Measures USC to be phased out during 2025
In recent months, Utrecht University (UU) and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU) have been monitoring the improvement plan of The Utrechtsch Studenten Corps (USC). The educational institutions see that USC is taking steps to realize sustainable change. It is now crucial that the improvement plan is firmly embedded within the USC, which will take time. Therefore, UU, HU and USC remain in conversation to monitor that process.
The measures currently in place for USC will be phased out in the course of 2025. Starting January 1st, 2025, USC will again be able to claim the activity subsidy. And from the 2025-2026 academic year onwards, which starts September 1st 2025, USC will again receive the basic subsidy and representatives from the USC board will again be welcome at official events of UU and HU.
Background sanctions and improvement plan
In response to the circulation of a so-called “chick list” (“grietenlijst” in Dutch, red.) originating from USC members in the Spring of 2024, UU and HU imposed a package of sanctions on USC. Part of these sanctions included the creation of a plan leading to the improvement of social safety at the corps. USC published an improvement plan (only available in Dutch) in May 2024.
Monitoring so far
In recent months, the university and the university of applied sciences have been monitoring the implementation of this improvement plan through various discussions, monitoring documents provided by USC, and advice from consulted experts. Based on these sources, it is clear that USC has taken steps in the right direction to achieve sustainable change. However, the conclusion is also that more time is needed to embed he improvement plan initiated by USC. Therefore, monitoring conversations about the intended cultural change will be continued.
Long-term commitment and monitoring needed
This continued monitoring does not indicate a lack of trust,” says Wilma Scholte op Reimer, President of the HU Executive Board. “We appreciate the efforts made by USC. However, it takes time to actually implement the desired changes in practice, and to also make them sustainable for the long term. That’s why I think it is very important to continue the discussions about this, also after 2025.”
“We see that USC is taking steps towards achieving change and we are positive about this” adds Henk Kummeling, rector magnificus of UU. “Sustainable change and effective methods are important. To achieve this, together, longer-term commitment and monitoring are needed.”
UU and HU will closely monitor the progress and effectiveness of the implementation of the improvement plan via progress reports and dialogue about the desired cultural change. UU and HU will continue to engage and consult with experts in the fields of behavioral and/or culture change to assess progress.
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