In this update, we share more information about the student elections, progress on the regulations, and the opportunity to register for the listening sessions.
As promised in previous communications, we are informing VU students and staff about the progress of developments relating to the strengthening of social safety and the team established for this purpose.
Student council elections
On 23 March, the Electoral Committee formally approved the final candidate lists. A total of 70 students have put themselves forward for the elections to the University Student Council (USR) and the Faculty Student Councils (FSR).
The candidates have now met with both the Electoral Committee and the project leads appointed by VU to coordinate the campaign and promotional period. During these meetings, the behavioural guidelines and facilities provided by VU were discussed to help ensure that the election period is as positive and constructive as possible for everyone. The student council elections will take place from 13 to 17 April 2026.
Listening sessions with students
The first invitations for the listening sessions were sent in week 12 to various student organisations and student representatives. Student groups who have not been approached directly but who would like to take part are welcome to register via the sign-up form.
The listening sessions will be scheduled in the coming period in consultation with the groups involved. The aim is to gain a clearer understanding of how students experience social safety on campus: where concerns lie, what is not working well, and what could be improved. The sessions are explicitly intended to gather experiences and perspectives; they are not debates, nor are they spaces to resolve individual cases.
The team facilitating the listening sessions consists of colleagues from the Social Safety policy team, the VU Dialogue Network, and facilitators from the Centre for Teaching & Learning. Additional information and Q&As for participants and other interested parties are being prepared in the background.
Updating regulations
Work is underway on the Student Charter, including the house rules and the electoral regulations for the student elections. Insights and recommendations from the listening sessions and the upcoming student council elections will be incorporated. The intention is to present the revised regulations to the participation bodies before the summer of 2026.
The use of the StudentD0k
On 17 March, SOZ met with several representatives of student organisations that use the StudentD0k. The discussion focused on what is currently at play within the StudentD0k community and what will be needed in the coming period. One of the agreements made was that no campaign activities for the student council elections will take place from the StudentD0k. Alternative spaces in the Main Building have been made available for this purpose. The project leaders for the elections were present for this meeting with the student organisations.
Communications
The next update will be published on 17 April on the VU website.
Earlier communication: