How does the University of Groningen ensure that introduction periods take place as safely and responsibly as possible?

The University of Groningen considers it of great importance that new students can enjoy an educational and fun introduction period that takes place in a safe and responsible manner. Unfortunately, in the past excesses have occurred in which the safety or health of new students was threatened.

This led to the foundation of the Advisory Committee for Introduction periods and Incidents (ACII) in 1998. ACII is a joint committee of the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences. It advises the organizations involved, e.g. the 'KEI week', student associations and study associations, on their introduction programmes.

ACII annually assesses the introduction programmes of the parties involved and provides them with advice. Particular attention will be paid to the safety aspects:

• the number of consecutive nightly hours set aside to sleep in,
• the number of supervisors that must be present during excursions or events,
• rules to prevent alcohol abuse.

In Groningen ACII's advisory task is considered satisfactory; there is mutual confidence. In the past few years the quality of the safety manuals has improved as well as risk awareness and the responsibilities of societies and clubs concerning the introduction activities for new students.