Saxion is taking the same line as other Dutch knowledge institutions and freezing all cooperative partnerships with Russia and Belarus

Saxion together with all other applied universities  is following this advice. 

Anka Mulder, President of the Saxion Executive Board: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine is on all our minds. What is happening there is utterly horrendous, an unimaginable situation that evokes a lot of emotion.  We strongly condemn this invasion and war. This attack affects the fundamental values that let us freely collaborate with other national and international knowledge institutions and is therefore a direct attack on our freedom and democracy. We therefore support the cabinet’s decision and are complying with the minister’s request."

We will investigate further what the decision to freeze cooperative partnerships with Russia and Belarus means for our students, staff and partners.

Support

Students and staff have started various initiatives to help people in the affected areas. "We wholeheartedly support these. We also feel responsible for supporting the students and staff in our international community."

Ukrainian and Russian students may find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the situation. For example, Ukrainian banks have set withdrawal limits and it is now more difficult to transfer money from a Russian bank account to a Dutch one. "We are trying to identify their problems and what we can do to help. Both in terms of emotional and financial needs." The cabinet is making 1 million euros available to contribute to the aid activities of applied universities and universities.

Where can students get answers to their questions?

Saxion is ready to help all students and staff affected by this. We offer them our support in their grief and concerns about what is happening and what this could mean for their friends and family and for their stay in the Netherlands. Students who feel the need to talk to someone about the situation should contact their study career counsellor or one of our student counsellors. If you have any questions please contact the International Office at riskmanagement@saxion.nl