UM seeks new balance between the university and student associations
Maastricht University is suspending its relationship with student associations Tragos and Circumflex until further notice. Discussions with the boards of these associations have revealed that agreements outlined in the Code of Conduct have not been upheld. Experience from recent years shows that these agreements are frequently violated. UM is now questioning the effectiveness of working with codes of conduct, which increasingly seem to result in ineffective superficial solutions. In the coming period, the university will engage with its community to explore how it can continue to support student associations while ensuring the social and physical safety of its students.
The suspension of the relationship with Circumflex and Tragos means, among other things, that these associations will, until further notice, no longer be eligible for ‘board months’ or other grants and will not have access to (other) UM facilities. Additionally, they will not be able to participate as associations during the INKOM.
Conversations with the associations have revealed that, in recent months, incidents have occurred that indicate breaches of physical safety and personal integrity. These include cases of fainting during activities, exhaustion, and a panic attack. Moreover, these incidents were either not reported at all or not reported in a timely manner to UM, which is a violation of the agreements set out in the Code of Conduct.
The conversations with the associations took place after UM received reports of serious misconduct during the A-tijd, the introduction period of the ‘disputen’ (fraternities/sororities). However, these reports were not taken into account in the decision to suspend the relationship with the two associations. This is because the individuals who submitted the reports did not grant permission for the content of their complaints to be used in communication with the associations.
Discussion on the relationship university - student associations
Student associations operate as independent organisations. It is their own responsibility to shape their activities, whether or not they include initiation rituals, and to be accountable for them.
Maastricht University recognises the value that student associations can offer their members. Additionally, these associations frequently undertake activities of wider social benefit.
At the same time, the question arises whether UM should revise its policy on supporting student organisations. The goal is to maintain the value of introduction activities for associations while ensuring the physical and social safety of all participants. This must be achieved without falling into a continuous cycle of ‘adjusting codes of conduct – violations – sanctions – further adjustments, and so on’.
The Executive Board has tasked the Student Services Centre (SSC) with exploring possible solutions. The SSC will do so through discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the UM community, student associations, and experts.
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