Transparency and influence: Anne-Kathrin Peters on her work in the Faculty Board

Woman at a conference table with two men in the background. — Anne-Kathrin Peters is Associate Professor at the Department of Learning, member of the Faculty Board and recently appointed deputy chair of the school's Employment Committee.

Published Jan 09, 2025

Anne-Kathrin Peters, an Associate Professor at the Department of Learning, was attracted to the Faculty Board thanks to her commitment to sustainability, democracy and gender equality. On a daily basis, she teaches KTH staff about higher education pedagogy, helping them learn how to teach in ways that promote both JML* and sustainability. Her role in the Faculty Board is soon set to bring new challenges.

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Anne, what was Faculty Board meeting in December about?
"It was an intensive meeting with several decisions and significant updates. We decided who will join the two new committees for docent appointments and teacher employments, and whom we want to nominate for KTH's central promotion committee. We also discussed the next steps after one of the members (Fredrik Asplund) left the board due to his new role as Deputy Director of First and Second Cycle Education (GA). We decided that we would always consult the next person on the 2023 election results. In this case, Maryna Henrysson will replace Fredrik and take over as soon as possible".

"In undergraduate education, Andreas Alm Arvidsson presented the enrollment numbers, showing that the ITM School managed to recruit a broader and larger group of students without lowering admission grades. Gabriel Montgomery also talked about the new system for programme analyses and course evaluations, which is currently under review and will be evaluated further in the spring. Additionally, the Head of School presented the school's reform agenda and the financial improvements made by the ITM school in 2024".

Is there anything you need to discuss further?
"Yes, there always is! Among other topics, the focus next year will be on the new committees and doctoral education, but first we will address KTH’s report on the career system, which is open for comments until February 28".

Can you tell us about the new committees?
"The purpose of transferring responsibility for teacher appointments to the Faculty Board is to give the faculty greater influence over recruitment decisions. As board members elected by our colleagues, it is our responsibility to appoint members to the new committees for teacher recruitments and docent appointments. I have been given the role of vice chair of the Recruitment Committee, which I am genuinely excited about because I view recruitment as a critical success factor for KTH. While much of this process is new, we see it as an opportunity to grow and refine our approach over time. I am eager to deepen my understanding of recruitment and contribute to shaping this important area".

Is there something you are particularly passionate about?
"Overall, it is very rewarding to gain insight into everything happening at KTH and ITM – and there is a lot going on right now! I find it meaningful to contribute to building collegial governance together with my colleagues in the Faculty Board, and I feel that I can bring my expertise in higher education pedagogy, gender equality, and sustainability into the discussions. This is particularly relevant as we review doctoral education or work on recruitments".

What phase is the Faculty Board in right now?
"Now that a year has passed, we know each other better; we know what everyone brings to the table, understand each other's perspectives on quality development and what drives us. We have also learned a lot about current issues and development areas at KTH. This makes it easier to understand one another in meetings and collaborate effectively".

"We have developed how we work in various committees and meetings, creating a foundation for our work in the Faculty Board. This allows us to drive and influence important issues and work on quality development in both the short and long term. It feels like the work of the Faculty Board truly makes a difference for both ITM and KTH".

*JML is a KTH concept that stands for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities.

Text: Ulrika Georgsson

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