Importance of University Elections emphasized

Between 18 and 24 May 2016, elections will be held at the University of Groningen for the student sections of the University Council (UR) and the various Faculty Councils. A high turnout is crucial. The turnout in the previous UR elections was 31.7%. At the initiative of the University Council, under the motto ‘Denk mee! Doe mee! Stem mee!’ (Collaborate! Participate! Vote!), a video animation has been made to focus even greater attention on the upcoming elections. In addition, the student parties will be organizing a number of election meetings and debates.

Election meetings

A debate evening will be held on 17 May, the evening before the elections begin. The evening will kick off with a section for Dutch students, followed by one for international students, and will involve the parties defending statements against one another.

Great importance of participation

Participation councils are of great importance. They have the right of consent in numerous areas which are important to students and staff, including but certainly not limited to the budget, plans for the future and various student facilities. They also have the right to prior consultation and and right of initiative. The latter allows students and staff to propose ideas which they believe could bring about important changes within the University.

Elections for the student section only

The 2016 University elections are for the student sections only, as the term in office for these is one year. These sections represent students, including scholarship PhD students. The members of the staff section sit on the council for two years, meaning staff vote in University elections every other year.

Electronic voting

Eligible electors can cast their vote between 9 a.m. on Wednesday 18 May and 5 p.m. on Tuesday 24 May.

Announcement of results

The election results will be announced at 5 p.m. on Wednesday 25 May in the Bruinszaal, Academy Building, Broerstraat 5, Groningen.

More information

·         UG webpage about the 2016 University elections .

·         Nadine van Merode (student member, University Council), tel. +31 (0)6 31267959