Co-governance at Vocational Schools

Vocational education institutions (mbo) have a structure of separate councils, where the Student Council (SR) is the central body that represents the interests of all students at the institution to the Executive Board (CvB). It is your official channel for communication with the Executive Board (CvB) of, for example, Alfa College, Noorderpoort, or Terra MBO.

The Student Body: the Student Council (SR)

Component Details
Composition
Consists exclusively of students who are appointed through elections or selection. The size varies per institution.
Interlocutor
The Executive Board (CvB) of the institution.
Task
Decentralized representation
Decentralized representation
Although the SR is the central body, it often has decentralized representatives or structures at the various locations or schools (e.g., the various locations of Noorderpoort in Groningen or Assen).

The Employee Body: the Works Council (OR)

Component Details
Composition
Consists exclusively of staff members of the institution.
Task
Deals with matters that concern employees, such as working conditions, personnel policy, and reorganizations.
Joint consultation
Certain topics that directly affect both staff and students (such as the main points of the budget and the Co-governance Statute) require joint consultation between the SR and OR.

Your rights: Consent and Advice

Right Explanation
Right of consent (SR)
The Executive Board may not make any decisions without the approval of the Student Council on the following crucial matters:
  • The Student Charter (the rights and obligations of students).
  • The house rules for students.
  • The policy for admission, suspension, and expulsion.
  • The voluntary contribution made by students or parents and how it is spent.
Right of consultation (SR)
The Executive Board must consult the Student Council on important proposed decisions, including:
  • The budget outline of the institution.
  • The policy regarding quality assurance.
  • The range of courses and new educational structures.
  • Facilities for students.
Right of information and initiative
The Student Council is entitled to all relevant information from the Executive Board and may make unsolicited proposals to improve education and the position of students.

Did you know?

  • The Executive Board is legally obliged to provide the student council with sufficient time, facilities, and training to enable them to do their work properly? This means that SR members are entitled to training to enable them to perform their role effectively.
  • The GSb advises vocational students on their rights and on strengthening their student council?
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