Enough computers for everyone
Harm Ligtenberg (21), CSF (Christian Student Party)
‘There is talk of a new policy in which everyone will bring their own laptops to campus: Bring your own device. That is something I am very critical of and which I would want to oppose. I don’t have a portable device myself and there are others in the same boat. There just should be enough computers for people to work on. I don’t think it’s a good idea to let students bear the financial consequences of growth. After three years in Wageningen I know what it is like to be a student here and what problems people run up against. Now I can start making an active contribution to policy.’
Less stress, more integration
Yichun Zhou (23), S&I (Sustainability & Internationalization)
‘With S&I, I want to improve sustainability. Not just environmental sustainability but also ‘inner human’ and inter-human sustainability. By inner human sustainability I mean the mental wellness of individuals. There is a lot of stress among students, and we should do something about that. Inter-human sustainability stands for cultural integration, a sustainable student population that helps international students to adapt and settle faster and better in Wageningen. There is a housing shortage and there are not enough places to study. Students wonder why the university keeps accepting so many new students while there is already a shortage of space for them now. If I’m elected, my main concerns will be the quality of student life and of the university.’
Preserve the small-scale ambience
Sophie Kuijten (21), VeSte (United Students)
‘One of my priorities is to preserve the small-scale ambience and the quality of the education. There must be enough teachers for the number of students. VeSte stands for the broad development of students: they need to be able to develop themselves outside the classroom as well. Since the loan system was introduced, students have started thinking twice before they commit themselves to a committee or a board. We want to motivate them to keep on doing those kinds of things. You learn such a lot from it: working in a professional environment, speaking in public, and so on. You benefit from that for the rest of your life.’