Few will deny that the academic year 2023-2024 has been an eventful one in which the foundations of our faculty have been well-tested several times. By foundations, we think of a pleasant and safe environment, an open culture where conversations and discussions can be had with respect, courageous leadership and a flexible professional organisation and support. We look back on a year in which we worked together and in good mutual relations, such as between the board and the employee council, to create an even more wonderful faculty.
At the same time, substantial questions have been raised. How do we properly deal with violations of social safety, and how do we communicate about them? What is academic freedom, and what are its limits? How do we flesh out our social engagement and cooperative relations when questions arise around human rights violations, for instance? We will need to continue the conversation on this in the coming year.
Looking ahead, we can also expect that the coming year will bring some challenges again. At the moment, the financial future, in particular, is uncertain, and we will have to be able to react flexibly to developments. At the same time, we have also seen last year that the challenges we face often offer opportunities for innovation and improvement. In that sense, we can also look at our challenges with hope.
But now, first (after the final touches), let's rest and enjoy ourselves as much as possible.
The Faculty Board therefore wishes everyone a wonderfully peaceful summer!
Evelyn
Suzanne
Rob
Bert
Peter
Wouter
Franca