Anka Mulder looks ahead: ‘Students are truly Saxion’s greatest asset’
There are no oliebollen left, the Christmas tree has been taken down and lectures have started up again. That can only mean one thing: the new year has arrived. Looking ahead, Anka Mulder, President of the Executive Board hopes that students’ interests will come first in 2022.
"The most important thing to look forward to, as far as I’m concerned is actually close by, I’m referring of course to the complete reopening of higher education. Practical classes and exams are still taking place on location and students who have trouble studying at home can come to Saxion, but many classes are online. We can’t wait until the university is completely open again, so that all of you can once again make the most of all the opportunities on offer in education: internships, graduation projects and collaborating on assignments. But in particular that you can see each other again and look one another in the eye. Basically, that you can meet each other again. Everyone is longing for this. And I’m also pleased by the reports that the Cabinet is expected to announce that education can be open again.
At the opening of the academic year, I mentioned that we must make our circle of influence as large as possible. But how do you do that as a student? When I studied there was no corona, so I find it difficult to answer that question. I think many students know how they can best do that themselves. What I really want to share is that: your time is definitely going to come. And if you think that you’re not managing, then please get in touch.
I endorse this letter as board member of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, as President of the Saxion Executive Board, and also as a mother.
I’m also starting to think that when it comes to such things as coronavirus measures, students should be given more space. I want your interests to be put first now. I’ve already done so many fantastic things and been to all those student parties.
The new cabinet was sworn in last Monday and Robbert Dijkgraaf, who was appointed as new Minister of Education, Culture and Science, talked directly with our students on Wednesday. What do I expect of him? I’m expecting him to give student welfare high priority. The Netherlands Psychiatric Association sent a letter to the Cabinet and the Outbreak Management Team on behalf of all colleges, universities of applied sciences and universities this week. In it, they stated how important it is for students to be able to return to school after such a long time. I endorse this letter as board member of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, as President of the Saxion Executive Board, and also as a mother.
In any event I’ve made my resolutions for the coming year: ensure that Saxion becomes better known in the outside world and strengthen our network. You can see that we’ve already taken huge steps in this direction, for example, by the fact that we were the first university of applied sciences to receive a digital visit from Minister Dijkgraaf. In the long term, we aim to make a greater contribution to the energy transition, the prevention of corruption in local governance and to stimulating preventive healthcare. We are doing this via research, but also particularly via our students. Because you are truly Saxion’s greatest asset."