Who are we?

Together with 7 staff members, we form the Faculty Council of Social and Behavioural Sciences. As the student delegation, we come from different programmes within the faculty, ensuring that the various programmes are well represented in the Faculty Council.

What do we do?

About once a month, we meet with the Faculty Board to discuss matters concerning the faculty. The topics we discuss during these meetings are very diverse. For example, we can provide advice on adjustments to the Education and Examination Regulations (OER), or give our consent to the main lines of the faculty budget. But that is not all the Faculty Council does. As the student delegation, we are also closely involved with the different programmes of the faculty. We work together with the Programme Committee groups (OC groups) and the Management Team (MT) members of these programmes in order to stay informed about what is happening and how the programmes can be improved. In addition, as the student delegation we also work on our annual themes, which allow us to set up and realise our own projects.

Do you have any questions or comments for us? Feel free to email us at sw-faculteitsraadstudenten@uu.nl!

Current Members of the Faculty Council

Hii, my name is Eva, a fourth-year Psychology student and the chair of the Faculty Council of Social Sciences.

I’m currently following the minor Governance and Organizational Science as preparation for a Master’s in that field. I’m very interested in how policy choices influence our behaviour and vice versa. This year, I’m focusing on student (mental) health and on promoting inclusivity, for example through policies for students with disabilities. Together with six other student members, I represent the student voice within the Faculty Council.

Are you running into any issues or do you have a good idea? Send us a message — we’d love to hear what’s going on!

Hi! I’m Jelle, a Sociology student, and I will be taking on the role of vice-chair within the Faculty Council.

I have an interest in people, organizations, and everything that comes with them. Over the past few years, I’ve gained a good understanding of the faculty and its needs. I’m especially passionate about student well-being. I want to work towards a positive environment at the university and value open conversations, expecting the same openness and transparency from the faculty towards students. I’m looking forward to representing student interests this year.

Any questions? Feel free to send me an email!

Hi! My name is Victor van Elk, I’m 20 years old, and this year I’ll take on the wonderful role of External Affairs Officer within the Faculty Council.

I’m starting my third year of the Bachelor’s in Sociology and (hopefully) graduating next year. I grew up in The Hague but have now been living in Utrecht for over a year and a half! In my free time, I love making, playing, or listening to music. Last year, I was on the board of my study association, USOCIA. All in all, I’m really looking forward to representing students within the Faculty Council!

Hi! I’m Lysander, and I’m now in the third year of the Bachelor’s in Psychology.

Last year, I was on the board of Alcmaeon, the study association for Psychology, which gave me a broader perspective on what’s going on across the faculty. This year, I’m responsible for PR within the student delegation of the Faculty Council, and I find it very important that both the council and student representation as a whole are visible to students. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Hi! I’m Sophie Besseler, and I study ALPO.

This year, I’m part of the student delegation of the Faculty Council. This means that, together with six other students from Social Sciences, I get to advise the Faculty Board and in this way influence policy. We also collaborate with all the different programme committees, keeping track of what’s happening within the programmes. In addition, we represent student interests on topics that matter to us — such as quality of education, mental well-being, social safety, student facilities, and much more.

Are you running into something this year or would you like to discuss one of these or other topics? Feel free to send me an email or come talk to me!

Fun fact: My secret talent is that I can memorize song lyrics really quickly — and never forget them afterwards.

Hi, my name is Arlo van Laar (He/Him).

I’m 21 years old and study Cultural Anthropology. This year, I’m a member of the Faculty Council of Social Sciences. Last year, I was on the board of my study association, where I discovered my interest in how the faculty operates and my wish to contribute to it. I’m very much looking forward to dedicating myself to students in this role!

I’m Kaan, a Psychology student. As a member of the Faculty Council, I am committed to equal opportunities for all students, so that everyone feels heard and supported within our faculty.