Evaluation of decision-making process for Yantai project completed

On 16 October 2019, the Board of the University of Groningen (UG) appointed the UG Yantai evaluation committee, comprising R. (Roel) Bekker (chair) and Dr H.P.M. (Bert) Kreemers (secretary). The committee was appointed to evaluate the decision-making process surrounding the plan to establish a branch campus in Yantai, China. The committee has now submitted its final report and presented it to the President of the Board of the University, Prof. Jouke de Vries.

The report contains an elaborate description and evaluation of the plans that were established in 2015 and terminated in 2018. In addition, the committee has made several recommendations.

President Jouke de Vries: "I have read the report with considerable interest. It is a thorough and extensive analysis of the conceptual stage of the plan, its elaboration and the decision-making process. All aspects and parties involved ( Board of the University, University Council, faculties, Supervisory Board) have been taken into consideration. The committee has held discussions with the various parties and representatives involved and has requested and analysed much information.

The Board of the University agrees with the conclusions and has discussed the recommendations of the committee. Some of the recommendations contain useful advice that we are able to use in establishing our new Strategic Plan and the ‘University of the North’ project. The committee has also advised the University community to put an end to discussions around the Yantai situation. The University of Groningen has enough new challenges on its plate as it is.
On behalf of the Board of the University, I would very much like to thank Roel Bekker and Bert Kreemers for their efforts."

• Letter of the committee (Dutch only)
• Final Report (Dutch only)
• Chapter 1 of the report (English)
• Chapter 7 of the report (English)