The Founding Students
TheFoundingStudents (TFS) is a student council party founded in 2023 out of the conviction that student representation within the faculty needed to be strengthened. This was done to improve the quality of education. The founder observed that previous student council members achieved insufficient results and that the voice of students was not always heard.
TFS was founded with a clear mission: to bring the focus within the faculty back to what truly matters: your education. We believe that you, as a student, should be in control of your own learning process and that the quality of the degree program must always come first. TFS is therefore an apolitical party. Political discussions can be held at the central level, not at the faculty level.
We stand for an accessible, visible, and active student council. Only in this way can representation come into its own. Our members are not only active within the council; each member has previously dedicated themselves to the interests of UvA students in some way. Examples include the board of study associations, previous membership in a representative body, or volunteer work.
This past year, TFS has once again taken concrete action for the interests of students. For instance, we closely monitored the ALF course and contributed to the re-allocation of credits to this subject. In the coming year, skills education will also be monitored by a new coordinator. Additionally, TFS has strictly supervised compliance with the OER (Teaching and Examination Regulations) and we take active measures in the event of violations by contacting the relevant course coordinators. This year, it was noticeable that these violations are not minor. TFS has maintained a list of all violations known to the council, which can be found here: Compliance OER. We emphatically encourage students to report such situations to us; we are always on the side of the student.
Click on any motion below to see the parties explination
It is the government’s responsibility to provide mental health support for students. Therefore, the university should not spend extra resources on this
Agree
In short:
Mental support for students is primarily a responsibility of the government, which means the university does not need to invest extra resources in this as a priority. However, the UvA does have a substitute role, should the government fall short in this regard.
Explanation:
The responsibility for mental health care lies primarily with the government, which possesses the resources and structures to provide professional and accessible care. It is therefore not the task of the university to take a leading role in this or to spend extra resources on it.
That does not change the fact that the university can fulfill a signaling and referral function. TFS believes that the UvA should support students where necessary, but without taking over the role of the government or structurally deploying extra resources that could come at the expense of education.
Mental support for students is primarily a responsibility of the government, which means the university does not need to invest extra resources in this as a priority. However, the UvA does have a substitute role, should the government fall short in this regard.
Explanation:
The responsibility for mental health care lies primarily with the government, which possesses the resources and structures to provide professional and accessible care. It is therefore not the task of the university to take a leading role in this or to spend extra resources on it.
That does not change the fact that the university can fulfill a signaling and referral function. TFS believes that the UvA should support students where necessary, but without taking over the role of the government or structurally deploying extra resources that could come at the expense of education.
The UvA Leadership should strongly oppose governments’ policy plans to reduce the number of international students
Neutral
In short:
Opposing national policy plans regarding international students is a topic that must be discussed at the central level and does not primarily lie within the Faculty of Law.
Explanation:
Policy responses to government plans affect the university as a whole and therefore require decision-making at the central level, such as within the central student council. TFS believes that this is not a theme that should be addressed by each faculty individually.
As the Faculty of Law, we have limited direct influence on this. TFS therefore views this as a broader university issue that must be assessed centrally and in conjunction.
Opposing national policy plans regarding international students is a topic that must be discussed at the central level and does not primarily lie within the Faculty of Law.
Explanation:
Policy responses to government plans affect the university as a whole and therefore require decision-making at the central level, such as within the central student council. TFS believes that this is not a theme that should be addressed by each faculty individually.
As the Faculty of Law, we have limited direct influence on this. TFS therefore views this as a broader university issue that must be assessed centrally and in conjunction.
All board members of study associations should receive equal financial support from the University
Disagree
In short:
Financial support for board members of study associations must be proportional to the size of the membership base and the intensity of the association's activities.
Explanation:
TFS believes that the compensation for board members should be based on the principle of proportionality. Since the size of the membership base and the number of activities directly correlate with the administrative workload and the required time investment, the financial support should be adjusted accordingly. Equal compensation for all associations would fail to recognize the heavier responsibilities of boards with a larger workload. Equal compensation creates a motive for students to put in minimal effort for maximum compensation.
Financial support for board members of study associations must be proportional to the size of the membership base and the intensity of the association's activities.
Explanation:
TFS believes that the compensation for board members should be based on the principle of proportionality. Since the size of the membership base and the number of activities directly correlate with the administrative workload and the required time investment, the financial support should be adjusted accordingly. Equal compensation for all associations would fail to recognize the heavier responsibilities of boards with a larger workload. Equal compensation creates a motive for students to put in minimal effort for maximum compensation.
The university should stop the prioritisation of students from outside the EU in regard to the university provided student housing.
Agree
In short:
Prioritizing non-EU students in student housing is undesirable as long as Dutch students themselves face significant difficulties in finding accommodation.
Explanation:
Dutch students are already facing substantial challenges in the housing market. It is therefore unreasonable to prioritize international students when a large portion of the domestic student population cannot find suitable housing.
TFS believes the university should adopt a fair and balanced distribution. Housing should be accessible to all students, without structurally favoring one group at the expense of another in a comparable or even more difficult position.
Prioritizing non-EU students in student housing is undesirable as long as Dutch students themselves face significant difficulties in finding accommodation.
Explanation:
Dutch students are already facing substantial challenges in the housing market. It is therefore unreasonable to prioritize international students when a large portion of the domestic student population cannot find suitable housing.
TFS believes the university should adopt a fair and balanced distribution. Housing should be accessible to all students, without structurally favoring one group at the expense of another in a comparable or even more difficult position.
Current UvA House Rules should be amended to ensure that students can fully express themselves politically, culturally and socially
Neutral
In short:
Adjusting house rules for full freedom of expression is not a priority; the focus should remain on educational quality and substantive discussion.
Explanation:
There should be room for open and critical discussion within classes, and in our view, this space already exists sufficiently. Academic freedom and debate belong within the educational context, where ideas can be discussed substantively.
At the same time, the university should not become a platform for political or ideological profiling outside this context. TFS therefore believes the current balance should be maintained: space for discussion exists, but the university should not become a vehicle for political campaigning.
Adjusting house rules for full freedom of expression is not a priority; the focus should remain on educational quality and substantive discussion.
Explanation:
There should be room for open and critical discussion within classes, and in our view, this space already exists sufficiently. Academic freedom and debate belong within the educational context, where ideas can be discussed substantively.
At the same time, the university should not become a platform for political or ideological profiling outside this context. TFS therefore believes the current balance should be maintained: space for discussion exists, but the university should not become a vehicle for political campaigning.
The UvA should cut ties with fossil fuel companies like Shell
Neutral
In short:
Decisions on corporate partnerships are a central matter and not for faculty-level decision-making.
Explanation:
This issue involves broader, often political considerations affecting the university as a whole. TFS believes such matters belong at the level of the central student council and central administration.
At the faculty level, influence is limited. The issue should therefore be addressed centrally and cohesively.
Decisions on corporate partnerships are a central matter and not for faculty-level decision-making.
Explanation:
This issue involves broader, often political considerations affecting the university as a whole. TFS believes such matters belong at the level of the central student council and central administration.
At the faculty level, influence is limited. The issue should therefore be addressed centrally and cohesively.
The UvA should give more training to the teaching assistants
Agree
In short:
Training for teaching assistants is important, but must be targeted and balanced to safeguard educational quality.
Explanation:
Teaching assistants play an important role and can benefit from additional training to function at a level comparable to lecturers. Targeted support can improve student guidance and overall educational quality.
At the same time, TFS believes the UvA should critically assess the necessity and design of such training. It must genuinely contribute to quality and not become an end in itself, ensuring resources are used effectively.
Training for teaching assistants is important, but must be targeted and balanced to safeguard educational quality.
Explanation:
Teaching assistants play an important role and can benefit from additional training to function at a level comparable to lecturers. Targeted support can improve student guidance and overall educational quality.
At the same time, TFS believes the UvA should critically assess the necessity and design of such training. It must genuinely contribute to quality and not become an end in itself, ensuring resources are used effectively.
Admission to programs with a limited student capacity should be based on selection procedure rather than random selection through a lottery system
Neutral
In short:
Admission should be based on suitability rather than chance.
Explanation:
Selection procedures can better assess students’ abilities and motivation than lotteries, improving the match between student and program.
However, such procedures must be fair, transparent, and accessible to ensure equal opportunities and avoid unintended barriers.
Admission should be based on suitability rather than chance.
Explanation:
Selection procedures can better assess students’ abilities and motivation than lotteries, improving the match between student and program.
However, such procedures must be fair, transparent, and accessible to ensure equal opportunities and avoid unintended barriers.
The canteen should be deprivatized.
Fully agree
In short:
The cafeteria should be deprivatized to improve affordability and student choice.
Explanation:
Cafeteria food is currently too expensive for many students, leading to widespread complaints. TFS welcomes the expiration of the contract with private operators as an opportunity to redesign the system with accessibility as the priority.
Deprivatization also allows for a broader and more diverse offering that better matches student needs.
The cafeteria should be deprivatized to improve affordability and student choice.
Explanation:
Cafeteria food is currently too expensive for many students, leading to widespread complaints. TFS welcomes the expiration of the contract with private operators as an opportunity to redesign the system with accessibility as the priority.
Deprivatization also allows for a broader and more diverse offering that better matches student needs.
The University must prioritise active diversity policies and include decolonial perspectives in the curriculum
Agree
In short:
TFS prioritizes high-quality education and advocates for substantive enrichment by including a diverse range of perspectives in the curriculum, rather than considering active diversity policy as the number one priority.
Explanation:
The focus of TFS lies primarily on guaranteeing high-quality education. Policy that comes at the expense of educational quality cannot be seen as a top priority.
Although a diverse range of perspectives in the curriculum is valuable, we see this as an essential part of qualitative and critical education, not as an end in itself. This means that in lectures and teaching materials, different interpretations and theories must be highlighted to ensure a complete and balanced academic debate. TFS therefore advocates for a focus on substantive enrichment that serves quality, instead of policy that is purely aimed at active diversity as priority number one.
TFS prioritizes high-quality education and advocates for substantive enrichment by including a diverse range of perspectives in the curriculum, rather than considering active diversity policy as the number one priority.
Explanation:
The focus of TFS lies primarily on guaranteeing high-quality education. Policy that comes at the expense of educational quality cannot be seen as a top priority.
Although a diverse range of perspectives in the curriculum is valuable, we see this as an essential part of qualitative and critical education, not as an end in itself. This means that in lectures and teaching materials, different interpretations and theories must be highlighted to ensure a complete and balanced academic debate. TFS therefore advocates for a focus on substantive enrichment that serves quality, instead of policy that is purely aimed at active diversity as priority number one.
As a way to curb the growth of the university, Dutch language courses should be a mandatory part of all programs
Disagree
In short:
TFS opposes making Dutch language courses mandatory as an instrument to limit the growth of the university.
Explanation:
Making Dutch language courses mandatory is not an appropriate means to regulate the intake or growth of the university. It imposes an additional obligation on students that does not necessarily contribute to the substantive quality of their degree program or their academic development.
Additionally, the university must remain accessible to a diverse and international student population. TFS believes that language education can be encouraged where relevant, but should not be made generically mandatory as an instrument to limit growth.
TFS opposes making Dutch language courses mandatory as an instrument to limit the growth of the university.
Explanation:
Making Dutch language courses mandatory is not an appropriate means to regulate the intake or growth of the university. It imposes an additional obligation on students that does not necessarily contribute to the substantive quality of their degree program or their academic development.
Additionally, the university must remain accessible to a diverse and international student population. TFS believes that language education can be encouraged where relevant, but should not be made generically mandatory as an instrument to limit growth.
The UvA should invest in more accessibility for students with functional limitations, such as guiding lines for people with visual impairment, as well as sensitivity towards these students
Agree
In short:
TFS agrees that the UvA must invest in accessibility and believes that existing efforts should be continued and expanded where necessary.
Explanation:
Fortunately, the UvA is already committed to improving accessibility for students with a disability, for example through adaptations on campus. TFS appreciates this commitment and finds it important that this line is continued.
At the same time, if it appears that current measures are insufficient, the UvA must be prepared to take extra steps. Accessibility is not a static goal, but requires continuous evaluation and improvement so that all students can participate fully in education.
TFS agrees that the UvA must invest in accessibility and believes that existing efforts should be continued and expanded where necessary.
Explanation:
Fortunately, the UvA is already committed to improving accessibility for students with a disability, for example through adaptations on campus. TFS appreciates this commitment and finds it important that this line is continued.
At the same time, if it appears that current measures are insufficient, the UvA must be prepared to take extra steps. Accessibility is not a static goal, but requires continuous evaluation and improvement so that all students can participate fully in education.
There should be mandatory attendance for seminars/tutorials
Fully disagree
In short:
Mandatory attendance at lectures and tutorials undermines the autonomy of students and is therefore undesirable.
Explanation:
TFS believes that students are best able to determine for themselves how they learn and organize their studies. Mandatory attendance limits this autonomy and does not do justice to the different learning styles and personal circumstances of students.
Education should support students in their development, not direct them through obligations that are not effective for everyone. TFS therefore advocates for freedom of choice, where students themselves are responsible for their attendance and study progress.
Mandatory attendance at lectures and tutorials undermines the autonomy of students and is therefore undesirable.
Explanation:
TFS believes that students are best able to determine for themselves how they learn and organize their studies. Mandatory attendance limits this autonomy and does not do justice to the different learning styles and personal circumstances of students.
Education should support students in their development, not direct them through obligations that are not effective for everyone. TFS therefore advocates for freedom of choice, where students themselves are responsible for their attendance and study progress.
The university should be allowed to limit the number of international students.
Neutral
In short:
Limiting the number of international students is a topic that must be discussed at the central level and does not primarily lie within the Faculty of Law. TFS focuses primarily on the quality of education within the faculty. TFS does not participate in the elections at the central level.
Explanation:
The size and composition of the international student population affects the university as a whole and therefore requires decision-making at the level of the central student council. TFS believes that this is not a theme that should be determined within a single faculty individually. The number of international students at the FdR (Faculty of Law) is limited and does not require re-evaluation.
Limiting the number of international students is a topic that must be discussed at the central level and does not primarily lie within the Faculty of Law. TFS focuses primarily on the quality of education within the faculty. TFS does not participate in the elections at the central level.
Explanation:
The size and composition of the international student population affects the university as a whole and therefore requires decision-making at the level of the central student council. TFS believes that this is not a theme that should be determined within a single faculty individually. The number of international students at the FdR (Faculty of Law) is limited and does not require re-evaluation.
Programs should have the sole responsibility in deciding whether they teach in Dutch or in English
Neutral
In short:
The choice of language of instruction should be left to the programs themselves; a fully uniform language policy is undesirable.
Explanation:
The choice of teaching language requires a tailored approach and strongly depends on the nature, objectives, and international orientation of the program. It is therefore appropriate to place this decision at the decentralized level, where relevant expertise and contextual knowledge are present.
A complete shift to either exclusively Dutch or exclusively English is undesirable. Certain fields naturally lend themselves to a specific language: nationally oriented areas of law, such as labor law or criminal law, are best taught in Dutch, while internationally oriented disciplines, such as international and European law, benefit from English instruction. A differentiated approach best serves both the content and quality of education.
The choice of language of instruction should be left to the programs themselves; a fully uniform language policy is undesirable.
Explanation:
The choice of teaching language requires a tailored approach and strongly depends on the nature, objectives, and international orientation of the program. It is therefore appropriate to place this decision at the decentralized level, where relevant expertise and contextual knowledge are present.
A complete shift to either exclusively Dutch or exclusively English is undesirable. Certain fields naturally lend themselves to a specific language: nationally oriented areas of law, such as labor law or criminal law, are best taught in Dutch, while internationally oriented disciplines, such as international and European law, benefit from English instruction. A differentiated approach best serves both the content and quality of education.
The UvA should strive to incorporate a broader range of ideological perspectives into its curricula.
Neutral
In short:
The current level of ideological diversity within the curricula is sufficient; however, limiting it would be undesirable.
Explanation:
The existing curricula already adequately reflect a plurality of ideological perspectives. This diversity contributes to an academic environment in which critical reflection, intellectual development, and open debate are central. This is particularly evident in courses related to legal philosophy or ethics. Further restricting this diversity would undermine the core values of university education, as it risks limiting students in their academic development and reducing their exposure to diverse frameworks of thought.
The current level of ideological diversity within the curricula is sufficient; however, limiting it would be undesirable.
Explanation:
The existing curricula already adequately reflect a plurality of ideological perspectives. This diversity contributes to an academic environment in which critical reflection, intellectual development, and open debate are central. This is particularly evident in courses related to legal philosophy or ethics. Further restricting this diversity would undermine the core values of university education, as it risks limiting students in their academic development and reducing their exposure to diverse frameworks of thought.
The UvA should address problems such as systemic overwork and bad working conditions among its teachers by giving out more permanent contracts.
Agree
In short:
Systemic overwork and the associated poor working conditions of lecturers must be addressed without delay. Lecturers are a key pillar of the university, and proper working conditions are essential for the continuity of the Faculty of Law. This also supports compliance with the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER).
Explanation:
Over the past year, TFS has maintained a detailed record of observed non-compliance with the TER. The most frequently cited explanation by lecturers is an unsustainably high workload. This direct correlation between lecturer overload and breaches of educational regulations highlights a structural issue.
Reducing administrative and teaching burdens, combined with creating sustainable and improved working conditions, is a necessary condition for (partially) resolving this problem. By investing in staff, the university safeguards not only the quality of education but also compliance with its own regulations.
Systemic overwork and the associated poor working conditions of lecturers must be addressed without delay. Lecturers are a key pillar of the university, and proper working conditions are essential for the continuity of the Faculty of Law. This also supports compliance with the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER).
Explanation:
Over the past year, TFS has maintained a detailed record of observed non-compliance with the TER. The most frequently cited explanation by lecturers is an unsustainably high workload. This direct correlation between lecturer overload and breaches of educational regulations highlights a structural issue.
Reducing administrative and teaching burdens, combined with creating sustainable and improved working conditions, is a necessary condition for (partially) resolving this problem. By investing in staff, the university safeguards not only the quality of education but also compliance with its own regulations.
The executive board of the university should be elected through an open election by the students and worker’s body
Disagree
In short:
The executive board should not be elected through open elections but appointed based on expertise and suitability.
Explanation:
Assessing governance qualities requires specific expertise not always sufficiently present among students and staff. Open elections risk prioritizing popularity over competence.
TFS therefore believes the board should be selected by qualified bodies to ensure governance quality.
The executive board should not be elected through open elections but appointed based on expertise and suitability.
Explanation:
Assessing governance qualities requires specific expertise not always sufficiently present among students and staff. Open elections risk prioritizing popularity over competence.
TFS therefore believes the board should be selected by qualified bodies to ensure governance quality.
The UvA should comply with the ethical assessments made by its independent committee on third-party collaborations, including cutting the ties with institutions found to be complicit in human rights violations
Neutral
In short:
It is advisable to follow the recommendations of an independent ethics committee, although no relevant partnerships currently exist.
Explanation:
An independent ethics committee is an appropriate instrument for assessing partnerships against fundamental standards, including human rights. It is therefore logical for the university to take its findings seriously and act upon them where appropriate.
At the same time, within the Faculty of Law, there are currently no partnerships with parties deemed complicit in human rights violations. The practical relevance of this statement is therefore limited, justifying a neutral stance.
It is advisable to follow the recommendations of an independent ethics committee, although no relevant partnerships currently exist.
Explanation:
An independent ethics committee is an appropriate instrument for assessing partnerships against fundamental standards, including human rights. It is therefore logical for the university to take its findings seriously and act upon them where appropriate.
At the same time, within the Faculty of Law, there are currently no partnerships with parties deemed complicit in human rights violations. The practical relevance of this statement is therefore limited, justifying a neutral stance.
The university lacks sufficient readily accessible gender-neutral toilets.
Neutral
In short:
TFS lacks sufficient insight into the actual need for gender-neutral toilets.
Explanation:
Assessing adequacy requires data on actual demand, which is currently lacking. Without this, firm conclusions are inappropriate.
At the same time, there is no principled objection to such facilities. Everyone should feel welcome at the university.
TFS lacks sufficient insight into the actual need for gender-neutral toilets.
Explanation:
Assessing adequacy requires data on actual demand, which is currently lacking. Without this, firm conclusions are inappropriate.
At the same time, there is no principled objection to such facilities. Everyone should feel welcome at the university.
All lectures should be available online for everyone
Agree
Short:
TFS agrees that lectures should be available online, so that students have the freedom to choose for themselves how they follow their education.
Explanation:
TFS believes that students should have the autonomy to determine whether they want to follow lectures online or physically. Online availability contributes to accessible and flexible education; students can re-watch lectures at their own pace.
TFS agrees that lectures should be available online, so that students have the freedom to choose for themselves how they follow their education.
Explanation:
TFS believes that students should have the autonomy to determine whether they want to follow lectures online or physically. Online availability contributes to accessible and flexible education; students can re-watch lectures at their own pace.
The UvA should place greater emphasis on protecting and promoting academic freedom
Neutral
In short:
TFS sees no indications that academic freedom is currently being insufficiently safeguarded.
Explanation:
As far as can be assessed by TFS, the existing policy provides sufficient safeguards for the protection and promotion of academic freedom. There are no concrete signals that this freedom is structurally under pressure or requires further strengthening. In the absence of such indications, it is not logical to advocate for an intensification of policy on this point. A cautious, neutral stance is therefore appropriate, as long as no shortcomings in the current safeguarding are evident.
TFS sees no indications that academic freedom is currently being insufficiently safeguarded.
Explanation:
As far as can be assessed by TFS, the existing policy provides sufficient safeguards for the protection and promotion of academic freedom. There are no concrete signals that this freedom is structurally under pressure or requires further strengthening. In the absence of such indications, it is not logical to advocate for an intensification of policy on this point. A cautious, neutral stance is therefore appropriate, as long as no shortcomings in the current safeguarding are evident.
The Binding Study Advice (BSA) should be abolished
Agree
Research shows that the BSA is not a good indicator for testing whether there is a prospect of completing the bachelor's degree. Maintaining the BSA standard goes against science. TFS believes in science. [https://esb.nu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/000-000_deVries_KLAARv2.pdf](https://esb.nu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/000-000_deVries_KLAARv2.pdf)
More investment is needed in interdisciplinary education (providing students with more than just one perspective on a particular subject, such as honours, PPLE or IIS programs)
Disagree
In short:
TFS disagrees with extra investments in interdisciplinary education; the UvA is already a frontrunner in interdisciplinary education. The UvA, together with the Dutch government, already invests more than enough in interdisciplinary education. See also: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWq3Om_DAoq/?igsh=Z256ZTRvNGs2enBj
Explanation:
Although interdisciplinary education can offer valuable insights, this must not come at the expense of the core of university education: in-depth knowledge within a field of study. Extra investments in such programs can take away resources from regular degree programs, which the largest group of students depends on.
TFS therefore believes that priority should lie with improving and strengthening existing curricula. Interdisciplinary education can be a supplement, but must not become a main priority as long as the quality of regular education is not optimally guaranteed.
TFS disagrees with extra investments in interdisciplinary education; the UvA is already a frontrunner in interdisciplinary education. The UvA, together with the Dutch government, already invests more than enough in interdisciplinary education. See also: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWq3Om_DAoq/?igsh=Z256ZTRvNGs2enBj
Explanation:
Although interdisciplinary education can offer valuable insights, this must not come at the expense of the core of university education: in-depth knowledge within a field of study. Extra investments in such programs can take away resources from regular degree programs, which the largest group of students depends on.
TFS therefore believes that priority should lie with improving and strengthening existing curricula. Interdisciplinary education can be a supplement, but must not become a main priority as long as the quality of regular education is not optimally guaranteed.
The UvA should take a firm stance against the government’s cuts in higher education
Fully agree
In short:
The UvA must speak out strongly against budget cuts; investing in education is essential for the future of the Netherlands. Students are the future.
Explanation:
Education forms the basis for the economic, social, and scientific development of the Netherlands. Budget cuts in higher education undermine this foundation and can come at the expense of the quality of education and research.
TFS therefore believes that the UvA must make its voice clearly heard by the government. By actively speaking out against budget cuts, the university contributes to protecting and strengthening education, which is ultimately in the interest of both students and society.
The UvA must speak out strongly against budget cuts; investing in education is essential for the future of the Netherlands. Students are the future.
Explanation:
Education forms the basis for the economic, social, and scientific development of the Netherlands. Budget cuts in higher education undermine this foundation and can come at the expense of the quality of education and research.
TFS therefore believes that the UvA must make its voice clearly heard by the government. By actively speaking out against budget cuts, the university contributes to protecting and strengthening education, which is ultimately in the interest of both students and society.
Calling the police should be an appropriate response to deal with student protests and demonstrations at the university
Neutral
In short:
Dealing with student protests is primarily a central matter; in the event of disruption to education, involving the police can be an appropriate measure.
Explanation:
TFS is an apolitical party and focuses on the quality of education. Issues surrounding protests and demonstrations transcend the faculty and should be assessed at the central university level, not within a single faculty.
However, when protests actually disrupt education, TFS believes that intervention is necessary to guarantee the continuity of lectures and tutorials. In such cases, involving the police can be an adequate and proportional solution.
Dealing with student protests is primarily a central matter; in the event of disruption to education, involving the police can be an appropriate measure.
Explanation:
TFS is an apolitical party and focuses on the quality of education. Issues surrounding protests and demonstrations transcend the faculty and should be assessed at the central university level, not within a single faculty.
However, when protests actually disrupt education, TFS believes that intervention is necessary to guarantee the continuity of lectures and tutorials. In such cases, involving the police can be an adequate and proportional solution.
Peaceful occupations should be considered as a legitimate means of protest at the university
Neutral
In short:
Peaceful protests are acceptable, as long as they do not disrupt education or the progress of lectures and tutorials.
Explanation:
Peaceful occupations can be a legitimate way to express a viewpoint, provided they remain within the boundaries of order and safety.
At the same time, protests must never come at the expense of education. Once teaching is disrupted, intervention is necessary to safeguard continuity.
Peaceful protests are acceptable, as long as they do not disrupt education or the progress of lectures and tutorials.
Explanation:
Peaceful occupations can be a legitimate way to express a viewpoint, provided they remain within the boundaries of order and safety.
At the same time, protests must never come at the expense of education. Once teaching is disrupted, intervention is necessary to safeguard continuity.
The Numerus Fixus (a limitation in the number of students admitted) should be used to stop the growth of the university
Disagree
In short:
A numerus fixus is an unnecessary and ineffective tool to limit growth, particularly within the law program.
Explanation:
Within the program, a natural selection already occurs: a significant number of students drop out during the first semester and after the first year. Introducing a numerus fixus, therefore, adds little value and mainly creates additional administrative burdens without clear benefits.
Moreover, selection based on secondary school grades does not align well with legal studies, as law is not taught at that level. Additionally, the demand for lawyers continues to grow. TFS therefore considers it undesirable to restrict intake using a tool that is both unnecessary and poorly targeted.
A numerus fixus is an unnecessary and ineffective tool to limit growth, particularly within the law program.
Explanation:
Within the program, a natural selection already occurs: a significant number of students drop out during the first semester and after the first year. Introducing a numerus fixus, therefore, adds little value and mainly creates additional administrative burdens without clear benefits.
Moreover, selection based on secondary school grades does not align well with legal studies, as law is not taught at that level. Additionally, the demand for lawyers continues to grow. TFS therefore considers it undesirable to restrict intake using a tool that is both unnecessary and poorly targeted.
The UvA should involve students in long term plans for study spaces and teaching facilities according to the expected changes in student population
Agree
In short:
Students should be actively involved in long-term planning so that policy better reflects their needs and experiences.
Explanation:
Involving students ensures that decisions align with daily realities. Students experience bottlenecks firsthand and can provide valuable input.
This aligns with a core TFS principle: better communication on matters affecting students. Structural involvement improves not only facilities but also trust and transparency within the university.
Students should be actively involved in long-term planning so that policy better reflects their needs and experiences.
Explanation:
Involving students ensures that decisions align with daily realities. Students experience bottlenecks firsthand and can provide valuable input.
This aligns with a core TFS principle: better communication on matters affecting students. Structural involvement improves not only facilities but also trust and transparency within the university.
The UvA should cut ties with Israeli institutions
Neutral
In short:
The statement currently lacks practical relevance, as no such partnerships exist within the Faculty of Law.
Explanation:
There are currently no ties with Israeli institutions within the Faculty of Law. Therefore, the statement lacks concrete meaning. Without existing partnerships, there is nothing to sever, justifying a neutral stance.
The statement currently lacks practical relevance, as no such partnerships exist within the Faculty of Law.
Explanation:
There are currently no ties with Israeli institutions within the Faculty of Law. Therefore, the statement lacks concrete meaning. Without existing partnerships, there is nothing to sever, justifying a neutral stance.
Student & Workers Councils should have the final say in policy decisions
Neutral
In short:
Decision-making should take place in consultation with all relevant bodies; however, final authority rests with the executive board.
Explanation:
Within the university’s governance structure, a system of participation is in place in which student councils, works councils, and programme committees fulfil an important advisory and supervisory role. These bodies contribute to careful and broadly supported decision-making, but they are not vested with final decision-making authority.
Under the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), powers and responsibilities are explicitly distributed among the various bodies. It is the responsibility of the executive board, taking these frameworks into account and after consulting the representative bodies, to make the final decision. There is no objection to this statutory arrangement.
Decision-making should take place in consultation with all relevant bodies; however, final authority rests with the executive board.
Explanation:
Within the university’s governance structure, a system of participation is in place in which student councils, works councils, and programme committees fulfil an important advisory and supervisory role. These bodies contribute to careful and broadly supported decision-making, but they are not vested with final decision-making authority.
Under the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), powers and responsibilities are explicitly distributed among the various bodies. It is the responsibility of the executive board, taking these frameworks into account and after consulting the representative bodies, to make the final decision. There is no objection to this statutory arrangement.
All food options should be plant based by default
Disagree
In short:
Students should retain autonomy over their dietary choices; while plant-based diets are encouraged, mandatory standardization is undesirable.
Explanation:
Mandating exclusively plant-based options undermines student autonomy. Dietary choices are personal and influenced by health, culture, religion, and lifestyle.
Encouraging plant-based options is legitimate but should not exclude alternatives. Freedom of choice must remain paramount.
Students should retain autonomy over their dietary choices; while plant-based diets are encouraged, mandatory standardization is undesirable.
Explanation:
Mandating exclusively plant-based options undermines student autonomy. Dietary choices are personal and influenced by health, culture, religion, and lifestyle.
Encouraging plant-based options is legitimate but should not exclude alternatives. Freedom of choice must remain paramount.
The UvA should offer free menstrual products at each campus
Fully agree
In short:
TFS agrees that the UvA should offer free menstrual products and is of the opinion that this existing initiative must be maintained (and where possible strengthened).
Explanation:
The UvA is already implementing this to a limited extent, and TFS finds it important that this initiative is at the very least not abolished. Menstruation is a natural need that should not be hindered by the financial limitations of students. This adage aligns with international examples such as Scotland (where free products are offered nationwide). By offering menstrual products, the university can guarantee equal, unhindered study opportunities for women where the government currently fails to do so.
TFS agrees that the UvA should offer free menstrual products and is of the opinion that this existing initiative must be maintained (and where possible strengthened).
Explanation:
The UvA is already implementing this to a limited extent, and TFS finds it important that this initiative is at the very least not abolished. Menstruation is a natural need that should not be hindered by the financial limitations of students. This adage aligns with international examples such as Scotland (where free products are offered nationwide). By offering menstrual products, the university can guarantee equal, unhindered study opportunities for women where the government currently fails to do so.
Students wishing to take honours courses should be able to do so based on their motivation, regardless of their grades
Disagree
In short:
TFS disagrees that admission to honours tracks should be based exclusively on motivation and believes that grades must continue to play an important role.
Explanation:
Although grades are not a complete reflection of a student's qualities, they do provide a reliable picture of academic performance. A selection based solely on motivation could provide a distorted picture and may not do sufficient justice to the required academic capacities of an honours track.
Additionally, there are plenty of other extracurricular opportunities for motivated students without top grades to develop themselves, and they can invoke a hardship clause. TFS therefore advocates for a balanced selection in which performance continues to play an important role, so that the quality and level of honours tracks remain guaranteed. In this way, the honours supplement on the diploma retains its value.
TFS disagrees that admission to honours tracks should be based exclusively on motivation and believes that grades must continue to play an important role.
Explanation:
Although grades are not a complete reflection of a student's qualities, they do provide a reliable picture of academic performance. A selection based solely on motivation could provide a distorted picture and may not do sufficient justice to the required academic capacities of an honours track.
Additionally, there are plenty of other extracurricular opportunities for motivated students without top grades to develop themselves, and they can invoke a hardship clause. TFS therefore advocates for a balanced selection in which performance continues to play an important role, so that the quality and level of honours tracks remain guaranteed. In this way, the honours supplement on the diploma retains its value.