The code of conduct for the associations’ initiation programmes is very detailed as far as what is and isn’t allowed. In contrast, the newly-presented code mainly focuses on general standards and values – stating, among other things, that associations need to ensure that all their members are treated equally.
Safe and positive
The key focal points of the new code of conduct are ‘safety’ and ‘positive behaviour’. For example, student associations need to ‘create a safe environment for their members’ and ‘are not allowed to encourage socially unacceptable behaviour or damage the position of the university and the organisation during their activities’.
“The code is important for both individual students and student organisations,” say Merel van Lunen, president of the Rotterdam Chamber of Associations (RKvV). “While our organisations may be very different, we will all benefit from the guidelines provided by the standards and values set out in this code.”
No signature required
The code of conduct was drawn up at the initiative of both the university and the student organisations. “We already have a code in place for the orientation period,” notes an EUR spokesperson. “But there was a need on both sides for a code that could be referred to throughout the year.”
The code of conduct applies to 90 student organisations in Rotterdam, including various cultural associations and sports clubs. The university has asked Friederieke Hoitink of Studium Generale to serve as an informal intermediary. Students and student associations can turn to her with any questions they may have – or if they have an issue within their organisation, for example.
The student organisations won’t be required to sign the code of conduct: it applies to them with or without a signature. “You automatically agree to comply with the code if your organisation is recognised and registered by the university,” according to an EUR spokesperson.
You can read the new code of conduct here.
