Student parties, excursions, debates, sports competitions, performances, orientation weeks and participation council meetings are all organised by young board members. Without their efforts, little would happen, the NJR emphasises.
But a new NJR survey shows that 33 percent of organisations have at least one vacant board seat. Ten percent even report two or more unfilled positions.
Affects the society
The NJR has an explanation for the lack of new student administrators. “Given the current levels of financial stress and academic pressure, a board year is simply not feasible for many young people”, says NJR president Lotte Prins.
She argues that this not only affects student life, but also society as a whole: “Board work produces competent administrators and engaged citizens.” The NJR’s press release notes that prospective prime minister Rob Jetten also did board work, as did opposition leader Jesse Klaver.
Take out loans
The NJR conducted a similar survey seven years ago. Although these problems were already noticeable back then, they have since worsened. A comparison between the two studies shows that there is declining enthusiasm for serving on boards.
Sarah Evink, president of the Dutch National Students’ Association (ISO), recognises this trend: “Every year the survival of student organisations hangs in the balance, even though they play such an important role in students’ social lives and mental health.”
ISO raised this issue with the education minister in a letter last August, but has not yet received a response. Evink hopes that the new government will take remedial action.
The NJR reports that while 63 percent of young board members have a part-time job to make ends meet, a large proportion still struggle financially. Many do not receive student representative grants or stipends.
This means that student administrators – who are already more likely to fall behind in their studies – often have to take out higher loans, says ISO president Evink. They also sometimes have to pay tuition fees for courses they are not taking. “It’s high time for a change”, Evink believes. “Tuition-free board years should become the norm, and this important work should be compensated much more generously.”
Promote excellence
The new minority coalition has promised to raise the basic grant for students living away from home. “We will promote excellence and encourage students to make the most of their studies”, the parties write in their coalition agreement. What this will mean for student life remains to be seen.