What are you going to do as an assessor this year?
“As an assessor, I am the student representative of the faculty board. I attend board meetings and talk with them to represent the interests of students.
Why do you think the participational bodies are important?
“I think it's important as a student that you get a sense of what's happening at the university and that students can have a say about the faculty. This way students are able to participate in the decisions that are made and we can make our voices heard. And this is not only about my position as assessor, but also about the FSR (Faculty Student Council ed.) and the OLCs (program committees ed.) of our faculty. Students often have different interests than the board members and they have fresh ideas. Because of this, it is very useful if students also have a say.”
Why did you want to become assessor?
“Two years ago, I was a member of the program committee for the bachelor's and one-year master's in Philosophy and PPS. Furthermore, I am really interested in topics such as social welfare and social safety. Because of this, I was eager to learn more about co-determination and decided to take on the assessorship and thus have an (advisory) voice within faculty decision-making.”
What topics do you want to work on next year?
“I think social welfare is a very important topic to work on. I think it is essential that everyone feels socially safe at our faculty and university. It is a topic that is prevalent among students and which can sometimes be difficult to discuss, which is why I would like to work on this by, for example, setting up projects. In addition, I would like to create more connection between the different faculties at the university and would like to work on improving communication within the faculty.”
What kind of things can people come to you for?
“Basically you can come to me with any issue that affects students. From a complaint about a teacher to an issue the faculty needs to put higher on the agenda. Students can always go to me with their ideas or concerns. Anything education or faculty-related I can discuss with the faculty administration. Teachers are also welcome to discuss things with me.”
How can students contact you?
“Students can always approach me when they see me around. I think it is important to be as accessible and approachable as possible, so that people dare to speak up. I will also be present at the spuilunches, organized by the FSR. You can also send me a message via Whatsapp or email, because I will be in the group apps of all programs and I have my own email address: assessor [at] ftr.ru.nl (assessor[at]ftr[dot]ru[dot]nl). I collect students' opinions to represent them in the board meetings. In this way, I hope to contribute to the faculty on behalf of all students.”
Read more: participational bodies of FFTR