Inside the Faculty Council with Casper Gilsing
What’s it like being a student member on the Faculty Council and why should students get involved? Casper Gilsing, a student member since September 2025, shares his experiences: ‘Making the faculty and university more democratic is really important.’
What can the Faculty Council do for students?
'The Faculty Council represents the interests of staff and students and meets to discuss important decisions. It gives advice on various topics that directly affect students, such as exam times and policy on using AI.
In addition, the Faculty Council ensures that students can influence decisions made by the Faculty Board and staff. The student members add the voice of students to discussions and help assess whether plans are realistic and fair for students. So, students have an active say in policies that directly affect them.'
How are Faculty Council meetings organised?
'A meeting of the Faculty Council usually consists of two moments. First, there’s a preliminary meeting – often on Thursdays – when Council members go through the documents sent to them in advance and voice their opinions without the Faculty Board being present. This meeting serves as preparation for the official meeting, when specific questions are raised.
The official meeting is usually on Mondays in the Academy Building. Then, in addition to staff and student members, the Faculty Board is also present and any necessary extra information is provided. There’s room for questions at the start of the meeting and then the Faculty Council goes through the agenda.'
Faculty Council
The Faculty Council (FR) is the representative body at the faculty and plays an intermediate role between the various sections at the faculty. It aims to provide a representative body of students and staff who can participate in discussions, offer advice, and influence policy at the faculty. The Council has rights of approval and advisory authority on a wide range of matters within the faculty, such as items on the budget, the Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER), as well as other policy proposals.
Members of the Faculty Council are elected during annual elections as representatives of the students and staff, and act as a sounding board for the Faculty Board. Student representatives are elected for one year; staff representatives for two years. The Faculty Council meets with the Faculty Board every six weeks.
How do you prepare for meetings?
‘I mainly prepare by reading the documents shared with us in advance. Since I’m a one-man faction on the Council, I sometimes have to make choices as to what to read if there are lots of documents, but it’s perfectly doable. After reading up on the topics, it’s important to ask yourself: what do you think of the proposals and what are your questions? You note them down or keep them in mind to bring up at the preliminary consultation or the official meeting. You also think about which topics are particularly relevant for students and where you need to pay extra attention. You can then think along with the other members and talk about the issues that really matter.’
Why is it important for students to join the Faculty Council?
‘Making the faculty and the university more democratic is really important. When students are part of the Council, their interests are better represented and they have a greater say in decision-making. Students can help shape decisions that affect them directly, like policies on exam review sessions. The more students get involved – by voting or joining the Council themselves – the better the Council reflects our student community. That makes decision-making not only fairer, but also more representative.’
Why do you recommend students stand for election?
'It’s a really worthwhile experience – you’re in a professional setting where you can develop a range of skills. It doesn't take much time, but you get a lot in return. You learn how the faculty operates, take part in decision-making, and feel more connected to the faculty. It’s also great socially: as part of a student party, you meet new people and expand your network.'
Dates for 2026 Faculty Council elections
This year, elections will be held for student members on the Faculty Council. The most important dates to note are:
| 14 and 15 April | Deadline for students to apply through their party |
| 18 to 21 May | Elections |
| 22 May | Election results |
Questions
If you have any questions or comments, or you’d like to meet a member of the Faculty Council, please send an email to faculteitsraad@law.leidenuniv.nl