What should change first at UT, and why?
‘In many respects, students get the short end of the stick. That is why we are committed to improving both education and student life. The system of student assistants needs structural improvement. Our goal is for this group to genuinely feel supported. Students sometimes spend an hour waiting in line for help from a lecturer or assistant. That comes at the expense of educational quality, and it needs to change.’
And what about student life?
‘UReka believes that UT should recognise extracurricular activities. Many students decide against taking on a board year because of study delays and additional student debt. That is a shame, because these experiences help students develop skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives.
That is why we want students to be able to earn credits through extracurricular activities. According to UReka, the time is right for this. UT should value, encourage, and facilitate this form of development. At the moment, the threshold is too high for many students, while the university aims to educate ambitious and talented students.
We want to take steps in this direction from day one. A logical first change would be to award thirty ECs for a board minor. In the long term, the system should become more flexible, and we want different forms of extracurricular commitment to be recognised with ECs. This could include high-level commitments, such as a board minor or organising a major event, but also smaller-scale contributions, such as committee work within associations or other forms of voluntary work.’
And what is already going well?
‘We are positive about the Institutional Plan, UT’s strategic plan. Especially because the university has the ambition to grow from a third-generation to a fourth-generation university. The Executive Board is increasingly asking questions that resonate with students, such as: where do we want to take UT, what do we want from education, and why are we here?
It is typical of Twente to be down-to-earth and avoid these kinds of fundamental questions. But I notice that they are being asked more often, including by the Executive Board. That is a positive development.’
What is the most important achievement of your party?
‘The reform of the minor enrolment process was a major victory. After receiving multiple signals from students, UReka raised concerns that the enrolment process was not fair. The issue was then brought before the Executive Board.
The old system operated on a first come, first served basis. That system was eventually scrapped and replaced by a lottery system. This makes the process fairer and gives students more equal opportunities. It is an example of an important change that originated with UReka.’
What sets you apart from other parties?
‘UReka is a broad student party and aims to reflect the campus community. That is why our electoral list includes candidates from all corners of campus, from students with experience as sports board members to international students. In this way, we aim to appeal to as wide a group of students as possible. Compared with other parties, this is what distinguishes us.’
Why should students vote for you and UReka?
‘Thanks to my board experience and involvement, I know what is happening on campus. That means I know how to make an impact. But this is not about me, it is about UReka. So vote for the person you trust most.
For example, our number two candidate is a powerhouse woman, while our number six candidate is gifted. He has personally encountered a range of challenges and is now committed to addressing them. So if you want Jelle to represent you, then by all means vote for him if you feel connected to his story.
In any case, it is important that voter turnout is high, because only then can we stand strong in the University Council when engaging with the Executive Board.’
