Alarm raised as student organizations claim "existential threat"

Student organizations in the Netherlands are sounding the alarm, warning that their very existence is under threat due to a decline in the number of students willing or able to take on leadership roles. The Studenten Convenant, a coalition of student organizations, has written a letter to the education minister pleading for action to make these leadership positions more accessible, as they play a vital role in student life and mental health.

Student organizations are central to the student experience, organising a wide array of activities from introductory programmes and sporting events to vital networking opportunities. These organizations provide platforms for students to develop skills, relax, and connect with their peers. Sarah Evink, chair of the Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO), emphasises that these activities serve as essential outlets for students, and their potential loss could further strain students' social lives. The decline in student involvement threatens the existence of these organisations, she says, "endangering the valuable services they provide".

Financial barriers

Many students find that taking on a board year (bestuursjaar) is financially unfeasible. Often, the compensation is minimal or non-existent, despite the heavy workload. This forces students to take on additional loans and increases the likelihood of academic delays. Some students are even required to pay tuition fees while dedicating their time to these unpaid roles. Evink highlights the paradox: "Leadership positions offer invaluable personal and professional development, yet financial constraints risk making them accessible only to affluent students." The Studenten Convenant fears a future where only those with financial security can afford to contribute to and benefit from student organizations.

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The Studenten Convenant is urging the Minister of Education to take immediate action to support student organizations. Evink stresses that contributing to student life should be encouraged, not hindered by financial or other barriers. The Convenant is calling for a comprehensive plan to ensure that leadership roles are accessible to all students, enabling them to contribute and ensuring that all students can benefit from these organizations. The current situation, where the survival of student organizations is an annual uncertainty, is unsustainable and requires urgent intervention.

Benefits of joining student organizations

Beyond contributing to the community, involvement in student organizations offers numerous benefits for individual students. These include opportunities for personal growth, community building, and positive change. Students develop crucial soft skills, learn teamwork, and expand their professional networks. They can also apply classroom knowledge in practical settings and engage with diverse groups, broadening their perspectives. Leadership roles within these organizations enhance leadership skills and provide a platform for students to express their ideas and make a difference. Moreover, student organizations offer a welcome break from academic pressures and provide opportunities for fun and social interaction.