On the campus grounds, the landscaping, paving, cycle paths and sports fields are maintained by FCO. In the buildings, FCO not only maintains the spaces but also ensures a safe working environment. Security provides supervision and surveillance, and there are also weekly inspection rounds of the buildings. During these inspection rounds, installations are checked and/or unsafe situations in the corridors and escape routes are checked for good accessibility. If obstacles to emergency exits are found, they are removed without consultation.
Report unsafe situations? Suggestions for the layout of public spaces?
Do you see a full rubbish bin, loose tile, broken lamp or do you notice something else? Report it using this 'report public space' form or contact FCO Service Desk at frontoffice.fco@vu.nl or (020) 59 85777.
Reserving a sports field or organising an event on the VU grounds?
Permission for an event or sports activity on the VU grounds must be requested from the FCO Service Desk via frontoffice.fco@vu.nl. The Service Desk employee checks whether the request complies with the rules of the game and checks with the Security department whether additional safety measures are required. This department provides extra supervision during the activity if necessary.
If the activity fulfils the conditions, the applicant can run the event (or have it run). This is done by the faculty or department itself, in cooperation with FCO for matters such as catering, logistics, audiovisual resources and security. See Organising an event.
Fun activities and/or flyering in public areas?
Would you like to organise an activity, flyer or otherwise draw attention to your business? This is only allowed under strict conditions. Contact the FCO Service Desk, they will be happy to help you. See also Promotional activities.
Rules for using public areas in buildings and/or on campus plaza
- Events, promotional activities and expressions are not contrary to VU Amsterdam's objectives and principles in terms of objective and content.
- No events, promotional activities or expressions are organised/shown whose content is competitive with VU Amsterdam's own educational programmes.
- No activities/expressions will take place with a religious purpose without debate or open dialogue or from one political party.
- Texts and images are ethical and non-discriminatory.
- The announcement/message is not dominated by advertising.
- No sales activities for profit take place.
- The content of expressions is reviewed by the FCO Service Desk for commercial expressions and VU Amsterdam's principles.
- Flyering on the landings, at building entrances and in the main hall of the Main Building is only permitted if permission has been requested via the FCO Service Desk.
- Textual messages are offered in both Dutch and English.
- There is no noise pollution. The maximum noise level is 65 dB(A).
- No amplified musical instruments, percussion and wind instruments will be used until 19:30.
- No cash transactions will be used. Payment is only possible via pin or Tikkie.
- Arrangements must not conflict with art present; sightlines must not be blocked. Damage to art must be prevented, including during set-up and take-down.
- Smoke, open fire and cooking (candles, tea lights, gas burners, etc.) are prohibited due to safety regulations.
- Fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and dry risers must be visible and accessible.
- Escape routes and (emergency) exits must be kept clear and markings must be visible.
- At the end of the activity, the site must be left tidy and neat.
- FCO is assigned one contact person from the applicant.
- When making a reservation request, the FCO Service Desk will check the availability of rooms, event or exhibition spaces. The Organising an Event - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam page helps you organise any event.