Asya Bozkurt: ‘I’d like to help create a faculty where students feel heard’
Asya Bozkurt took over the reins as our student assessor in September. She represents students’ interests on the Faculty Board and provides support in various ways. Here, she explains her role and shares her ambitions for the year ahead.
What exactly does the assessor do at the faculty?
‘I represent the student perspective at board meetings. I attend important meetings at the faculty and make sure students’ voices are heard and included in policymaking. The faculty takes many decisions that affect students directly or indirectly. So, I believe it's important that when those decisions are taken, the student perspective is also considered. I’m also the first point of contact for the study associations and I’m in touch with their board members. They’re in close contact with students and are well aware of any issues within the degree programmes. By talking to them, I can respond to signals and ideas from within the student community and discuss them with the Faculty Board. Each year, the assessor also attends the faculty’s complaints committee.’
Why did you apply for the position?
‘I believe students should feel at home at university and have opportunities to make the most of their time here beyond their studies. Being a student is a time to develop academically and personally, build meaningful connections, and play an active role in the university community. Of course, this also requires initiative from students themselves, but the faculty has a role to play too. It should ensure that students have the opportunities and support they need to develop both academically and personally. I’d like to help create a faculty where students feel heard and know where to turn with their questions or concerns. The role of student assessor gives me the opportunity to strengthen the connection between students and the faculty.’
What would you like to achieve this year?
‘My first goal is to raise awareness about the opportunities and support available within Leiden Law School. Lots of activities are organised for students, and there are lots of facilities and resources available, but not every student knows about them or makes use of them. I want to ensure that students are more aware of what's on offer and where they can go for support. In addition, I want to ensure that the student perspective is given due consideration in discussions when it comes to developments in our degree programmes. Teaching and learning are constantly evolving, and during periods of change it’s especially important to keep listening to students. I want to ensure that their needs and concerns are clearly understood and considered in policymaking at the faculty.’
What is the greatest challenge in the year ahead?
‘One of the greatest challenges will be reaching all students. It’s important to me not only to engage with students who are already active in study associations or regularly involved in consultations and committees. The students who are less likely to speak up often have valuable experiences and ideas as well. The challenge is to reach those students as well and ensure that the student perspective is represented as broadly as possible.’
How can students contact you?
‘Students are always welcome to drop by during my consultation hours, every Thursday from 11.00 to 12.00 in room B4.32. You can come to me with questions or ideas about anything going on at the faculty. If you can't come and see me then, or you’d like to discuss something at different moment, please send an email to assessor@law.leidenuniv.nl. You can send me a question or request an appointment. I'd really like to hear about any issues or concerns among students, so do get in touch!’