While the number of new members dropped at most associations, more new members joined Ceres. Photo Youssef el Khattabi WSR Argo, KSV Franciscus and SSR-W all have a smaller number of first-year members than last year. WSV Ceres is the only large association that has reported a significant increase in new members. One hundred sixty-three new members were inaugurated this year, against “only” 110 last year.
Ceres-president Quirine Kerpen says the increase in new members proves the association is ‘doing well’: ‘We worked hard last year to improve our visibility in Wageningen and beyond, and that has been rewarded. Thanks to our members’ efforts, we managed to convey our enthusiasm and attract many new members.’
SSR-W saw the number of first-year members drop from 118 last year to 83 this year. Chair Matthijs Becks: ‘The number of new members this year is slightly lower than last year, but the group is fun and active, which is really great.’
National trend
Other student cities also report a drop in the number of new members, as shown by data from the National Chamber of Associations. The Chamber indicates that the incoming long-term study fine and shortage of rooms cause the decline. Christel Koning of the Wageningen Chamber of Associations agrees, but she says ‘we shouldn’t complain’: ‘Naturally, some associations are disappointed with the number of new members. However, there were fewer AID participants and fewer Dutch students. All things combined -the long-term study fine, lower grants and other uncertainties – I feel the associations do well to be proud of how they did.’
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| WSR Argo | 155 | 225 | 220 | 200 | 200 |
| KSV Franciscus | 124 | 146 | 118 | 163 | 215 |
| WSV Ceres | 163 | 110 | 115 | 165 | 185 |
| SSR-W | 83 | 118 | 106 | 139 | 173 |
| JV Unitas | 61 | 43 | 71 | 52 | 37 |
| Nji-Sri | 27 | 35 | 46 | 29 | 48 |
| Navigators | 33 | 30 | 30 | 36 | 47 |
