28 April 2026

Are you interested in topics such as diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, whether in your studies or beyond? Do you have ideas to improve the atmosphere within the student and staff community in the Van Steenis building?

 

Consider applying as student member for the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusivity (DEAI) Committee in 2026/2027!

Aim

The DEAI Committee’s goal is to promote diversity and inclusion among students and staff at the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University. Central to this aim is to support a truly diverse and inclusive community that empowers all students and staff to feel valued, respected and to develop to their full potential. We believe that diversity in people, experiences, and perspectives enriches our education and strengthens our research, and helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.

 

Based on our mission, the DEAI Committee has co-organised several events and facilities over the past academic years, ranging from the ongoing Sexism in Archaeology exhibition to the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms and the improvement of accessible facilities.

 

As the student member, you are expected to:

• Actively participate in the DEAI Committee meetings and provide students’ perspectives in the discussions

• Use expertise from student perspectives to help shape faculty events and policy on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusivity (DEAI).

• Maintain contact with student representatives within the Faculty, in particular with the student assessor.

• You will also have the opportunity to directly influence faculty policy and initiatives.

Time commitment

The committee meets circa 6 times per year to discuss and coordinate policies and events. The committee also maintains regular contact with the Faculty Board.

 

The committee consists of representatives from the Faculty community, currently including:

• Sofía Espinoza Gutiérrez (student)

• Miyuki Kerkhof (PhD-candidate)

• Sarah Schrader (chair; staff)

• Ian Simpson (staff)

• Vincent Wolters (secretary; HR)

• Lychinta Zichem (staff)

 

We especially encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Interested?

Apply by sending a motivation letter and CV (max. 1 A4) to diversity@arch.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the current DEAI Committee’s student member,

Sofía Espinoza (s.p.espinoza.gutierrez@umail.leidenuniv.nl) or take a look at the DEAI Committee website. The application deadline is May 14th 2026. An interview may follow in the second half of May.