Groningen, 14 May 2025. The elections for the faculty councils at the University of Groningen (RUG) have begun, and the Groninger Student Union (GSb) is literally kicking off the campaign in motion: with an electric cargo bike, the union is touring various faculties this week to wake up students and call on them to make their voices heard.
With the slogan “In and beyond the faculty,” the GSb is touring the city to draw attention to the importance of strong, critical student representation in faculty councils. The cargo bike, decorated with texts and flags, carries ice creams, coffee, flyers and a healthy dose of political persuasion.
“Many students do not know that their vote in the faculty council has direct influence on education, exam policy, workload and facilities,” says Sietse Vlas, list leader at Faculty of Law. “With this action we want to make clear: your voice counts. Especially now.”
The GSb argues that co-determination at the RUG is under pressure. Student councils get too little space and support to really exert influence, while there is a lot at stake: from unaffordable canteen food to overcrowded lecture halls and extreme mental pressure.
The GSb states that participation at the RUG is under pressure. Student councils get too little space and support to really exert influence, while there is a lot at stake: from unaffordable canteen food to overcrowded lecture halls and extreme mental pressure.
“We want faculty councils that dare to stand up for student interests,” Vlas said. “Who ask questions, make proposals and are not afraid to say ‘no’ to policies that harm students.”
This week, the cargo bike will visit the Zernike Campus, the Harmonie building and the UB, among other places. Students there can talk to GSb candidates for faculty councils and vote immediately via the RUG election website.
The GSb calls on all students: use your right to vote. Not only for yourself, but also for the students who come in the years after you.
