Marie Kolbenstetter shares why it is worth running for the Faculty or University Council
As the election period approaches, we asked Marie Kolbenstetter, PhD candidate at the Faculty of Archaeology and current member of the University Council, to reflect on her experiences in both the Faculty Council and the University Council. Her insights offer a candid look at what participation means and why it matters.
From Faculty Council to University Council
Kolbenstetter first joined the Faculty Council with a clear motivation, though she quickly discovered that some issues extend far beyond the faculty level. ‘When I proposed myself as a candidate for the Faculty Council, I had a somewhat misplaced idea of how much policy was actually in the hands of individual faculties. I was confronted several times with issues that were out of our and the board’s hands.’
This realisation eventually led her to the University Council, especially given her portfolio on PhD and Postdoc affairs. ‘For certain issues you simply have to address them centrally. Not because they are problems within the Faculty, but because they affect the entire University.’
Why the Faculty Council still matters
Despite the shift in scale, Kolbenstetter remains a strong advocate for the Faculty Council. ‘Most people only see the results of decisions, not the deliberations behind them. Being part of the Faculty Council is a very enriching experience. You still have impact, just in a more localised way.’
She emphasises that the two councils are deeply interconnected. ‘Faculty and University Councils are not independent of each other. It’s about the two organs working well together and addressing things at different scales.’
Patience and persistence
Marie describes her 1.5 years in the University Council as a lesson in patience and persistence. ‘The University Council is a good example of Dutch slow democracy, emphasis on slow. Some dossiers take two years. It can be frustrating, but it’s also a sign that co‑participation is working.’
Even so, she sees clear progress, especially in the relationship between the councils and the Executive Board. ‘It’s all about building relationships and learning to meet each other halfway.’
Impact
Kolbenstetter highlights several areas where the University Council has made tangible improvements. ‘We’ve been able to bring PhD and Postdoc issues into about half of the dossiers we dealt with, especially regarding social safety. We successfully raised PhD awareness and contributed to the modification of the registration protocol, allowing students to take exams even if there were issues with signing up.’
Academic citizenship
For Kolbenstetter, being part of University governance is not just a role: it’s a form of academic citizenship. ‘If you are a member of a community, it’s valuable to understand the processes that underlie its formation and maintenance. Just like in society, good citizenship depends on how well you are informed and how much you participate.’
She also stresses the importance of representation from smaller faculties. ‘We are the smallest Faculty, and often not represented in the University Council. To my knowledge, I was the first member of the UR coming from Archaeology. It is valuable to have people from smaller Faculties at the table.’
Considering running?
Kolbenstetter encourages colleagues and fellow PhD candidates to consider standing for election, not least because the university recognises the time commitment. ‘People are compensated for their time. There are different models: service hours, extensions, replacements. For people in my position, that’s quite important.’
And beyond the practicalities, the experience itself is deeply rewarding. ‘In general, people underestimate how much influence you can have on how we do things.’
How to run for the Faculty and University Councils
Are you interested in a council position? Apply on April 14 or 15 by completing the application form. Signing is not necessary, but the form must be sent by uMail (students) or work email (ULCN). Five voters must also support the nomination.
Aside from the Faculty Council, you may also run for candidacy in the University Council. For this, it is recommended to join one of the staff parties or student parties.
If you would like more information about co-participation and the elections, visit the university elections website.