OmniUM is for everyone
As an international and diverse university where everyone is welcome, Maastricht University considers it its responsibility to demonstrate that it is possible to engage in conversation in a respectful and humane way. Especially at a university, there should be room for different perspectives, but in an open and respectful dialogue.
It was therefore decided at the beginning of 2024 to establish a UM-wide dialogue platform where there is room for meaningful social conversations: OmniUM. The name OmniUM means 'of all' in Latin. OmniUM offers both students and staff the opportunity to discuss ideas on relevant social issues. It is then up to the students and staff themselves to further develop these social issues into constructive sessions. These sessions can take various forms, but the key is to provide participants with sufficient space to reflect and engage in conversation. For example, think of dialogue sessions, panel discussions, interviews, or debates.
Since the start of the academic year, two OmniUM events have already taken place. The first event, a debate with the theme 'raise your voice', was held in September and focused on students. The main aim of this session was to bring attention to relevant social issues affecting students. During the session, students were challenged to share ideas and views and put them up for discussion. The students then interacted with each other in different ways under the guidance of an OmniUM guide.
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The latest edition of OmniUM took place on 1 October. The Diversity & Inclusivity Office organised a Keti Koti Dialogue Table in collaboration with the Keti Koti Table Foundation. During this evening, students and staff from various backgrounds were invited to reflect on the contemporary impact of the Dutch history of slavery. The aim of this structured dialogue table was to share different personal experiences and insights on racism, discrimination, and exclusion in a constructive way, following a specially developed method of alternating speaking, listening, silence, and reflection.
Throughout the year, OmniUM will facilitate more sessions. Would you like to suggest an agenda item? Or do you need advice? Please send an email to omnium-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Text: Sanne Handels
Photos: Philip Driessen
The photos were taken during the ‘raise your voice’ debate.
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