in futsal, and to continue working towards achieving good results.
Foto: Leonie Richarz/NTNUI Blits
Why did you choose to become a coach, and what motivates you in your job?
A significant part of my motivation comes from the social environment of the club. We have around 30 players (one team in the Eliteserien and another in the second division), so we have become very close and good friends. It is very rewarding to see the players working together with commitment and interest to achieve the same goals. As a coach, it’s enjoyable to witness development, to see that the many hours spent each day are yielding results in matches and practices. From struggling in the first division in Trondheim to competing in the Eliteserien, making significant progress in cup competitions, and advancing to the European Championship, it’s clear that as a team, we have undergone significant development. Seeing that the players are as passionate as I am, even when it comes to tactics, motivates me even more to work hard as a coach.
What’s the next step within NTNUI, do you have any further plans for the team?
Since we are already at the highest level we can be, with participation limits set by events like the European Universities Games, playing in the Eliteserien, and competing in the Norwegian Championship, winning the Eliteserien would be an incredible experience as it could lead to participation in the Champions League. I believe the most important aspect is to build a strong culture within the team and with the management, something that can be carried forward after those currently in leadership positions step down. A crucial part of the club is the supporting team, which dedicates a significant amount of time to the club beyond training and matches.
As we have taken on larger roles with our promotion, the next step will be to establish a solid administrative system that functions well, allowing us to focus 100% on the sporting aspects. Educating future coaches is also crucial to maintain the quality of what we do.
Player-coach Thomas Aarnes, with his unwavering motivation, passion for futsal, and commitment to the team’s best interests and continuous development, is the true guiding star for the team. He is currently pursuing a UEFA B License in Finland and deserves the highest commendation for taking the team to new heights.
Via Eliteserien Futsal Instagram
You have one million to spend freely in NTNUI, what do you use it for?
Then I would probably use it to cover our travel budget, which is a significant expense for us, leading us to engage in quite a bit of fundraising. Generally, I would use it to cover team expenses so that we can pursue the sport, attend matches and tournaments without burdening individuals’ wallets.
Do you have many travels per year?
We have planned three trips to Oslo, one trip to Bodø, one trip to Sortland-Tromsø. All of this requires a lot of funds and additional expenses with taxis to and from the airport. In addition, we have the Norwegian Championship in Drammen and the European Championship in Hungary next summer.
What do you think about being nominated as “ildsjel”
Very nice, always enjoyable to receive praise for something one spends so much time on! I think we are good at taking care of each other and highlighting those on the team who put in extra effort. There are so many who contribute a lot and deserve to receive this recognition.
Foto: Thomas Karlsen
If you didn’t have a position in NTNUI, where would you prefer to be involved?
I’m not sure, the more free time I have, the more it goes into futsal! So I don’t have much free time aside from my teaching studies, my job at Værnes, and substituting at a secondary school in Tiller.
Best memory with NTNUI?
When we won Student lekene last year, it was absolutely incredible. It was also the former coach’s final wish and big dream, so it’s a bit teasing in his honor. But still, a significant moment for us. During SL, the entire team gets to participate; there’s no need to select players to join or not, so that makes it even more enjoyable.
I have never experienced anything similar, in terms of unity and achievement, on a team and within a club like NTNUI.
– Thomas Aarnes
Who would you be on a deserted island with? Why?
It’s difficult to choose since I believe everyone on the team could do well, but I might choose Nils Utsi, a hands-on person whom I think would manage well!
Rowing’s tights or devil’s hat?
We’ve already played with the devil’s hat in the final of the University Games this year, so I’ll go for that one!
Volunteer of the Month” is a regular column created by the promotional team in collaboration with photographers from NTNUI Blits. Do you know an “ildsjeler” in NTNUI? Tip us at: blits-promo@ntnui.no
In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month,” you get to meet some of the dedicated volunteers in NTNUI who contribute invaluable efforts. In October, you will meet the deputy chairperson of Volleyball, Karoline Ruud Dahlen.
Karoline has been the deputy chairperson for the second consecutive year in NTNUI Volleyball, and she is an unparalleled “Yes person”! She is always there, no matter what it might be, whether as a coach, player, or board member.
She is consistently cheerful in the gym and always willing to assist other members of the group. She consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her and is always ready to lend a hand to those around her.
Kathinka Lund, Leader of Volleyball
Facts about Karoline
Age: 24 years old
Group: Volleyball
Years in NTNUI: 6 years
Voluntary position: Two years as deputy chairperson of Volleyball and three seasons as coach
Field og study: Graduated bioengineer
We meet a cheerful Karoline, who is a bit surprised by the nomination, but who is she really? I’m very fond of sports. That’s probably a big reason why I’m still here (in Trondheim). Before I moved here, I had this idea that “I’ll be here for three years, I’ll get my bachelor’s degree, and then I’ll go back home.” But then NTNUI happened, and I ended up staying for at least three more years.
What was the biggest factor that kept you in Trondheim? NTNUI. It’s an incredibly great club. There’s a strong sense of community, and there’s always something happening. The sports are a lot of fun, and there are so many wonderful people. You make friends across teams and groups, and it’s just a great environment overall.
How did you end up in NTNUI? I had heard that Trondheim is a great city for students in general. So, I had my sights set on Trondheim for that reason. I also got introduced to volleyball at a folk high school (folkehøyskole). I found out that NTNUI had a very good volleyball team, so I went to the tryouts and made the team.
But why are you so involved? Volunteering is so much fun. And it took a couple of years before I took on any special roles, it’s also so that I can give somthing back. NTNUI has been essential for my well-being and my daily life as a student in Trondheim. Now, I can contribute to ensuring that others have the same great experience I’ve had.
How is it to balance your roles with your studies? It does take a lot of time. You need to be engaged and motivated enough to make everything work. Each day becomes quite packed. But it’s also very rewarding, so it’s definitely worth it. Even though it’s tiring, it also gives you energy.
How is it now that you’re working? Life becomes quite different. When I was a student and felt that there was a lot going on in terms volunteering, I could put deprioritize my studies for a while. But now, I can’t call my job and say, “Hey, I can’t come to work today because I have NTNUI stuff to do.” So, I have to be more structured in terms of working during the day and NTNUI in the evenings, but it works out somehow.
If you could change one thing about NTNUI, what would it be? I would have even more sponsors, so it would be even more affordable for members to participate. I think people would really appreciate that.
What’s your relationship with NTNUI’s colours? The colour combination is quite bold, it is. I knew before I joined NTNUI, I was like, “Why do they wear these colours?”. But you grow to love them over time. It’s something that stands out, and it’s actually kind of fun. When you’re at a game, wearing the windbreaker, and everyone can see it’s NTNUI, it makes you proud.
D1 vs Oslo Photo: Leonie Richarz/NTNUI
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully, I’m still playing volleyball, and hopefully, I’m still active as a volunteer in some club, whether it’s here in Trondheim or somewhere else in Norway. I want to carry these experiences forward.
You have one million you can use for NTNUI – what would you spend it on? It’s a bit of a short-term plan, but it would be to reduce travel expenses for members. However, we would eventually run out of money. If I could multiply that one million by a lot of digits, we could build a new sports hall. That way, more people would have more training time, better training schedules, and more people could join. But it’s challenging with just one million.
What other sport would you like to try in NTNUI? I played handball for quite a few years, up until high school, so that could be fun. I’ve always been fascinated by gymnastics, so I think that would also be fun to try.
If you didn’t have roles in NTNUI, where would you prefer to get involved? Now I’m almost thinking, “What happens outside of NTNUI?”. It might be fun to get involved with the Red Cross and contribute in that way, or perhaps with the People’s Aid and similar organizations.
The coolest thing you’ve worked on in NTNUI? I find it very enjoyable to contribute to the major events we have. Especially when our top teams are in semifinals and such in the national championships. Creating something substantial around it, and seeing the enthusiasm in the arena during those games, with everyone showing up. In general, social events for the members, where everyone can come together and meet. That’s rewarding.
The board of NTNUI Volleyball Photo: Eirik Halvard Norseth/NTNUI
Who would you prefer to be stuck in an elevator with? Taylor Swift, I’m a huge fan. She could have a private concert in the elevator.
Roing’s tights or devil’s hat? Devil’s hat, I think they’re really cool.
Director of Sit for a day or rector for a day? Director of Sit, I think. It sounds more fun than being a rector. Manage the hall and all that.
The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no
Sigurd currently serves on the board of the NTNUI Diving Group as the cellar manager. During the summer, he has dedicated a significant portion of his free time to building a new hot tub (on a trailer) after the old one gave out. This hot tub will benefit the diving group and others who wish to rent it for various enjoyable events. In addition to this, for many years, he has done an immense amount for the diving group. He works tirelessly to ensure that the subgroup is not only a place for divers/freedivers/underwater rugby players to practice their sport but also a vibrant social hub. He assists with all sorts of tinkering and fixing that the group needs, whether it’s gifts for the friendship club in Helsinki, stencils for equipment labeling, organizing parties after general meetings, and much more—he handles it. He lives and breathes pressurized air and the NTNUI Diving Group, and he truly deserves some recognition!
Nora S. Oma, Deputy Chair/UWR-responsible in NTNUI Diving Group
Facts about Sigurd
• Name: Sigurd Angell Bergh • Age: 23 • Group: Diving Group • Years in NTNUI: 6 years now • Position: Diving Group from day one • Studies: Master’s degree in Physical Planning
Hello Sigurd! Tell me a bit about yourself. Who are you really, and what are your passions in life? I’m from Haugesund and was born and raised on the west coast. I obtained my diving certification on the day I turned 12. I’m now in my fifth year of studies, pursuing a master’s degree in physical planning at NTNU. I also have a bachelor’s degree in water and wastewater engineering and work a lot in that field. As you can probably tell, I’m very involved with water in general. I grew up in an environment with a lot of diving and organizational work, and my entire family has always been very passionate about both diving and athletics.
How did you end up in NTNUI and Trondheim then? One of the main reasons I chose to move and apply to Trondheim is the diving group and the offerings there. NTNU is, of course, very good as well, but I knew many people from underwater rugby beforehand and knew that there were good people and a great crowd. I’ve been involved with the diving group from day 1, quite literally, since I applied to join it on Værnesekspressen when I moved here.
Yes, because that’s one of the offerings you have in the Diving Group? Yes, we have three subgroups, consisting of the Diving Group, Underwater Rugby, and Freediving. Additionally, we have a social group, which I am mostly involved with these days. I serve as the Kjellersjef (cellar manager) in the board, responsible for the social aspect. However, I have been involved in all three subgroups.
What role do you have now? I have mainly been in the Diving Group at NTNUI in various roles but have also been involved in working on matters related to swimming pool development, which I find very interesting.
But why do you engage so much in volunteering? Is it natural for you to be engaged? Yes, it is. I know how much volunteers and enthusiasts matter for sports. It’s not necessarily the case that everything can be done for free, or that it’s taken for granted that it will be done, and someone has to do it. It’s something I have a lot of fun doing, and I do a lot of different things because of it. I’m involved in everything from costume design to building a new hot tub, organizing trips both in Norway and with our Finnish sister club, and much more. It’s also fun to be politically engaged on behalf of NTNUI and the Diving Group. I’ve, for instance, written an article in the newspaper about swimming pool appropriations and worked quite a bit on that. I find it rewarding to have roles, and it’s fun when you see the results of it.
It can easily become that you engage in a lot and take on many roles, but it seems like you really enjoy it? It’s just a lot of fun. I get to do so many different things, and when you see that it direct results in the group members enjoying themselves and becoming better in their roles, it’s very rewarding.
SIgurd in the 17th of May parade with the Diving group. Photo: Leonie Richarz/NTNUI Blits
What would you say is the coolest thing you’ve worked on in NTNUI? Oh, that’s a good question! There are two things I find it very enjoyable to work on. The first one is the hot tub project that I’m leading. It’s a long-term project, but it’s starting to take shape. The swimming pool issue is something I’m very passionate about. Both through the article I wrote and also the user meeting with the sports council about the hall design and what was important there. It ended up with the diving group almost taking over that meeting and presenting suggestions for how to design the swimming pool area considering special groups like those involved in diving, underwater rugby, and synchronized swimming. It’s a project that, if well implemented, can have positive consequences for the city and users of the swimming pool for the next 60-70 years.
What’s the story behind the hot tub then? There have been rumors that the Diving Group has used and enjoyed it before. It started with a trip to Finland where they had taken a trash bin, filled it with water, and called it a hot tub. But eventually, more people found that it’s also a lot of fun during trips, so they built pallet hot tubs on several occasions, using pallets and tarpaulin. When it became very popular, they bought a trailer, and I think they just built a pallet hot tub on top of that, but then it was easy to bring it along on trips. Now, we’re building a proper hot tub with an aluminum frame covered with insulation. We’ll then cast fiberglass over it to make it really solid and have a 28 kW pump, so it’ll be nice and warm. There are probably a few hundred work hours left, but many people are helping, so we’ll manage. I’ve worked on it for about 250 hours so far.
Wow, so there might be quite a bit of blood, sweat, and tears behind that hot tub? A LOT. We’re also cutting XPS boards, which are pressure-resistant insulation. The sound of cutting through hundreds of meters, like styrofoam against styrofoam, is constant and quite awful, hahaha.
I’d like to ask you some fun questions at the end, just for fun. Are you in? Yes, that’s great fun, so go ahead!
If you were stuck in an elevator with anyone in the world, who would it be? I think Dag Sørås. He’s very funny and has a dark humor that you might need in an elevator. A little gallows humor is fun.
Rowing tights or devil’s hat? Oh, that was a fun question, but I think I have to go with the devil’s hat because I’m so used to wearing a speedo because of underwater rugby, so it would be nice to have a head covering. Plus, we do a lot of boating in the Diving Group.
The suits Sigurd has designed for the Diving Group. Photo: Private
Is there something you’d like to say right at the end about having roles since you seem quite reflective about this? Having roles in volunteer work costs a lot, but it also gives back a lot more. Especially when it comes to working with others and helping them become better at what they do, and that’s very important. It’s not everything you need to financially benefit from, but it makes life really nice. You might risk burning out, so it’s important to remember that what you’re doing is voluntary work, and you don’t have to work yourself to death. The most important thing is the sport and that it’s fun to be involved with, as it’s easy to get absorbed in the roles. Sometimes you probably need to be more selfish and focus on what’s fun, not always having to take responsibility
The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no
This fall, NTNUI Trondheim’s A football team was invited by our little brother, NTNUI Ålesund, for a match of pride, bragging rights, and, of course, a significant trophy! Unfortunately, our team couldn’t make it as they already had other commitments. Ålesund had already booked Colorline Stadium, and it would have been a shame to let it go to waste. So, the format of this football match was changed, and it was decided to have NTNUI Trondheim Admin vs. NTNUI Ålesund Admin. After our wonderful team leader, Mia Olden Larsen, managed to gather a willing group from Trondheim, the plan was set. We were going to Ålesund to play a football match. The group consisted of swimmers, handball players, volleyball players, dancers, shooters, gymnasts, and a football player. Mia planned the whole trip, including accommodation, transportation, schedule, role allocation, and more. On Thursday morning, September 7th, we were on our way to Ålesund. We were ready and excited, split across three cars. Perhaps a bit too excited because no one took the same route…
Photo: Ronja Pavall/NTNUI Blits
Some took a detour via Dombås and were fascinated by all the mountains they got to see, while others took a slightly faster route. This involved taking a ferry, where mistakes could also be made, as one of the cars ended up on the wrong island. So, it might not have been that much faster after all. Getting anywhere at all wasn’t guaranteed for the car that was left with the door wide open in the middle of Molde (thanks to the Norwegians for being kind and not stealing it). After a long journey, the whole group finally reached Ålesund and checked into the Airbnb meant for 9 people. Even though we were 16 people, we managed to fit (and got to know each other better in the process). We also didn’t learn from the mistake made in Molde and left the 9-seater with the sliding door wide open (again, thanks to all the Norwegians who didn’t feel like stealing it or its contents). After all the detours we took, we had a somewhat tight schedule to make it to the game, but we arrived with plenty of time to warm up.
Photo: Ronja Pavall/NTNUI Blits
Now we were ready for the game at Colorline Stadium. With a proper entrance, player substitutions announcement, and VAR, the game became very fast and very serious. Another thing our team quickly noticed was a slight miscommunication that had arisen between Trondheim and Ålesund. As mentioned earlier, we in Trondheim thought that Ålesund wouldn’t field football players since we didn’t, while Ålesund thought that even though we weren’t the A-team, we could play football. Oh, how wrong one can be…
With the goalkeeper injuring their hand just 10 minutes into the first half, and starting the game with our one football player on the bench, there was only one way it could go. Even though Ålesund dominated after 45 minutes, it wasn’t possible to beat the atmosphere we had in the locker room during halftime. Singing/chanting NTNUI songs, jumping and dancing, even the Ålesund mascot couldn’t resist joining in, lifted us up for a somewhat more even second half. We all thoroughly enjoyed those grueling, sweaty, and slightly humiliating 90 minutes and have no regrets.
Foto: Ronja Pavall/NTNUI Blits
The rest of the evening was initially spent in the apartment before we went out to meet our opponents on something other than a football field. It was a lot of fun, and we would be happy to repeat something similar another time. Then, on our turf and under our terms
The Main Board hereby welcomes you to the Extraordinary General Assembly 2023.
Photo: NTNUI Blits
Date: September 26th 2023 Time: Start 17:00. Registration from 16:15. Sted: A1, Handelshøyskolen. Map here. Meals: Food will be served about halfway of the meeting. For who: Everyone who is a member of NTNUI can participate. You have to be able to document your membership through our Member System in order to have a right to vote. All groups are obligated to attend, meaning at least one representative have to be present at all times during the meeting.
Got something on your mind? If you have a case for the General Assembly, send an Email to hovedstyret@ntnui.no within September 12th. All groups and individuals of NTNUI have the opportunity to present cases on the General Assembly. If you are not sure wether your case is suitable for the General Assembly, please don’t hesitate to contact the Main Board.
Staup: It is a tradition in NTNUI to run up to the Student Cabin after the General Assembly – this run is called Staup. Not everyone wants to join the run, however there will be ordered a bus so everyone wanting to jazz, eat and enjoy the NTNUI spirit at theStudent Cabin can join. Whether you want to run or not, please sign up here within September 20ndif you want to join the Student Cabin after the General Assembly.
Consent to photography: We want to document this memorable evening, so in order for NTNUI Blits to do some photograhy, we need you to fill out Blits’ consent form. Fill inn “Extraordinary General Assmebly” under “Arrangement/Group” in the form.
The Main Board has adopted guidelines regarding EHS in which will be implemented after the General Assembly. They will be informed during the meeting.
Agenda: The agenda will be emailed to the volunteers and posted on our website by September 19th. Statutes: You may read the statues of NTNUI here
You are welcome, dear member! If you have any questions please address them to our leader, Jenny Hunvik (jenny.hunvik@ntnui.no) or the Main Board (hovedstyret@ntnui.no).
In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month” you get to meet a bunch of selected volunteers at NTNUI who put in invaluable effort. The volunteer of the month in August is the leader of our project-group aktivCampus, Kaia Kolstad.
Kaia is the ray of sunshine of the ages who works hard to create the aktivCampus of the ages! She is the calm one of us, so when others stress that we won’t make it in time, she is good at keeping calm.
– Taran Five, deputy leader aktivCampus
Facts
Age: 22 years old Years in NTNUI: before christmas 2021 Position: projectleader in aktivCampus
Hi Kaia! Cool that you could meet me during the summer break. But tell us a little about who you really are? Hello! Yes, my name is Kaia Kolstad, I am soon 23 years old and starting my third year at computer techology. I was born and raised in Trondheim, so i haven´t moved very far. I enjoy exercise, especially running. I also like dancing, so I´m considering starting at NTNUI Dance in the fall.
Photo: private
What connection to NTNUI do you have now? I am the project manager for aktivCampus!
How did you end up with this? During my “fadderuke”, I heard about aktivCampus, but unfortunately I was ill that whole week so I couldn´t participate in anything. Later in the fall, I saw that they were looking for new people for the board to plan next year´s aktivCampus. I thought it looked really cool, so i applied.
What do you think is the most important thing about the offer aktivCampus has? To show students what opportunities they have to be active in Trondheim, since you can see that physical activity is important for mental health too! Give them an opportunuty to test what you want to do early in the year. After all, there is a jungle of things to do.
Yes, with almost 70 groups there is a lot that can be tested, how do you get this done under aktivCampus? Almost all the groups have som form of “come and try” day though week 35. So all you have to do is sign up for what you want to test through our website! Quite a few continue to join NTNUI through aktivCampus, since there is such a low threshold to show up!
If you were to change one thing in NTNUI – what would it be? I would have made it an even lower threshold to test out sports throughout the year as well, not just during aktivCampus. That you do not have to have a membership the first time you attend a training session. The exercise offer NTNUI has is also very good, but make it even bigger and more accessible!
But why do you get involved? I know what it´s like to have physical activity help me feel good! It others can experience the same thing through being part of NTNUI, that´s great!
Photo: NTNUI Blits
What do you think about the “volunteer of the month” stamp that you now have been given? It´s really great and fun, but there are a lot of good people in aktivCampus who do a really great job! There is a large team that works together to get it done.
What is your relationship to the colors of aktivCampus? Purple is my favorite color so it’s right up my street! All the tents and the logo are purple so I really like that. You also easily notice the pink sweaters, which are gorgeous!
You have one million that you can use freely for aktivCampus – what would you use the money on? More money for promotion so more people knew about us! And more money for equipment and space for all the events, and the opportunity to have even more events!
Coolest thing you´ve worked with in aktivCampus? The aktivCampus week itself, when everything happens! The two coolest events last year were color-run, which was great fun, and the cannonball tournament. Those two were big hits!
Photo: NTNUI/Frøydis Indergård
Who would you rather be stuck in the lift with from the people you work with at aktivCampus? Why? Taran! She´s in control! In addition, she has been stuck in an elevator before, so she has experience. She is my good deputy leader, and she knows the answer to everything.
Which sport do you wish you were involved in at NTNUI? I really like dancing and have done it before, but calisthenics also seems very cool!
If you were to join a committee in NTNUI Admin, which would you choose? Sprint, since I study computer technology. Then i could get even more practical experience with coding.
Do you have a recommendation for new students under aktivCampus? Participate in as much as possible! But definitely the color-run during the opening ceremony is memorable.
Participate in week 35!
aktivCampus is an activity week for all students in Trondheim! There are over a hundred activities organized in one week, which are all about lowering the threshold for being active as a student. It is a low-threshold offer to sow that activitiy and play are just as fun now as when you were a kid. Around 100 events are planned during week 35. You will therefore find everything from come and try rumpeldunk to color-run to capture the flag. We have many “come and try” in many different activities and in that way find something cool that you want to spend the rest of your time in Trondheim doing. Join us in week 35 (26.08-03.09) for one of the funniest weeks NTNUI has to offer.
The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no
