Committee day, Radboud University Partnership, Digitalization, the Leadership Academy, and a new member.

These committees look at proposals in detail before they are voted on in the plenary, but also discuss current events that affect the university, and think along with the Executive Board on how to best approach problems and capitalize on opportunities. The meetings are usually more informal than the plenaries and happen every four weeks, two weeks before the plenary meeting. Like most of our meetings, they are open to the public (although there is a confidential part of every meeting); the University Council website has all the details.

The Strategy Committee deals with the future development of the university, public affairs, and partnerships with other universities. This meeting is attended by the President of the University. During its March meeting, the Committee heard about how the strategic cooperation with Radboud University is developing and what opportunities there are for staff members who want to set up joint projects. The Committee also got an update about the plans for intensifying the cooperation with the academic hospital.

The Research & Education Committee, as its name implies, covers any issues regarding research and education, and always invites the Rector to its meetings. During its most recent meeting, the working group on Digital Society presented its report on how Maastricht University can make good use of all the opportunities that further digitalization offers. The Committee also considered FSE’s plans for a smarter academic year, which will be implemented this September, and discussed how well the extra money the university received as part of the quality agreements was spent, focusing on student well-being, advising, study spaces, and continuous professional development.

Lastly, the Operations Committee handles matters relating to support services, including IT infrastructure, HR operations, financial affairs and the like, in conversation with the Vice-President. In the last meeting, the Committee discussed the work of the Leadership Academy and explored how UM can create a culture in which leaders continuously invest in their professional development.

In the next plenary meeting, the Council will consider the university’s facilities and policies for data management. The Council will also welcome a new member; Maarten van Wesel will take over from Collin Prumpeler, who is resigning due to personal circumstances. The Council would like to thank him for many years of loyal service and wishes him all the best.

Teun Dekker
Chair University Council