Life Sciences Representatives

The Life Sciences Representatives (LSR) is a student initiative dedicated to advocating for the interests and rights of all master's students of the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) at Utrecht University. We aim to contribute to creating a fair and fulfilling academic journey for us all. For any inquiries or concerns, you can directly contact us via lsr@uu.nl. 

Constitution

The LSR consists of at least one master's student of every GSLS programme. Additionally, all student members of the Educational Committee (EC) and Board of Studies (BoS) are part of the LSR,  along with representatives from each GSLS-associated student association.

Functions

• Advocate for student interests: represent the educational interests of all Master's students of the GSLS, while monitoring student wellbeing;
• Facilitate communication: feedback between the student members of the EC and BoS and the rest of the students;
• Address students concerns: identify problems Master students experience during their studies and help to resolve them by reporting and discussing the problems or complaints in the EC, BoS, programme coordinator meetings, or with the GSLS staff;
• Fill student positions: fill vacant student positions in the EC and BoS at the start of each academic year;
• Recruit new members: promote the LSR and its functions to the new master's students & handle the applications of putative new LSR members at the beginning of every academic year

To learn more about the LSR, listen to episode 7 of the Radio Life Sciences podcast in which the (former) LSR chair, Jitte Jennekens, tells you more.

Projects and initiatives 

Every year the LSR forms various project groups, some permanent and others temporary, and is involved in a variety of initiatives. We are also regularly asked to provide input to the GSLS on diverse topics. We have monthly meetings with GSLS policymakers to stay in close contact and provide a student perspective.

Examples of initiatives the LSR has been involved in:

• The SEED (Supervisor Expectations & Evaluation Dialogue) tool: A tool designed to improve communication and expectations between students and supervisors.
• The GSLS Buddy Programme: connecting new students with experienced peers.
• PIE (Professional Identity Education) course: A course helping students to develop a professional identity during their studies.

Examples of project groups:

• Student well-being: Each year, the LSR conducts the student Well-Being survey, using the results to assess student needs and advocate for necessary policy changes. For example, in the past a 6-week holiday entitlement was included in the EER.
• Internship database: the LSR is collecting information on where students conduct their research projects and writing assignments, providing a valuable resource for those seeking supervisors or research group with a student's perspective.
• Social committees: the LSR is currently advising the GSLS on developing a new structure for the social committees of the master's programmes and study associations to enhance student engagement and cohesion.