The council bases its position on a recent large-scale study into the effectiveness of the binding study advice (bsa). The findings show that the bsa entails ‘significant disadvantages’ for both the institution and students.
‘Far-reaching consequences’
This is despite the fact that the bsa has major implications, the council writes. ‘Around 20 percent of first-year students are excluded through the bsa. This raises important questions about the proportionality of a system that has such far-reaching consequences for a substantial share of students, at an early and formative stage of their academic careers.’
For that reason, the council points in its letter to concerns about the contribution of the bsa to stress and workload. According to Lukas Binnekamp of student party DAS, speaking during Wednesday morning’s plenary meeting, this pressure also does little to encourage students to be active beyond their studies. He also referred to the ‘institutional impact’ of the bsa and the pressure the instrument places on teachers and programme management.
‘No longer self-evident’
The conclusion: ‘Taken together, these findings suggest that the current form of the bsa may no longer constitute a proportionate and effective policy instrument. If the bsa no longer demonstrably delivers its intended benefits, while its negative effects on student wellbeing are increasingly clear, the current system can no longer be taken for granted.’
The university council therefore calls on the Executive Board to show leadership in the discussion surrounding binding study advice. Rector Tom Veldkamp told U-Today last week that the topic is under review. He reiterated that message to the council, stressing that evaluating BSA is on the radar. ‘Reaching a decision is not something that happens overnight, but it is on the agenda. In fact, this afternoon already, as I have a meeting with the deans.’
