Our university cannot function without proper participation in the decision-making process; it is the best way to ensure fairness and transparency.
Aleid Fokkema
Staff member of the University Council
Aleid Fokkema is senior lecturer at the Department of Media and Communication at Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) and a staff member in the University Council (UC). Why did she choose to put herself up as a candidate for the University Council and how is her experience so far?
Why did you want to join the University Council?
"I decided to join the University Council because I believe it provides the best platform to gain a comprehensive understanding of the university's overall operations. My strong interest in participation led me to seek a way to make effective use of our rights within the university community. Our university cannot function without proper participation in the decision-making process; it is the best way to ensure fairness and transparency. I also enjoy collaborating with students and staff members from various schools and faculties, which allows us to identify common ground and potentially influence or adjust certain policies."
What issues will you focus on in particular?
"This year, my primary focus will be on three key areas. First, I am dedicated to addressing issues related to HR, wellbeing and social safety within the university community. I will continue to fight for an end to precarious contracts and a fair and meaningful Recognition and Rewards system. Second, I will closely monitor the budget plans and the allocation system that our university upholds. Third, I will participate in taskforces aimed at budgets for innovative education to see that these budgets are spent in a useful and meaningful way that allows for experiment and experience."
What is the importance of participation in your opinion?
"Participation holds immense importance in my view. During my time in the UC, I actively advocated for fair and equal compensation for all decentralised participating bodies and though it took a few years, I was able to achieve this. Proper compensation is essential for the effective functioning of participatory bodies and without robust participation, achieving a well-functioning university is challenging."