FPN Complaints & Concerns point
At FPN we want to create a safe and inclusive work and study environment. A place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued. Social safety is something that we can only create together. At FPN we are collectively working towards safe learning and working environment, one in which people treat each other with respect and everyone can develop their talents, and where there is room for healthy feedback and critical discussions when necessary.
But when you face situations that are challenging and new to you, you might want to reach out and ask for help. Below you will find the channels available to you at our faculty, and Maastricht University in general.
Who do I contact?
It can be difficult to know where to go with your complaints and concerns. On this webpage you will find resources available to you. Please note: all formal complaints must be submitted via the Complaints Service Point (CSP) for students, and Concerns & Complaints Point (CCP) for staff.
What type of complaint do you have?
We categories 4 types of complaints. Depending on your situation, you can go to different bodies within of outside of our faculty.
Scientific integrity | Social safety | Objection/Appeal (students only) | Other complaints
Scientific integrity
e.g. influencing or misinterpreting research results, fabricating data, plagiarism, not respecting intellectual property, conflict of interest.
Options within FPN
| Students | Academic advisers |
| PhD candidates | PhD Confidential advisers |
| Staff/everyone | FPN complaints committee |
Options outside of FPN
| Everyone | UM confidential advisors on scientific integrity |
Social safety
e.g. (sexual) harassment, aggression or violence, bullying, intimidation, discrimination or abuse of power
Options within FPN
| Students | Academic advisers |
| PhD candidates | PhD confidential advisers |
| Staff/everyone | FPN complaints committee |
Options outside of FPN
| Students | UM student confidential advisers |
| PhD Candidates / Staff | Social safety team at the Concerns & Complaints Point (CCP) |
Objection / Appeal (students only)
If you do not agree with a written decision that has been taken by or on behalf of a body of the university, you can file an objection or an appeal (e.g. admission to a bachelor or master programme, a negative study advice or applicable tuition fees).
Options outside of FPN
| Students only | Complaints Service Point (CSP) |
Other complaints
Complaints about the manner in which a representative or body of the Faculty has conducted itself in a specific situation, e.g. complaints from research participants, not meeting agreed upon deadlines / malpractice, labor conflicts.
Options within FPN
| Students | Academic advisers |
| PhD candidates | PhD confidential advisers |
| Staff/everyone | FPN complaints committee |
Options outside of FPN
| Students | Complaints Service Point (CSP) |
| Staff | Confidential advisors and ombuds officer at the Concerns & Complaints Point (CCP) |
Academic advisers
Academic advisers (also called 'study advisers') are - next to your mentor - the first source for information and advice about your studies. They can help you answer questions concerning, among others: study skills, lagging study results, personal circumstances, psychological or physical problems, motivation problems, study choices, (exam) facilities, combining two studies or combining studies with top sports.
But also if you have other questions about your studies, for example about the honours programme, extra electives or maybe a second study, the academic advisers are able to help you look at your options and what would be most advisable.
PhD Confidential advisers
Sjaan Nederkoorn and Caroline van Heugten
If you're a PhD Candidate at FPN and you would like to talk to someone in confidence, you can contact Sjaan Nederkoorn or Caroline van Heugten. They will listen to your concerns and questions, and advise you on the best course of action. Feel free to contact them via the information below.
SjaanCaroline
+31 43 388 1952 | +31 43 388 4213
UNS40, A3.735 | A2.736
Faculty complaints committee
This committee evaluates complaints from persons within and outside of the faculty, filed against staff members, students, or entities within FPN. Complaints about unwanted behaviours (sexual intimidations, aggression, violence, and discrimination) or scientific integrity are the province of other committees within Maastricht University.
In case of a complaint, the committee will first try to negotiate. If this does not result in a solution, the committee will – after hearing the persons involved – present their findings, and potential advice to the dean of the faculty.
Board of Examiners (BoE)
If you have a complaint regarding a decision made by an examiner or by the BoE you can visit the Student Intranet to see how to submit this complaint, within six weeks after the decision has been announced. It is also possible to contact the BoE prior to this. Please note that in cases of a dispute regarding exam results, you will have to attend the Exam Inspection, before you lodge an appeal.
