{"id":153661,"date":"2023-04-25T10:45:50","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T08:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=153661"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:26:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T10:26:45","slug":"candidates-for-the-council-2023-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2023\/04\/25\/candidates-for-the-council-2023-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Candidates for the Council 2023-2024 (students)"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are 53 students running for University Council elections this year. Find their motivations below and vote for them in the University Council elections between 15 and 23 May. Are you a staff member? Please look at the list of candidates for the staff section.<\/p>\n

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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 \u2018joint candidates\u2019, consisting of two students. The rest of the students are running as independent candidates or, officially, \u2018single candidate lists\u2019.<\/p>\n

Update 10 May: Since the publication of this list, some candidates have withdrawn, they have been removed from the list.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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t

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The candidate list is ordered in order of receipt by the Central Electoral Committee. The texts below were supplied by the candidates themselves and are published unedited (links were removed). Candidates were free to deliver a statement in both Dutch and English. EM didn\u2019t translate the Dutch statements, so if candidates failed to deliver an English version, you will find the Dutch version below.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n

As an EUR student, you can cast your vote between 15 and 23 May 23:59 through verkiezingen.eur.nl<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tony van der Linden<\/h2>
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(independent candidate)<\/em><\/p>\n

I have been part of ESSB\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Erasmus United <\/h2>

As Erasmus United, we believe that the following points are essential to improving the university and its student<\/span> body<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

  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.<\/span><\/li>
  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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n

    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 organi<\/span>s<\/span>ations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Rick Vuijk <\/h2>
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    Dear fellow students,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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\u2019 interests into account, and also through my experience know how to find the right students and university contacts for every issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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 <\/span>Rotterdamse <\/span><\/i>University community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Myouska Zwijnenburg <\/h2>
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    Dear fellow students,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As we approach the University\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Moreover, I would like to contribute to the development of the university\u2019s 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\u2019s responsibility to provide a learning environment that is both academically stimulating and socially and internationally inclusive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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\u2019s leadership and fellow students to create a better tomorrow for all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mira Ivova Nikolova<\/h2>
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    (Independent candidate)<\/em><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Erasmus Alliance <\/h2>

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In the past year, the party members of Erasmus Alliance have worked in the participation councils \u2014 both the faculty councils and the university council \u2014 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Cagla Altin <\/h2>
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    (List Erasmus Alliance)<\/em><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Together we have achieved a lot, but there is always room for improvement and change. In previous years my statement was: \u2018thinking, doing and persevering is daring\u2019, not a word of that has been traced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Can I count on your vote?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Timo Zandvliet <\/h2>
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    (List Erasmus Alliance)<\/em><\/p>\n

    My name is Timo Zandvliet and I\u2019m 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\u2019t let this opportunity slide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    During high school, I\u2019ve 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\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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\u2019m not one to mince my words and definitely not a quitter. So I\u2019ll do everything within my power to represent all of you to the best of my ability. I\u2019m looking forward to representing all of you in the University Council. <\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Lucienne de Rooij <\/h2>
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    (List Erasmus Alliance)<\/em><\/p>\n

    Hi, my name is Lucienne, I\u2019m 22 years old and I would love to represent you in EUR\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Emre Ulusoy <\/h2>
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    (List Erasmus Alliance)<\/em><\/p>\n

    My name is Emre Ulusoy, a second-year Business Administration student. Whether we like it or not, the world is changing rapidly. You\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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 \u2018more than half of students (51%) suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, pressure to achieve, stress and sleeping problems.\u2019 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\u2019 input.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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. <\/span><\/p>\n

    5. Yasin Demir <\/h2>
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    (List Erasmus Alliance)<\/em><\/p>\n

    Better facilities, student equity, and more support. My name is Yasin Demir and I\u2019m a third year medical student at Erasmus MC. The last two years I\u2019ve 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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n