Groningen, June 5, 2025. Student representatives from 8 RUG faculty councils are joining forces against the university’s plans to merge several faculties. With an action and petition, they hope that more attention will be paid to the drastic measures. “Why exactly now?” “We are in a year of budget cuts and political turmoil.” said Jitske Wielers, chair of the Groninger Student Union.
Scattered throughout the city and on campus, a red sticker can be seen on every building this morning. Where Oude Boteringestraat normally reads “religion, culture and society,” there is now a red area with “religion and business.” All the names of faculties are mixed up. It produces puzzled looks.
The action came about in response to a statement drafted by students of the spatial sciences party Pro Geo. This included students from literary, philosophy and religious studies, among others. Today at 11:15 a.m., Pro Geo will hand its letter to Arthur Mol, the former rector of Wageningen appointed to draft a plan for faculty mergers.
In the statement, students explain how the merger detracts from the unique identity of the faculties. “Philosophy and religious studies have existed as long as the RUG itself. In addition, the four faculties are unique in the Netherlands. “The students believe that merging faculties detracts from the specialized study experience and focused support.” The University Board gives the reason that they want to make administration more efficient, but for students, studying will actually become more anonymous and bureaucratic. “In philosophy, I can walk right into the secretariat now,” she said. “With central student support, on the other hand, I always have hassles,” Wielers explains.
After being handed to Mol, the statement will be opened to the general public as a petition. Students and staff will be asked to speak out. In early July, Mol will present his plans to the CvB. Students will also hand over the petition then. Wielers: “Surely I can hope it is clear by now that this is not a good idea, especially not at this time.”
Sign the open letter here: gsb.fyi/sign
