ESHCC Dean’s definitive proposal: ‘Merging with ESSB is the best option’

In her definitive recommendation, interim dean Dymph van den Boom (ESHCC) expressed a preference for a merger with the ESSB social sciences faculty. Possible future scenarios for ESHCC were a hot topic among employees at the school during the past few months especially. Three quarters of ESHCC employees have stated they oppose a merger with ESSB.

Since Van den Boom’s appointment as interim dean on 1 March 2018, she has been working on plans for a more ‘robust’ Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC). The former UvA Rector Magnificus was charged with this task upon commencing with her appointment in Rotterdam. The draft recommendation consists of three possible scenarios: continuing as an independent school, merging with Philosophy, or merging with Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB). In her definitive recommendation, the interim dean indicated that in her view, the last option was the best way forward.

Most likely option

From Van Den Boom’s perspective, the merger with ESSB has seemed to be the most likely option for some time now. It was only during the faculty council meeting this past Monday that she said this out loud for the first time. “We now have all the information,” said the interim dean. “We looked at how this plan would affect the university, what the added value is for scientific research, for education, for support staff, and last but not least, for the faculty’s finances.”

ESHCC employees remain critical of the plans: a majority wish to remain independent. In late February, 115 people signed a letter to the Executive Board, voicing their opposition to the scenario calling for a merger with ESSB. There is also dissension within ESSB regarding the possible merger: 48 employees likewise sent a letter against the plans. This was an initiative of the Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies (DPECS).

Meeting

The ESHCC faculty council has organised meetings for employees to discuss the definitive recommendation on Monday, 1 April and Tuesday, 2 April. Together, they also want to send a letter to the Executive Board. This letter has to be sent no later than Friday, 5 April, in the hope that the executives will take it into consideration when making their decision. It is currently unclear when the Executive Board will make a decision based on this recommendation.