What was it like to hear that your programme would cease to exist, and what are the consequences?
‘I am a second-year student, so I am part of the final cohort. I heard the news on the very first day of my studies. Obviously, that was not much fun, because you feel like you are boarding a sinking ship. But we have tried to make the best of it and, despite the programme being discontinued, it is simply a really enjoyable programme. Many of us are a little sad about it as well. Over the years, we have built quite a lot together and made some great memories. There are now around four hundred alumni.’
Was the name Atlantis perhaps already a bit of an omen?
‘Maybe. That is also why the current board already had the chant: ‘Atlantis is sinking, let’s keep drinking.’’
What is involved in winding down an association from an organisational perspective?
‘It is important not to leave anything behind. All the belongings have to go, the funds have to be spent, and the members have to approve the dissolution at the general meeting. Since there is little point in keeping a study association going for a programme that no longer exists, everyone pretty much agreed. You also have to officially deregister the organisation from the Chamber of Commerce.’
You say the funds have to be spent. Will there be a big farewell party?
‘We are organising a closing event for our own members in March next year. No new students have been admitted, but existing students can obviously still complete the programme. So March 2027 is when the curtain really comes down. We have had merchandise made, including T-shirts and things like that, which everyone will receive for free. Part of the remaining funds has been set aside for the alumni association, so we can organise something together again in the future.’
Are you already noticing that the end is approaching?
‘At the moment, we are gradually clearing out the association room, so it is getting emptier and emptier. That is quite emotional and a strange feeling. Fortunately, today we managed to find a new home for our association fish, Kelpie and Survivor. Survivor has been with us since the very first year, so his name is very fitting.’
What will you do next?
‘A longer period abroad is a compulsory part of our programme. I will soon be going to the University of Trento in Italy. When I return, people will probably see me more often at other associations. I am already a member of theatre association NEST, so I can simply continue there.’
About Atlantis
Study association Atlantis is affiliated with the University of Twente's bachelor's programme in Technology and Liberal Arts and Sciences (ATLAS). In 2024, it was announced that the programme would stop accepting new students from 2025 onwards. Founded in 2013, Atlantis was UT's youngest study association.
