In April of this year, through a vote of no confidence, the Central Student Council (CSR) indicated that it no longer had confidence in its cooperation with the Executive Board (CvB). The CSR's reasons for now resuming discussions include the agreements made during and after mediation, as well as the potentially significant consequences of delaying the Institutional Quality Assurance Audit.
Edith Hooge, president of the Executive Board: 'With the help of mediation, we've had several extensive discussions with the Central Student Council over the past period. I welcome the CSR's decision to resume formal consultations. This provides a good basis for professional participation in decision-making. It's important for the UvA that participation in decision-making functions optimally. Input and advice from students is essential to the good governance of the university, especially in the coming period: the UvA faces potentially large budget cuts, a draft budget has just been prepared and the Institutional Quality Assurance Audit is coming up. These are topics where we also need the student perspective.'
In the coming period, the Executive Board and the CSR will discuss current topics, such as the budget, collaboration with third parties and house rules. The draft budget has been prepared and shared with the academic community and will be submitted in outline form for approval to the joint meeting. The CSR is part of this joint meeting. The UvA is currently reviewing the ethical framework for collaboration with third parties and making it more applicable to war situations. The CSR has the right to be consulted on this. Regarding the house rules, the CSR has been granted the right of consent.
A joint 'way of working' will be drawn up in consultation with the CSR. This will include the structure of formal or informal consultations, evaluation moments and ensuring a good flow of information.