Guideline on demonstrations and strikes

Students and staff at our university have the right to demonstrate. Due to questions regarding demonstrations during work and/or teaching hours, the Executive Board has established a guideline regarding demonstrations and strikes. This guideline has been discussed within UNL and is effective immediately. It also applies to the announced demonstrations on October 18 (LSVb in The Hague) and November 14 (AOb, Utrecht).

Right to demonstrate but also attendance obligation

Students obviously have the right to demonstrate, but that right does not lead to the right to substitute education. Such a right puts great pressure on both teachers and the educational organization. This puts such a strain on the core tasks of our university that quality is compromised. The decision to participate in demonstrations lies with the individual student. It is important that the right to demonstrate remains in full force, and that the university grants students as much leniency as possible around the obligation to attend in order to exercise this right. However, this leniency does not apply to tests. Students are responsible for making up missed learning.

No reimbursement for travel costs

For both students and employees, travel expenses for participation will not be reimbursed. Utrecht University will not arrange transportation to the various protest locations. 

Force majeure situation

Despite proper prior coordination, a situation may arise where so many students and/or faculty are not present that no teaching can actually take place. This is then a situation of force majeure. Depending on the situation consideration is given to which 'solution' can be chosen, with the option of arranging substitute teaching, and whether this applies at UU or faculty level. This is always customized and will be determined by mutual agreement.