Candidates for the Council 2023-2024 (students)

This year, you can choose from a pool of 53 candidates your desired student representative in the University Council. Those students have organised themselves in six different lists, where excess votes can be shared among the candidates, similar to the national elections. Four lists have multiple members, while the other two are running as ‘joint candidates’, consisting of two students. The rest of the students are running as independent candidates or, officially, ‘single candidate lists’.

Update 10 May: Since the publication of this list, some candidates have withdrawn, they have been removed from the list. There are now 53 candidates running in the election, this was originally 57.

As an EUR student, you can cast your vote between 15 and 23 May 23:59 through verkiezingen.eur.nl.

(independent candidate)

I have been part of ESSB’s education committee since the beginning of this academic year in which I actively participate as a representative of the student voice. Because of my strong communication skills and many experiences both inside and outside the study, I do this satisfactorily to my feeling and have become a good point of contact for my students in the first year. I want to bring this experience and quality to University Council to fight for our community on a bigger stage: students, teachers and everything else around campus. Policy and governance suit me and not just because I do public administration, but because I have leadership qualities that come with a sense of social responsibility. As a university, we need to look at solutions and roll out future policies for the next generation of students, and I know I can make a good contribution to this goal. I therefore hope that I can gain this confidence and we can contribute to the university of the future TOGETHER. Sustainability, equality, togetherness, and engagement of our students is what I strive for and therefore I am confident that I can make good use of a position on the University Council. 

As Erasmus United, we believe that the following points are essential to improving the university and its student body: 

1. Involving Students in University Policy Decision-Making: Erasmus United advocates for involving students in university policy decision-making because we have noticed a gap between what the university thinks the students want and what the students really want. With our representation of 4 faculties and significant administrative experience, we are in a strong position to advocate for the involvement of students in these important decisions.
2. Extending University Opening Hours: Erasmus United supports the extension of university opening hours, particularly those of the University Library, to provide (international) students with a safe and comfortable environment where they can study beyond regular working hours. This is essential for their academic success, and we believe that our advocacy for this issue will benefit the student community as a whole. 
3. Efficiency in Spending University Money: Erasmus United believes that university money should be spent efficiently by amongst other things, investing in bonding between students. We have observed that some university events do not always represent the best interests of students, and we aim to change this by advocating for the funding of activities that encourage positive relationships and foster a sense of community on campus. 
4. Increased Contact with Study, Student, and Sports Associations: Erasmus United aims to achieve its goals by increasing contact with study, student, and sports associations. By working closely with these organizations, we can better understand the needs and desires of the student community, and advocate for policies and decisions that are in their best interests. 

Overall, these points demonstrate the importance of student involvement, the need for a comfortable study environment, the value of efficient use of university resources, and the benefits of increased contact with student organisations. 

Dear fellow students, 

My name is Rick Vuijk, 21 years old and upcoming fourth-year double-degree student in Economics & Law and I would like to put myself forward as a candidate for the University Council this year. Over the past year, I have gained a lot of experience with what the needs of both students, faculties but also other stakeholders exactly are, especially in my position as Chairman of Study Association In Duplo, the Association for double-degree students. 

I hope to be able to use this experience, using your support, as a member of the University Council in the upcoming year. In doing so, I am motivated to take students’ interests into account, and also through my experience know how to find the right students and university contacts for every issue. 

Furthermore, it is important that a sober and rational vision is represented within the University council. I think I can represent this vision well, given, among other things, the multidisciplinary vision I have developed through my studies at both ESL and ESE.  

All in all, I think I can be an addition to the University Council with my qualities and experience. I am motivated to make a positive impact in society together with the University and all its students, staff and lecturers, and am confident that we will have a bright future with our Rotterdamse University community. 

Dear fellow students, 

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the 2022-2023 University Council elections. As President of ESN Rotterdam, the biggest international student body in Rotterdam, I have had extensive experience in accommodating student and university needs alike. 

As we approach the University’s 110th lustrum year, I am committed to ensuring that students are well-represented in the decision-making process, especially in the planning of impactful activities for the anniversary celebration. As someone who has been a part of the Erasmus community for the past four years, I understand the importance of making positive change and leaving a lasting impact. 

Moreover, I would like to contribute to the development of the university’s policies and advise on ways to make them more inclusive and sustainable. As an RSM and ESPHIL student, I possess multiple perspectives and an open mind that will assist in ensuring the university’s responsibility to provide a learning environment that is both academically stimulating and socially and internationally inclusive. 

In conclusion, I am confident that I possess the skills, experience, and passion required to make a significant contribution to the Erasmus University Council. I am excited about the opportunity to continue working with the university’s leadership and fellow students to create a better tomorrow for all. 

(Independent candidate)

As a candidate for the University Council, I am excited to bring my experience and perspective to the table. With four years of experience, gained throughout my bachelor, as a member of the Programme Committee of International Business and one year as part of the Academy Participation Council of Commerce and International Business at NHL Stenden, I deeply understand the needs and desires of both students and faculty. 

As a current Pre-master in Management student at RSM, I am constantly striving to expand my knowledge and skills. I am eager to apply what I have learned and continue to learn to benefit the university community. Next year, I will be pursuing an MSc in Management of Innovation, which will further broaden my understanding of the business world and enable me to contribute even more effectively to the University Council. 

My ambition and optimism drive me to constantly seek out opportunities for improvement and growth. I am a critical thinker who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions to complex problems. I believe that working together can make our university an even better place for all its members. 

If elected to the University Council, I will bring a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. I will work tirelessly to represent the needs and interests of students and faculty alike and to ensure that our university continues to be a leading institution of higher learning.

We strive for an equal position for all students, in which they can excel, develop and feel part of the Erasmian community. Hearing, representing and protecting students should once again become central. No distinction should be made on the basis of ethnic or socio-economic background, skin color, sexual orientation, gender, political affiliation, religion, age or any other group identity. 

The Erasmian community should be served from a holistic perspective, across faculties and with an eye on the well-being of students and staff. The university is currently very decentralized, which means that the collaboration in the university is not going well. Students should be given co-determination and control over the course and content of their study programme, with the university facilitating this. We are in favour of student assessors at administrative level, both centrally and within the faculties. Stress factors should be removed by appointing more student psychologists, setting up smaller working groups, using clear guidelines with regard to examinations and the announcement of examination results, and better supervision from the university. Lectures should always be recorded and made available digitally. 

In the past year, the party members of Erasmus Alliance have worked in the participation councils — both the faculty councils and the university council — to achieve the points mentioned above. The members of Erasmus Alliance have joined their forces to make a joint effort within the University Council this year. We therefore count on your support, so that we can make the university more inclusive for everyone, improve student welfare and guarantee the rights of students. 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Cagla Altin, a B3 law student at Erasmus School of Law, current University Council member and Vice President of the Faculty Council of Erasmus school of Law. This year is my second year in the University Council. I am motivated to continue my work and for this reason I am putting myself forward for re-election.  

I am dedicated to improve the student welfare of students. I believe that the workload of students should be reduced. This year, together with other members, I contributed to shortening the academic year. As a graduating student, I will not be benefitted by the new academic year, but that does not make me any less proud. 

I attach great importance to the personal developments that students experience during their student days. I therefore think that there should be more room for students to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Diversity and inclusion are key elements within society. The university reflects the society and the new generation of young professionals. Students with a disability, students with a low socio-economic background, students with different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures should therefore feel at home within the university. How do we, as a university, ensure that diverse people from different backgrounds understand each other and experience the same space? 

Together we have achieved a lot, but there is always room for improvement and change. In previous years my statement was: ‘thinking, doing and persevering is daring’, not a word of that has been traced. 

Can I count on your vote? 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Timo Zandvliet and I’m a third-year Business Administration student. Being a student representative is something I always really enjoyed doing. So when I heard about the University Council, I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity slide. 

During high school, I’ve represented the students in all different councils. I was a member of the student council for four years, of which I was the chairman for two years. Besides that, I was part of both participation councils and represented the students on many other occasions. But most importantly, I was a student representative in the UC for the year 21/22. I’ve always enjoyed representing the interests of the students and made sure that the voice of the students was heard in all layers of the organisation. I was the force behind many positive changes asked for by the students and hope that I can do the same again at the Erasmus University. 

As a member of the University Council, I will represent the interests of the students to the best of my abilities. My key focus will be to bring back lecture recordings since it has a lot of benefits for the students. I’m not one to mince my words and definitely not a quitter. So I’ll do everything within my power to represent all of you to the best of my ability. I’m looking forward to representing all of you in the University Council.

(List Erasmus Alliance)

Hi, my name is Lucienne, I’m 22 years old and I would love to represent you in EUR’s university council. I aim for a positive, open environment with equal opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Given the current political climate, I think it is important to minimize polarization. After studying here for several years I feel called to use this experience to sustain the quality of education for current and future students. 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Emre Ulusoy, a second-year Business Administration student. Whether we like it or not, the world is changing rapidly. You’ve probably noticed it too, right? Climate change which has sadly made it impossible to build a proper snowman during winter; protests which make you run late for your class and toilet paper being crazy expensive. 

These are changes which affect us negatively. On the other hand, some things which should be changed are not changing at all. The same applies to our university: 

Despite ever growing digitalisation and growing calls from students, recorded lectures remain largely unavailable. I believe all lectures should be recorded and posted to Canvas. Last year the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment revealed that ‘more than half of students (51%) suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, pressure to achieve, stress and sleeping problems.’ Mental health care is becoming harder to receive, while at the same time the need for it is growing. I believe the university has to respond urgently to this matter. Lastly, I wish to increase student participation in decision making, because as mentioned before, the world is changing rapidly. We desperately need our students’ input. 

I may not be able to solve the climate crisis or keep our students from being unable to buy toilet paper, but I will make sure to uphold all points mentioned above. Your voice and vote has never been more important and I wish to represent you.

(List Erasmus Alliance)

Better facilities, student equity, and more support. My name is Yasin Demir and I’m a third year medical student at Erasmus MC. The last two years I’ve been active within the faculty council of Erasmus MC to advocate for better student facilities, change the rating system in the Masters to avoid discrimination of students, and lower the working load for students. This year I want to join the university council to apply these achievements to more faculties, because I believe that all students deserve an equal chance and the facilities to make that happen. Here are the goals I would be working on: 

• Better campus facilities that meet the needs of the student in terms of studyability, (mental) well-being and the possibility to reflect/pray. 
• Student equity for all, with emphasis on minorities within the student population 
• More support in the areas of education, performance and extracurricular activities, where the focus is on the student and not on their achievements. 

In order for this to happen I need your vote! Vote for me so I can represent you within the highest participatory body of our university. Vote for better facilities, student equity and more support! 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Merel Buiter, a B3 student Health Sciences, Policy & Management Healthcare. In addition to my studies, I am an ambassador for the faculty of Erasmus School of Health, Policy & Management, personal trainer & I work as an intern at Buurtdokters. Personal development and the progress of extracurricular activities next to my studies are very important to me. In addition to my studies, I did a board year for the study association SHARE. During my board year I was the president of the 39th board. 

I am in favour of the improvement of education within the university. I would like to focus on improving the position of students. 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Nisanur Arik. I am 21 years old and I am now in my third year of the Bachelor of Law. At the moment I am working at Bierens Incasso Advocaten. Next to my study I am actively involved in various associations and foundations. I am dedicated to improve our university for the better. I would like to focus on inclusion of religious and ethnical minorities.  

(List Erasmus Alliance)

Last year I took a seat in the university council on behalf of Erasmus Alliance. In addition, I was active in the faculty council of ESSB for 2 years.  

The reason we founded Erasmus Alliance is because we believe in a constructive and pragmatic approach and realistic proposals. 

If you, as a student, attach importance to: 

• Transparency 
• Privacy 
• Student welfare 

• Quality of education 
• Accessibility 

you have come to the right place at Erasmus Alliance. 

Our party does not want to go along with the politicization and polarization around issues that the University Council gets on the table. We intend to focus on the public interest. 

We want to: 

• Reduce bureaucracy or its negative effects within the university 
• Not a complete vegan campus, but freedom of choice and autonomy for everyone 

Does this sound like music to your ears? Vote for students, vote Erasmus Alliance. 

(List Erasmus Alliance)

My name is Burcin Uslu, B3 Law student at Erasmus school of Law. In addition to my studies, I work as a paralegal for Arslan & Arslan lawyers. I like to see myself in the position of being a helping hand to other students. I enjoy working on topics such as student welfare and promoting digital education.

(List Erasmus Alliance)

As a current and former student at ESSB, ESL and ESPhil, I am currently a member of the University Council. I am committed to more interdisciplinary education, student well-being, diversity and inclusion and overall improvement of the position of students. Together with other members, I was able to contribute to the abolition of the second camera during proctoring within most faculties, to realize more study places on and off campus, to focus more attention and simplify education and to try to remove exams and stress factors from students . I am once again available to continue working on this and to solve the other problems we are experiencing within the university. My goals for the coming year: 

• Student focus and more influence: appointment of student assessors within the university board and faculty board, so that students have more influence 
• Individual capacities and qualities must be leading: students must be able to shape their studies as they wish: shorten the academic year, more room for resits, digitally record all lectures and make them available, and more study places 

• Equal opportunities for everyone: all students should be able to feel safe and comfortable within EUR, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, political and religious convictions or limitations. Opportunities must be equal for all students, including when applying for positions within EUR and associations 
• Part-time students should receive the same educational quality as full-time students 
• Preparing students for an uncertain future job market: more courses and connecting students with employers for internships and future jobs

(List Erasmus Alliance)

(Independent candidate)

My name is Anjana Krishna, I am a 22-year-old premasters student from India, and why do I want to contest the University Council elections? It is because I am an ordinary student just like the next student at EUR, whose singular worry consists of navigating a world that promises to be inclusive and supportive but falters miserably. And I am exhausted of complaining to my friends and acquaintances about things that could be made better and easier at this university with the help of a different perspective, which would make the lives of so many students so much easier. 

All that I can offer to this position, representing other students like me, is an earnest desire to learn, understand and negotiate for things that actually matter, for example, figuring out a way to let all students do internships if they want to. I spent a fair amount of time talking to students at various events and opportunities I got and realized that there are similar issues that need an appropriate solution, which, could only be made possible if students like me tried to take up space and voice our concerns where it would matter. 

Hence, I chose to submit my candidacy for the elections, there might not be any chains to lose, but students do have a world to win! 

We, the Progressive Student Party, believe that the power of change lies in the hands of young people like us. As we stand at the forefront of a rapidly changing world, it is our responsibility to push for progress in every aspect of our society. That is why we are here today, to fight for our three main demands: Decolonize, Decarbonize, Democratize. 

Firstly, we demand the decolonization of our university. Erasmus University Rotterdam has a rich history, but it is time for us to acknowledge and confront its colonial legacy. We need to create a learning environment that is inclusive and recognizes the diversity of our student body. 

Secondly, we must work towards a sustainable future by decarbonizing our university. The climate crisis is a global issue that requires immediate action, and we cannot wait for others to take the lead. We need to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote sustainable practices throughout the university. 

 
Lastly, we demand the democratization of our university. Our education system should not only educate us but also empower us to participate in decision-making processes. We need to promote transparency and inclusivity in the university’s governance structure and ensure that every student’s voice is heard. 

As members of the Progressive Student Party, we are dedicated to advocating for change and creating a better future for all. Join us in this fight and let us work towards a more just, sustainable, and democratic university! 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Hi, my name is Maryam Mohamed (she/her) 

I am a second-year student studying psychology. As a woman of colour, I have experienced first-hand the impact of systemic discrimination and prejudice in our society, also within the context of our university. If you are a member of a marginalized group, you may have faced barriers and obstacles that others have not and you may have witnessed or experienced acts of racism, sexism or other forms of discrimination that have gone unaddressed. My main motivation is to give marginalized groups a voice and create a safer environment for everyone. Working in the university council would allow me to try and make some changes and hopefully have some long-lasting impact. 

These would be my priorities once elected: 

• having more people of colour represented in our literature 
• to have more critical discussion in working groups 

• creating a safer environment for critical discussions 
• make EUR as an institution think about their role in the world and force meaningful impact in their actions 

I am running so you can walk! 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear reader,  

Thank you first of all for taking the time to vote!  

My name is Tom (he/they) and I am currently completing my bachelor’s degrees in criminology and philosophy. Next year, I will be pursuing my master’s degree here at EUR. Throughout my time as a student, I have actively participated in various faculty councils and am currently a member of the University Council. These experiences have taught me how to navigate the university environment, but they have also highlighted the challenges of effecting real change. This is why I helped establish the Progressive Student Party, a party that aims to amplify the voices of a more diverse group of students and institutionalize a force for change. 

It’s clear that universities are becoming more focused on professionalization and profit, rather than driving for real social and environmental change. It’s crucial to acknowledge that our current way of living is unsustainable and relies on the exploitation of millions of people living under horrible conditions. Our current social order is driven by a logic of profit and growth, which has already pushed us to the brink of climate collapse. Despite this, our university is failing to adequately address these issues. This is why it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and make our voices heard! 

My goal for participating in the University Council next year is to continue to push the university towards more radical change. I firmly stand by our demands: Democratize, Decolonize, Decarbonize! 

(List Progressive Student Party)

My name is Maaike (they/them), and I am running for University Council because I care about this university, the people studying and working here, and their collective role in society – Rotterdam and beyond.  

I did my bachelor’s at EUC, with a major in neuroscience, and two minors: one in computational neuroscience at EMC, and one minor in political philosophy and critical theory. Currently, I am in the Engaging Public Issues sociology master’s at ESSB. Having studied at multiple faculties and campuses of this university, and concerning myself with multiple fields and topics, I have gotten to know this university well. This includes things that need to be changed and improved. I am thinking about inadequate sustainability initiatives, while we are on the brink of climate disaster; efforts to improve diversity and inclusivity that seem symbolic at best; precarious conditions for staff and students alike; and the list goes on…  

It is time to stop running this university like a business. With the Progressive Student Party, we will fight to shift the focus from profitability to accountability.

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear fellow students, 

My name is Aki (he/him), I am currently finishing my bachelor’s in psychology. Next to my studies I work at ErasmusX and the IDEA-centre as a member of the Student Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Through these experiences I have had the chance to get to know our university from different perspectives. But even before entering these positions, I have always felt like a lot of the university’s ideas about positive societal impact fall short compared to its actions. There is a lot of discourse around sustainability, while the university maintains close ties with the fossil fuel industry. Lately, there has been more attention for diversity and inclusion, but is the university ready to go beyond that and fully acknowledge its colonial origins?  

I believe that we should ask ourselves how much ‘positive societal impact’ our university can really make, when it fails to challenge our social order based on exploitation and an endless drive for profit. We believe change is necessary, hence our demands: Democratize, Decolonize and Decarbonize. 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear fellow students,  

My name is Ilse (she/her), I´m a second-year philosophy student and I’m excited to hopefully make some much-needed changes at this university.  

I think our university could truly have a positive societal impact, but then we have to change the path we are on right now. It hurts me to see the bad conditions my fellow students are in and the EUR being a part of creating a future that is harmful to its own students. I would love to see this university become more sustainable; cut ties with fossil fuel industries; create more secure conditions for students and staff; take the beautiful diversity of its students into account and to talk more with them, not about them. Hopefully, we will see these changes in the near future and I hope to contribute to making these happen.  

Through activism and by being in the youth council of my former municipality I’ve already tried to create a much-needed change. Because of this, I have experience in making change happen by talking and negotiating as well as putting pressure on those in power. In September I actively started doing this at the university by organizing and participating in OccupyEUR.   

Before this I´ve put a lot of time into integrating people into activist movements, making sure they felt welcome and heard. I am planning on continuing this work at our university. I´m looking forward to talking to many of you and hearing all your valuable opinions. 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Fellow students, 

My name is Malakye (he/him). I am a first year MISOC student from Bermuda.  

Since coming to The Netherlands, I have had to adjust like people usually do when moving to a new country. Unfortunately, I have seen hostility towards myself and other people of colour who are only trying to make a life for themselves. Even more concerning is the lack of solidarity, voice and critical opposition to racism and neo-colonialism within the student body. I hope that through the university council we can build better connections within the student body so that no one is forced to feel alone in this fight. 

As a part of the Progressive Student Party, I stand to decolonize, decarbonize and democratize our university. Together we can leave a legacy for future students of acceptance, support and compassion. 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear fellow students, 

My name is Kate (she/her), and as a first year Master student of medicine starting next academic year, it is with great excitement that I am announcing my candidacy for the university council. I am running for this council because I believe that the medical faculty deserves a strong and progressive voice in the decision-making process of our institution. Due to the physical segregation of our medical campus from the main campus, the impact on our faculty of the decisions made at Woudestein is often overlooked by both medical students and the university council alike. In the council I will ensure that the medical campus is well-represented in the council’s vision and policies, and that the specific needs and challenges of our faculty are addressed and hopefully resolved.  

As a member of the Progressive Student Party, I share their values of inclusivity, sustainability and equity in education. I want to use your vote to advocate for a more diverse and supportive learning environment at the university, where students from all backgrounds and identities can thrive and succeed. I have the capacity, the passion and the motivation to serve you as your student representative, and I hope you will support me in this election. 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear fellow students,  

My name is Martino (he/him), and I am excited to state my candidacy for the university council. As a passionate Sociology student, I believe that I have the skills necessary to make a real positive societal impact at our university. I will elaborate on this below. Throughout my time at Erasmus, I have been actively involved in various political activities, including protesting at EUR for more transparency about the ties with big companies like Shell. Through these experiences, I learned that our current way of living needs some drastic change. With my social skills and open mindset I would like to listen to and represent all concerned students.    

If elected to the student council, my primary goal will be to make existing power structures visible and work to a more progressive and actually durable campus where everyone can learn. Through our party I hope to create an understanding and supportive community for all students.   

As a member of the university council, I will represent the students to the best of my ability. I will actively seek out feedback and suggestions from my fellow students to ensure their voices are heard. Thank you for considering my candidacy. It would be an honour to represent the voice of the students as a member of the university council. I will give it my best. 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Hi, my name is Coos (they/she) and I am a second year RASL (Rotterdam Arts and Sciences Lab) student. For me, that means that I study Illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy and Humanities at EUC (Erasmus University College), with a minor in Intersectional Perspectives.  

In my courses at EUC I have learnt to look at society through critical lenses, unpacking issues like the climate crisis, racism, colonialism and sexism. When applying these lenses to EUR itself, it becomes clear that our university is built upon and complicit in upholding the harmful status quo, for instance by closely working together with fossil fuel companies. 
We need the university to cut these ties, and take its responsibility to act in decolonial and sustainable ways, both in its organization and the education it offers. Among other things, this means (more) people of colour, queer people, trans people, neurodivergent and disabled people need to be in decision making positions, authors of the literature we read, and tutors of our classes. Furthermore, I think EUR could use some creativity to reshape its ways of teaching, broadening what is considered educational. 

In short, I would love to see a university that makes all of its students and staff feel supported. A university that encourages collaboration and community over competition. A university where students and tutors learn from and with each other. With the Progressive Student Party, I am ready to fight to make this happen! 

(List Progressive Student Party)

Dear reader,  

My name is Jasper (he/him), I’m currently in my second year as a sociology student.  

For the past one and a half year, I have tried to commit myself to creating a better university for students and the world. I do this by fighting for a more just and sustainable world through activism while I also try to be there for my fellow students as an active member of student union STUUR. I believe that a university can have a central role as a force for good in this world and I want to contribute to making this a reality, not only in name but also in deeds. The current system is not sustainable and we must use all means at our disposal to leverage power to creating alternatives.

Opnieuw is Liberi Erasmi als partij verkiesbaar om in de universiteitsraad te komen, dit jaar nog groter en nog diverser. Vorig jaar zijn we met 3 zetels de raad ingekomen, en hebben we gedurende het jaar veel input ontvangen van jullie medestudenten. Steeds meer medestudenten merken dat de universiteit een bepaalde kant op aan het ontwikkelen is die niet altijd wenselijk is voor de grote meerderheid die ook niet altijd durft uit te spreken. Er heerst een angstcultuur waardoor het kritisch denken en een inclusief debat worden ondermijnd. Liberi Erasmi komt op voor deze groep en zal zich actief uitspreken over zaken als de komst van de vegan campus, afnemende academische vrijheid, de ideologische cancel-cultuur en het slap handelen van de EUR-bestuurders tegen activisten die regelmatig campusgebouwen bezetten zonder rekening te houden met anderen.

Onze missie blijft daarom ook om op te komen voor de groep die zich steeds minder herkent op deze universiteit door te focussen op het bevorderen van het open debat en het kritisch denken. Geen sociale uitsluitingen van bepaalde gastsprekers en cancel culture dus, of symboolpolitiek waar niet iedereen zich in kan vinden.

Tot slot gaat Liberi Erasmi zich ook inzetten om het algemeen belang van studenten beter zichtbaar te maken, meer direct stemrecht aan studenten te geven, het studentenleven en studentenwelzijn te bevorderen, de individuele vrijheden van studenten te waarborgen, en om een betere bestuurscultuur, waarin studenten een belangrijkere rol in krijgen, te bevorderen.

Het volledige partijprogramma kun je vinden op onze website: www.liberierasmi.nl/

(List Liberi Erasmi)

Where can you recognize me from? 

I am Nawin Ramcharan, 26 years old, public administration and sociology student. Prior to this, business administration and electrical engineering student. This year elected as University Council member. Often found in Erasmus Sport building or Polak/UB. 

Media publications such as the Telegraph, EM, FunX etc. 

What have I already done for the students? 

Before my year in the university council –> Lobbied at/with different bodies such as political (youth) parties, ministries, NGOs, psychological-and-medical organizations, media outlets, educational bodies such as the LSVB, ISO and LAKS, and the children’s ombudsman with whom we increased the pressure to finally get higher education open during last year’s lockdown. 

My year in the university council –> Offered alternatives against the encroachment of certain developments such as mandatory climate courses for freshmen, a meat ban on campus, the undemocratic arrival of a rainbow crosswalk, and managed to draw national attention to the declining degree of academic and ideological freedom. Unfortunately, we don’t have a majority to always make some changes, which is why your voice is desperately needed if you share the same concerns! 

Reason why I am running for the election and what I want to change:

I want to ensure that the university does not become even more inaccessible to new students, but rather accessible again to everyone, regardless of your origin, religion or ideology. I have noticed that a small activist group mostly gets their way at the expense of the larger majority. On top of that, the administration is sowing panic by declaring a “climate-emergency state” with which even more individual freedom can be taken away in the coming years. EUR is increasingly inaccessible to anyone who thinks differently from the prevailing norm. Symbolic politics such as a rainbow crosswalk, or statements via social media on social issues create a non-inclusive, but rather a polarizing atmosphere. I would like to keep the campus engaged for everyone by making the university more collaborative with all student associations, realizing more individual voting rights for all students on administrative matters, organizing more open debates and keeping a focus on our individual freedom! 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

In recent years I have noticed at EUR that it is not self-evident that you have a different opinion. My experience during lectures and working groups is that the focus is almost not on learning different theories and the exposure from different sides, but rather on pushing a direction or ideology. For example, it is quite difficult to have a debate about, for example, corona policy, the European Union or the so-called ‘cancel culture’. 

Everyone should be able to express themselves freely and share their opinion, as long as this is done respectfully. By participating in the University Council, I want to achieve that no student feels that he or she cannot express what he or she stands for. No matter what origin, background, religion or ideology you adhere to, there should be room for everyone at EUR. Just like last year, I will therefore represent in the council the idea that it is important that education is accessible to everyone and that the critical thinking skills of students must be stimulated. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

My motivation to participate in the university council is because I think freedom is very important and would like to see this reflected more at the university. I think it is important that students have the space and resources to develop critically and are given the space at the university to be free in their actions and thinking and to be free to make mistakes and to learn from them and to develop critically through this critical learning instead of being presented with a way of thinking in which everything else is by definition labelled as wrong. 

In addition, I also participate because I think it is important that all students of Erasmus University are represented and heard, and I would like to contribute to a truly inclusive University and study environment. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

I applied because I notice that the regulatory burden and interference in the personal lives of students is increasing. It seems only logical to me that the university considers us responsible enough to make our own choices, such as eating meat and dairy. However, we freeborn students are constantly bombarded with measures that make us less free, and I find that a worrying trend. 

I also notice that other political and philosophical views are not always heard, or are dismissed as old-fashioned, narrow-minded or even hateful. I want to encourage open debate again, where the best arguments win the argument, not the most politically correct arguments. Woke thought is not only the death knell of public debate, but also of academic freedom. Let us continue to guarantee freedom of expression together, and Erasmus will continue to flourish. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

Dear fellow student,

As a third-year student at this university I am aware of the many challenges and opportunities that we face as a community.

As a university council member, I will represent you and make a positive impact in our university. I believe university policy should be looked at very critically by council members that represent you. I am committed to critically assess proposed policies to make sure they will benefit the actual student, you.

I believe we are a diverse community of students, with different backgrounds, different needs and different ideas. The university is an institution that should be fully accessible for everyone, no matter these backgrounds, needs or ideas.

For example, I believe associations are an important part of the university, because they offer students opportunities to develop new skills, meet different people with or without similar interests, build relationships and make the most of their university experience.

Furthermore, although I understand the ethical and environmental reasons for a vegan campus, eating vegan may not be a desirable option for everyone. As a council member, I will advocate for a diverse and inclusive range of food options on campus to meet the needs and preferences of our diverse community. I will advocate for your individual freedom of choice!

(List Liberi Erasmi)

Not “onderwijs” but “bovenwijs” 

My name is Chaima Chahi and I study law at the Erasmus School of Law. 

‘’If you want to change the world, change education.’’ Aldus, Nelson Mandela. The moment I saw this on the internet I immediately knew this man is right. As a law student at EUR, I note that the education system is mainly focused on exams, where the answer should be according to the professor’s word. I have found little room to develop my full potential. Based on answer models, you know what you are getting points for and so there is an atmosphere of efficient studying and winning exams. A ‘good or bad’ grade says very little about a student’s abilities. 

No open debates are organised, while we are a knowledge institute where debates can lead to headaches and head-scratchers to new ideas. It is beneficial for science if everything is negotiable. I think that as academics we cannot criticise certain facets of EUR and everything that happens outside it, and I think that EUR does too little with our input if we can or cannot give it. 

Not enough room for creativity and innovation 

The EUR does not offer enough room for creativity and innovation. How often are you encouraged to debate with the professor and/or fellow student, for example? Students are given little opportunities by EUR and they often experience barriers to making themselves heard. I consider this a sin, because there is no lack of full-fledged students. Because there is still so much to be gained at EUR, I would like to represent my fellow students in the University Council. I don’t have a target group in mind, because I believe that every unique student deserves representation within the council. This 

requires an open mental state and I do have that. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

In recent years I have noticed that the university seems to support and promote certain ideas and the dissenting voices have faded into the background or are no longer even heard. So I put myself forward as a candidate for the University Council of 2023-2024 to work towards a campus where not one idea stands out above the other but where students with both (non) progressive and (non) traditional ideas feel free to share, criticize and develop them. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

After being convinced of the usefulness of this university council and the policy that I believe to be the result of misguided ideologies that have crept into this council, I want to commit myself to the party and the students at EUR. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

The university is not only the place where students get their paper. It is also the place where students can develop on a personal level. It is important that students also have the freedom to develop. Lately I have noticed that this is not stimulated enough. The university should be the place where freedom of thought is central. This is the place where young critical thinkers are trained. For me, a truly inclusive university is where everyone feels welcome, regardless of preference, origin or opinion. On behalf of the Liberi Erasmi party, I would like to commit myself to this. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

This summer, my third year as a student at Erasmus University will end. Although I recognize many strong qualities in Erasmus as an institute, I also notice areas for improvement. A place on the University Council offers me the opportunity to represent a voice that is not always heard well. As a candidate, I strive to navigate the tension that currently stands on freedom of debate and opinion. Above all, I want Erasmus students to be able to continue to have a critical dialogue with each other, in all areas. In this I want to commit myself to providing an accessible and neutral setting for all Erasmus students. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

My motivation for the participation is that I would like to see change in certain facets of Eur. I think there are a lot of opinions and viewpoints that remain a little unheard of because the university is moving in a certain direction. An example of this is the plan to make the campus completely vegan. I think a majority of students do not agree with this, but it is still planned. This is one of several examples that the university wants to achieve without any influence from its students or council. This needs to change. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

From my own experience, I know what it’s like to be academically disadvantaged by not following ideologies. These ideologies have gained a foothold by a small screaming majority. I want to become a dissenting voice, be the voice of the silent majority and strive for a university where everyone really feels at home. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

Running for the university council at Erasmus University Rotterdam, EUR, can be a fulfilling and impactful experience that allows one to make a positive difference in the university community. As a member of the council, I will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students, faculty members, and staff to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in decision-making processes. 

By running for the university council, I can also help to shape the future of the university by advocating for policies and initiatives that align with your vision and values. Whether you are passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, improving campus facilities, or enhancing student well-being, the university council provides a platform for one to share your ideas and make a meaningful impact. 

Additionally, serving on the university council can help me develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which can be beneficial for one’s personal and professional development. By running for the university council at EUR, I can make a difference, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff at the university. 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

(List Liberi Erasmi)

On behalf of Liberi Erasmi, I am representing for election because this party is committed to a truly free university. A university should be a place where teachers and students generate, exchange but above all question knowledge. In recent years, a shift has taken place at our Erasmus University towards a more and more dominant current that believes it has the wisdom. Discussion is discouraged, fixed thought patterns are leading and clubs that disrupt the order of the university get their way with the introduction of a vegan campus and the like. Ridiculous, discussion and above all freedom of choice must be leading at our university 

(List Liberi Erasmi)

I am proud to join Liberi Erasmi, a party that stands for change and progress at our university.  

Our vision, focused on diversity, inclusion and empowering student voice, is a wonderful addition to our academic community.  

I believe that together we can create a university where everyone feels at home and where we can flourish as students. A university where students are at the centre and where there is room for academic freedom and responsibility.   

I am convinced that our university has the potential to become even better and that we are the ones who can initiate this change. Let us build a future we can all be proud of.  

 ”Stay true to your own values and stand up for what is right’’. 

(Independent candidate)

When I arrived in Rotterdam in August of 2021 to study Management of International Social Challenges, I had a clear post-graduation vision of myself: I would go into working in one of the world’s most prominent organizations, and there I would be solving the challenges one by one. In order to hopefully achieve this one day, I decided to start locally, and attempt to make changes within Erasmus University. Therefore, as a freshly appointed first-year student, I joined the Programme Committee for Public Administration, where to this day, I work with a group of student and staff members in order to ensure that the programs offered within that field are genuinely the best and that the students are always heard within the faculty. 

Apart from that, I’ve spent the current academic year as President of the Board for Erasmus Pride, the LGBTQIA+ student organization at EUR. My biggest achievement within the Board is that we not only started the debate on having gender neutral bathrooms on Campus Woudestein but also managed to get in contact with the Real Estate and Facilities Department and currently, we’re actively working with them toward actually converting some of the bathrooms on campus into gender-neutral ones, in hopes that by doing so, we will make our campus more welcoming towards everyone. 

After the last two years and working for the EUR community on a smaller scale, I would be excited to use my experiences on a bigger scale within the University Council, and I hope I will get the chance to do so. 

Yours truly  

Zofia Staszewska 

Erasmus Student Coalition stands for: High-quality education that is innovative, sustainable and future-proof. Increasing and strengthening student participation by involving students in the participation council throughout the academic year and seeking input and advice from students.   

An inclusive and safe campus and university where students from different backgrounds are given space to maximise their development and fulfilment. A liveable campus with more affordable food and drink, and more greenery.  

A university that plays an important role socially and contributes to solving and addressing societal challenges. The inclusive design of the student welfare offer, with the university facilitating students’ needs. 

(List Erasmus Student Coalition)

I am Achraf  Taouil, 22 years old and a student of Public Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam. As a student, I am very involved in the university, the campus and student life. I want to actively promote the interests of my fellow students at Erasmus University.  

I want to build a bridge between students and the university, by involving students more in decision-making processes, initiatives and the study process. Input and ideas from students can contribute in a positive way to the quality of education, student experiences and the functioning of the university.  

I want to stand up for those students who may not currently be as well heard. It is important that these groups of students, such as ethnic and religious minorities, are included in policies so that they feel at home on campus and can develop themselves to their maximum potential at the university.  

(List Erasmus Student Coalition)

My name is Rami and I study financial economics. Over the past two years, I have had a lot of contact with different parts of the university from a student organisation, however, the recurring element was that the university generally does not move quickly and is often still too self-focused as an organisation, this while many of us spend a lot of time on campus.  

I am putting myself forward for university council because I want to work for a university with a liveable campus with better facilities, affordable food, more efficient use of empty spaces and more greenery. In addition, I want to work for education that better prepares students for life off campus, such as more interaction with students from other disciplines and more interdisciplinary education. During corona, we saw that recording lectures can help students study well, and there is no good reason not to facilitate this.    

I therefore pledge to make every effort in the university council to represent the interests of students and to work for a campus that focuses on convenience and livability for students and not on its own convenience.  

(List Erasmus Student Coalition)

My name is Esra Kahramanoglu and I study Public Administration and Law. I think it is important that everyone gets equal opportunities to develop and grow, regardless of background or identity. As a student, it is important to me that the university is an inclusive place where everyone feels at home and where there is room for diversity and inclusiveness.  

To achieve this, I would like to work towards a university where students feel heard and where there is room for their ideas and suggestions. In addition, it is very important to me that there are sufficient facilities and support for students with functional impairments so that they too can study to the best of their ability.  

Another important issue I want to work on is improving the online learning environment. With the current developments in education, with much teaching taking place online, it is crucial that this learning environment is well designed. Here I am thinking, for example, of making recorded lectures available so that students can watch them back at a later time and better understand the material.  

I believe we can work together for a better university. Let us therefore unite and work for an inclusive and diverse university, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and grow. 

(List Erasmus Student Coalition)

Through my connections, I heard about participating in the University Council of Erasmus University. This quickly got me excited! With this piece, I would like to explain my motivation for participating in this.

My name is Beyza and I graduated from the Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I am currently doing the master’s in Metropolitan Issues and Policy at Erasmus. I also work as a student assistant on campus within the My City Rotterdam project, which is part of the Vital Cities and Citizens programme. Furthermore, I am a board member of the student association SV Mozaik at Erasmus. In this, I am treasurer and am responsible for managing the finances, among other things, but also like to offer support to other board members by, for example, organising events or coordinating projects.

As you can see, I am very active and involved in Erasmus University Rotterdam by participating in several of its organisations. Erasmus is not only important to me because I study there myself, but also because after having enjoyed a pleasant student time for three years, the university feels like a ‘home’ to me. I would therefore like to contribute to developing this same sense of home for my fellow students.

Apart from my personal memories of the university, Erasmus stands for diversity and inclusion. By being a board member in the University Council, I would like to support important values such as diversity, inclusion, equality and tolerance. My bi-cultural background can be put to good use as a tool here, where I would like to take on a connecting role to form a bridge among students from different parts around the world.

In order to achieve these goals, it is important to be active and engaged, but most importantly, to listen to and be the voice of students. I am convinced that I possess these qualities and that my experience as a board member, passion for the university, strong communication skills, and above all good energy are a great start for taking up this challenge.

(List Erasmus Student Coalition)

My name is Sami Ibourk El Idrissi, a second-year Business Administration student and mentor of first-year students. As a student at this university, I am aware of the challenges our student community faces. Everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the same opportunities to succeed and reach their potential. I am therefore keen to work with the university council to look at ways in which we can achieve this. I believe it is very important for the university to provide a safe and inclusive environment for students from all cultural backgrounds. We should strive to create an environment where cultural differences are valued.

In addition, I believe it is crucial that we strive to provide high-quality education to our students. We must continuously work to improve the quality of our programmes and ensure that we prepare students for the challenges of the future.

It is important that we continue to focus on increasing the accessibility of our education programme and remain committed to the wellbeing of our students. Together, we can work towards a better university that focuses on the needs of its students and provides high-quality education.

Hi! I am Lano Mohealden, next academic year my fourth year at the EUR, currently studying Law & Psychology. 

There are many things that we should be proud of and what is going well at Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

However, certain things require improvement. I would like to continue to hold on to and further improve everything that is going well and to actually give the necessary attention to everything that still needs attention. 

Because we often prefer summaries over literature, here is a brief summary of what I want to push for in the coming academic year: 

Lectures and tutorial groups – 

• Making (lecture) recordings available for – at least the whole academic year – in every study program and making recording lectures the norm. 

• Stimulating higher class attendance, by changing the traditional way of teaching. Professors having a monologue isn’t effective nor a sustainable method of learning. 
• Offer students the opportunity to indicate preferred times for tutorial groups and others forms of small classes. 
• Not letting students search for the relevant literature, but provide them what the exact content that needs to be studied for exams. In this way students can work more efficiently and have more time to practice and work on other things besides their studies. 
• Healthy and affordable food should be the norm, provided in a sustainable way but suitable for every type of diet. 
• No limitation in resit opportunities.