As a government institution, AU is obligated to put operational tasks out for competitive tender at regular intervals, and in 2020, the university will invite bids to operate a number of cafeterias. This concerns the cafeterias currently managed by the foundation Studenterhusfonden. The foundation’s contracts with AU have therefore been terminated – this also applies to the operation of the conference centre in the Student House.

Studenterhusfonden will continue to operate the cafeterias and the conference centre until the end of their contract on 31 December 2020.

It is still unclear whether the tender will include all of the foundation’s current operations, University Director Arnold Boon, who is also chair of the steering committee of the tender, explains:

“The exact form of the tender will be determined in the near future. We need to determine what requirements we will make of new lessees and whether all of the foundation’s current operations should be part of the tender. The inclusion of the users is important in this process, and both students and employees will therefore be part of the tender working group.”

In connection with the tender process, AU has decided to take over operation of the conference centre in the Student House.

Studenterhusfonden will dissolve

In connection with the decision to put Studenterhusfonden’s operations out to tender, the board of the foundation has concluded that there is no longer a basis for continuing operations after 1 January 2021.

“With the termination of the agreements, the objectives of Studenterhusfonden’s activities, as laid down in the by-laws, will no longer exist, and the foundation’s board has therefore decided to dissolve with effect from 1 January 2021. The foundation will continue its operations throughout 2020 and will work closely with AU to ensure a good transition to the new lessees of the cafeterias,” Erik Meineche Schmidt, chair of the board, says.

About Studenterhusfonden:

Studenterhusfonden is a commercial foundation which, under the now terminated contracts with AU, has managed the conference centre in the Student House and the cafeteria and catering operations in the Student House, Stakladen, the Nobel Park, the School of Dentistry, Dale’s Café and at Moesgaard.

FACTS: Which cafeterias are currently run by Studenterhusfonden?

• Stakladen, Aarhus
• The Nobel Park, Aarhus
• The School of Dentistry, Aarhus
• Dale’s Café, Aarhus
• Moesgaard, Aarhus

In addition, AU will also take over the operation of the conference centre in the Student House at Frederik Nielsens Vej in Aarhus.