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The Circle U. Staff Days for Communities of Practice

Come join us at Aarhus University to the Circle U. Staff Days taking place on October 5 and 6 2026.

It will be two days with lots of opportunities to meet colleagues within your own and other Circle U. Communities of Practice and network, get inspired, share and discuss best practices and get to know Arhus University and the city of Aarhus.

Purpose and themes of the staff days

Circle U. has an ambitious vision of strengthening collaboration and shared learning across its network of partner universities. The overall purpose of the Staff Days is to bring together colleagues engaged in Circle U. Communities of Practice (CoPs).

We aim to create a space where participants can exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and share best practices related to working in a CoP. We will dive into general challenges and practices for virtual collaboration as well as space for the individual CoPs to explore their current and future goals. 

The programme will consist of a combination of presentations, interactive discussions, and workshops, allowing participants to actively contribute their knowledge and learn from others. Sessions will focus on strengthening professional networks, developing practical ideas, and identifying strategies that can be implemented within our institutions.

The week will also offer opportunities for informal exchange and networking, fostering lasting connections across the Circle U. alliance.

You can find a more detailed programme in the sections below, where you will also find practical information.

Who can attend

The target group is exclusively administrative staff involved in one of the Circle U. Communities of Practice

Programme

A detailed programme will be announced by mid-June. Please refer to the preliminary programme details below.

Monday

9:00–12:00 – Morning Session

  • Welcome and introduction to Aarhus University
  • Getting to know each other
  • Communities of Practice: how to make the most of your community

12:00–13:00

  • Lunch break

13:00–16:30 – Afternoon Session

  • Invited guest speakers (TBA)
  • Visiting relevant departments at AU (each CoP will have their own programme)

Evening

  • Dinner at Godsbanen

Tuesday

9:00–12:00 – Morning Session

  • Meetings in the individual CoPs (agenda determined by each CoP)
  • Presentations and feedback

12:00–13:00

  • Lunch

13:00–15:00 – Afternoon Session

  • Finalising plans in the individual CoPs
  • Evaluation and goodbye

How to apply and application deadline

To apply for the Circle U. staff days please follow the link to the application form on this webpage. The application deadline is 10 July. All applicants will receive a reply asap after the application deadline, and no later than 15 July. A total of 35 places are available. In case we have to make a selection among the applicants, the goal will be an equal representation across all CCoPs and universities in Circle U.

Practical information

Travelling to Aarhus

You can travel to Aarhus via one of the airports in Denmark (Aarhus, Copenhagen and Billund) or by train, car or bus. More information on Getting to Aarhus and Aarhus University (au.dk)

Aarhus has a wide selection of hotels to choose from, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels. Depending on price and location, there are several great hotels in the center of Aarhus. More info on Accommodation in Aarhus (au.dk)

Circle U. staff week participants can enjoy favorable discount rates at these 2 hotels in Aarhus (by following the instructions below)

  • Wakeup Aarhus (Greatly situated and comfortable)
    • Location: Very centrally located next to the train station, the shopping centre Bruuns Galleri and close to the main shopping street
    • DKK 710 per standard room, per night (excluding breakfast)
    • DKK 818 per standard room, per night (including breakfast)
    • Further booking details will be announced at a later stage.

  • Hotel Oasia Aarhus (Nordic design and organic food in the heart of Aarhus)
    • Location: Very centrally located close to the train station and the main shopping street
    • DKK 1199 (*special price) for a room per night, including breakfast
    • *To get the special price when you book the room please make sure to book via this
      Hotel - Rooms
    • As a small added touch, guests arriving on Mondays are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine during the weekly Wine Hour between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, offering a relaxed and welcoming start to their stay.

Getting around in Aarhus

In Aarhus, we like to say that everything is within walking distance - and the compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot.

If you need to travel a bit further, there are several convenient options:

Public Transport (Bus & Light Rail)

  • Aarhus has a well-connected network of buses and the Letbane (light rail).
  • The easiest way to buy tickets is via the Midttrafik app
  • You can also:
    • Buy tickets at ticket machines at major stops
    • Purchase tickets at some 7‑Eleven kiosks
    • Pay directly on the bus (limited options, often card only)

       

Cycling

  • Aarhus is very bike-friendly, and cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around.
  • You can rent bikes from local shops or use bike-sharing services throughout the city.

Tip: We recommend downloading the Rejsebillet app before arrival to easily plan routes and buy tickets on the go.

Other practical information and price

Find other practical information here

The Circle U. Staff Week is free of charge and the following is provided by Aarhus University:

  • Lunch and coffee breaks during the day on Monday and Tuesday
  • Welcome dinner Monday evening

Please note that participants are expected to cover costs of travel, accommodation and additional meals themselves and to make necessary travel and accommodation arrangements and reservations.

Erasmus Grant

You might be eligible to apply for a grant via the ERASMUS + STAFF MOBILITY FOR TRAINING. Please check with your home university regarding this.

Presentations from the Staff Week