P-NUT is the PhD Network of the University of Twente. Formerly known as the Twents AIO Beraad, the organization is the PhD candidate network of the University representing the approximately 575 UT PhDs, TWAIOs and OIOs at the UT.
At the Bastille Union Bar last Thursday, P-NUT chairman Jeroen Kraaijenbrink and PR officer Tineke Lantink hosted a party to announce the new version of the student network. According to the two board members the meeting had several purposes: to let students know the network exists and what its aims are; to meet PhD students interested in participating in P-NUT; and, to begin to get an idea of the most important issues on students' minds.
The event was well attended, the open bar and complimentary peanuts guaranteed a quickly filled room. Most students agreed they had come for the social aspect as well as general interest in what the group has to offer.
Kraaijenbrink and Lantink said they wanted to revive the student network after membership in TAB dissipated following the loss of its former chairman Jonathan Barsema. Having a voice in university policy affecting PhDs was and remains the primary objective of the group, though now the pair sees continuity of the organization itself as another priority. A challenge for any student organization is staying vital within the constant flux of changing membership. To recognize the evolution of the organization and mark the change in PhD status that came with Education ministry's decision to imbue these positions with the same rights as employees, the new members chose the name P-NUT to reflect the change in Dutch from AIO to `promovendi'. The new name also works in English or Dutch.
After a brief introduction and overview by chairman Kraaijenbrink, Professor Huib de Jong from the Executive Board took the microphone and expressed his interest and appreciation for the re-formed student group. The Executive Board (CvB) generously offered to pay the cost of the kick-off meeting in a tangible gesture of solidarity.
Though the group awaits feedback from the PhD community at large, with a survey planned for October and feedback from the initial meeting, they already have several clear aims. In addition to the new goal of insuring the existence of the organization, the group plans to publish a P-NUT newsletter. It has also launched - and plans to expand - a new website (www.utwente.nl/p-nut) to act as an easily updated source of information.
The board stressed the fact that the organization can provide a much needed social outlet for the large number of PhD candidates as well. Exposure to students from other departments and backgrounds is a valuable part the campus experience and P-NUT is committed to providing a forum for interchange. To inform and represent the PhD community is ambitious but necessary on the sizable UT campus.
