Participation & representation

The University Council of Maastricht University is a representational body in the sense of the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act. The UC’s main powers are the right to give advice and the right to give or withhold consent. The UM Administration and Management Regulations, which the UC was involved in drawing up, set out the issues on which the UC is asked for advice and/or consent.

The UC also serves as a sounding board for the Executive Board, is involved in assessment and monitoring, and may submit proposals for new initiatives. The UC has three committees in which staff and students discuss plans and proposals with the Executive Board. Each month a plenary meeting is held with the full council and the Executive Board.

The UC is composed of 20 members, equally divided over students and staff. The ten staff delegates are elected every two years, with six representing the academic staff and four representing the support staff. The ten student members of the UC are elected annually.

More information can be found on the websites of the University Council and the VSNU .

In addition to the University Council, each faculty at Maastricht University has a Faculty Council. Functioning in virtually the same way as the UC, these Councils keep the UC informed of faculty affairs and serve as sparring partners and consultation bodies for the Faculty Boards and the dean.

Like the UC, the Faculty Councils are composed of representatives of the academic staff, support staff and students, each elected by their own group at UM. Staff delegates serve terms of two years, students one year.

The Faculty Councils have powers in various areas, including the right to give or withhold consent on the faculty regulations, parts of the Education and Examination Regulations, the guidelines for academic practice and internal policy documents in the areas of education, research and internationalisation. The Faculty Council also has the right to advise on matters such as the appointment of professors and the faculty budget.