Lille- og -Storebjørn
Every year, we present the honorary awards Lillebjørn (Little Bear) and Storebjørn (Big Bear). The names of these awards are derived from the stories of Svarta Bjørn. They are awarded only once per school year, along with the Campus Council's SPÆP. Several students can win Lillebjørn, but there can be only one winner of Storebjørn.
Svarta Bjørn was the nickname of a legendary female cook and server who worked along the Ofoten Railway during its construction at the beginning of the 1900s in Northern Norway. She is surrounded by myths and stories for her strength, care for the workers, and tragic fate, and she has become a symbol of resilience and hard work in a male-dominated environment. The story of Svarta Bjørn represents the struggle and spirit of those who contributed to building the foundations of the community in and around Narvik.
Based on the story of Svarta Bjørn, Narvik Student Society has established the following criteria for winning these awards (not all criteria must be met):
General Criteria for Both Awards
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Voluntary Contribution: The candidate must have demonstrated extraordinary voluntary efforts within the student community in Narvik. This may include organizing events, supporting other students, working on welfare initiatives, or making other contributions that strengthen the community.
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Inspiration: The candidate should have been an inspiration to other students through their engagement, positivity, and ability to motivate others to participate in volunteer work.
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Inclusion: A strong candidate promotes inclusion and diversity within the student community, ensuring that all students feel welcome and valued.
Specific Criteria for Lillebjørn
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Newcomer: This award can focus on volunteers who are relatively new to the student community but have quickly made a mark through their commitment and contributions.
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Potential for Further Contribution: The Lillebjørn award recognizes not only what the candidate has achieved so far but also their potential for future contributions to the student community.
Specific Criteria for Storebjørn
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Long-Term and Continuous Engagement: To qualify for Storebjørn, a student must have demonstrated sustained volunteer engagement over several years, even if the scale of the engagement has been smaller. This includes regular participation in or contributions to the student community, clubs, or organizations.
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Mentor and Knowledge-Sharer: The candidate has played a key role as a mentor or knowledge-sharer within the student community. This involves sharing important knowledge, experiences, and best practices with new generations of students and student leaders, thereby ensuring continuity and growth within student organizations or activities.
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Availability and Support: The candidate has excelled by always being available to help, provide advice, or support new and current students. This dedication demonstrates an extraordinary willingness to contribute to a positive and inclusive student environment, even outside formal leadership roles