Martijn van Andel and Frank Possel, student members of the Campus Coalition, held their inquiry in the Horst tower. `As University Council you always hope you can mean something for the UT community, but it's usually unclear what employees and students would really like to change,' says van Andel. `With this so-called Christmas wish action we were hoping for some ideas and suggestions.' And, they got them. `There are a lot of people who would like to tell their story, but without a lot of fuss.' The wishes varied from small (`better alignment of the sunscreens in the Horst canteen') to large (`better financial policy so divisions can do more') to funny (`more pretty girls') to curious (`no more gossiping secretaries').
The notion that there were too few IT facilities for TNW students was remarkable, according to van Andel. `There are laptop rooms in the Horst building, but not everybody wishes to bring their laptop along every time. Those rooms could be put to better use.' A lot of employees complained about the catering. Not only a better price/quality ratio but also better music in the canteens is desired. Also being able to use a laptop in the canteen, and more and faster coffee machines. Van Andel: `There was a lot of criticism regarding catering; most of all, the prices are too high. A glass of milk for seventy cents is, of course, way too expensive. This year the invitation to service the UT will be issued to an external caterer.'
The long list of wishes will soon be examined in detail. Van Andel wants to check every wish: whether action is possible and whose responsibility it is. `This action will be useful. We also want to organize discussions for associations, divisions or other groups. People can always leave their opinion on our website, www.cc.utwente.nl. We hope to encourage people to put a problem under the nose of the University Council.'
