Education

ChangeVU proposes the establishment of mandatory lecture-free weeks university-wide at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. These weeks are intended to occur between periods 4 and 5, outside of school breaks, to provide students with essential breathing room and promote a healthier work-life balance. This will alleviate post-exam stress and enhance student well-being for all students. Ultimately, ChangeVU envisions implementing lecture-free weeks between every period except for periods 1 through 3, aiming to provide students with much needed breaks throughout a stressful academic year.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam acknowledges the significance of course evaluations in fostering continuous improvement in education quality. However, existing challenges, such as low response rates and inadequate lecturer engagement, hinder the effectiveness of this process. In response, ChangeVU will advocate for the adoption of easily accessible focus group formats, making student participation easier, ensuring comprehensive feedback.

It is imperative that there are clear implementation procedures for new and experimental teaching methods, such as Active and Blended Learning, at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. These methods hold promise in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes but require consistent application across the university to avoid inconsistent education standards. ChangeVU proposes collaborative efforts between the University Student Council and Workers Council members to establish robust implementation standards. This initiative aims to equip lecturers with the necessary training and resources to effectively integrate new learning strategies into their teaching practices.

With shifting legislative dynamics surrounding university admissions in the Netherlands, ChangeVU prioritizes safeguarding the inclusiveness and fairness of admissions processes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The university is built on diversity, adopting diversity as one of its core pillars, and welcoming students from all backgrounds. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure accessible online options for admissions, transparent admission processes, and fair choice systems which gives everyone a chance. ChangeVU views responsible implementation of lottery admissions for numerus fixus programs as a step in the right direction, provided it upholds principles of fairness and equal opportunities for all students, prioritizing determination and effort.