At Utrecht University, the policy around exams during public transport strikes sparked heated debate earlier this month: the university’s approach was considered ‘too strict’ by students, academics and the University Council alike. It has now become clear that Utrecht students can appeal to force majeure in case of strikes – but this was not apparent from the initial communication.
Force majeure
Many universities and universities of applied sciences offer students a resit if they fail an exam. But what about students who were unable to take the exam at all due to train strikes? Are they left with just the second opportunity, or are they offered an additional attempt due to force majeure?
According to the University of Twente, the second attempt exists ‘precisely for all sorts of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness. Strikes could also fall under that category.’ If necessary, a student can approach the examination board, a spokesperson explained. The board then determines whether a student is entitled to an extra resit after all. The same policy applies to students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Two exam attempts
At several universities of applied sciences, students also have the right to request an additional resit in case of a public transport strike. “If students get into trouble, we apply the same rules as we do for illness”, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences stated.
Inholland University of Applied Sciences takes the same approach: “Students are entitled to two exam opportunities per academic year.” NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences, and Utrecht University of the Arts have all promised to be lenient towards students who were unable to attend due to the train strikes.
Free parking
Not all universities and universities of applied sciences have a special policy in place. This is the case, for example, at Eindhoven University of Technology, Tilburg University, the University of Amsterdam and Breda University of Applied Sciences. They argue that students could have anticipated the strike. Those who were unable to reach the institution are therefore not entitled to an extra resit in principle.
Radboud University Nijmegen also stated that a train strike is not a valid reason for an additional attempt. Students were advised to arrange alternative transport. However, they were allowed to park their cars on campus free of charge.
