‘Abolition of the BSA could benefit many students’

What should change first at UT and why?

‘That is a difficult one, because there are several things to mention. If I have to highlight one – something that is already under way – it would be the binding study advice. I am very curious about the research taking place within UT into whether its abolition is possible. If that happens, I think it would benefit many communities at the university. It is good that the importance of more than a degree is mentioned in the university’s strategic plan. But then it also has to be implemented and not remain just words.’

So if it is up to DAS, the BSA will disappear?

‘I think it is important to first wait for the outcomes of the internal research. What we do clearly see is that the BSA can create a barrier: it can prevent someone in their first year from joining an association, doing committee work, or developing themselves in another way. We certainly do not want to force an active student life on everyone. You should do it if it fits alongside your studies. We think that becoming part of an association or another community can help provide a good start.’

What is going well at UT?

‘UT is still a university of initiatives. If I look, for example, at what RISE (the student team building a rocket, ed.) is doing in the Bastille, or all those other teams, boards and committees, that says something about the sense of community. That is something to cherish and safeguard. Preferably to expand it further. For us, it is very important that when someone comes here to study, they feel at home and can develop themselves. Diversity in opportunities is important for that, and it certainly does not always have to involve an association. If you look at the discussion around the use of student assistants: that too is a way to develop yourself and find your own path. So we would like to see those return in large numbers sooner rather than later.’

What is the most important achievement of your party?

‘No evening lectures. We already put a stop to those earlier. Evenings should belong to students. We also contributed to making the Twente Education Model more flexible. And recently, Lukas Binnekamp from our faction reopened the discussion on the BSA towards the Executive Board.’

How do you differ from the other two parties?

‘Where UReka places slightly more emphasis on educational quality, for us more than a degree is the core pillar. We want a university that is more than just studying. Do not get me wrong, that should certainly not come at the expense of the quality of education. But we do need to find a balance.

I think it is very positive that a new party has entered the scene. It may mean extra competition, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Student participation – whether in a university council, a faculty council or a programme committee – unfortunately feels like a distant issue for many students. While the policies we discuss and help shape are ultimately felt in lecture halls. I hope that the participation of the new party will boost turnout in the upcoming elections.’

What does your campaign look like?

‘Fairly similar to previous years: we are very present on campus and explain who we are, what we do and what we stand for. Above all, we want to encourage students to vote for the party that suits them best.’

Why should a student vote for you and DAS?

‘For me personally, that is not a must. As a party, we present one collective voice: that we are committed to a university that offers broad opportunities for personal development.’