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Former councillor Kim Kuypers: ‘Your input has impact, on the university and on your own faculty.’

It was out of curiosity that dr Kim Kuypers, associate professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, decide to stand for election 11 years ago. First for the Faculty Council, later for the University Council. “It seemed like a great idea to take on an extra challenge alongside my job and make a difference for others.” Eventually, she did the work for many years. “And I still encourage my colleagues to become councillors too,” she says enthusiastically. What makes being a councillor so interesting?

Why did you decide to join the University Council?

‘I’m always looking for new challenges and I was wondering how such a council works. Being a member of the Faculty Council was so much fun. But after a while, I was curious to know it functions on a higher level. At the University Council, a new world opened up to me. The decisions that are made here, also really influence your faculty. Your input really has an impact. 

Besides that, I really enjoyed the fact that in the University Council, you work alongside people from different faculties. Every faculty has its own culture and ways of arranging things. It’s interesting to learn from each other, while representing your own faculty’s interests.’

What did your work for the University Council entail?

‘Councillors meet twice a month. Once a month, you also have a meeting with your own committee, where you discuss the documents in advance in a smaller group. The agenda is shared one week before the meeting, so you have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting. After the meeting with your own committee, there is a communal meeting that all members join.’

Do you also want to make an impact?
Stand for election now!

What kind of successes has your council achieved?

‘What particularly stands out to me is the disability policy. Colleagues from the University Council pursued this matter persistently, ensuring it gained even more attention on the agenda. Additionally, we addressed the issue of workload when discussing new programmes and budgets, for instance. Staff members do not always take their leave hours. I believe it is important for the university to examine why people are not using their leave and whether there is sufficient support available.’

How do you combine the University Council with your other work?

‘For me, it was manageable. You have one day per week to spend on your membership of the University Council. You can decide for yourself when to set aside time for the preparatory work. Your faculty is also compensated for the time you spend on the University Council, allowing them to hire a replacement to cover your hours if needed.’

 

You also had to nominate yourself for the University Council. What was that like?

‘Fortunately, it wasn’t too daunting, even though I don’t see myself as an intense campaigner. I would advise looking into the different lists available and deciding which one you might want to join. The people on that list can certainly give you tips on campaigning. Personally, I mainly let people around me know that I was running and simply asked them if they would vote for me.’

 

Would you recommend others to become councillors?

‘Absolutely! I even actively try to encourage people in my faculty to put themselves forward as candidates. As a council member, you get to know the university better and can also advocate for the interests of your own faculty. Another great aspect is that before you start in the University Council, you attend training days. During these sessions, you learn how the Council operates and what your rights are as a member. It’s a very interesting and valuable experience.’

‘As a council member, you get to know the university better and can also advocate for the interests of your own faculty. Another great aspect is that before you start in the University Council, you attend training days. During these sessions, you learn how the Council operates and what your rights are as a member. It’s a very interesting and valuable experience.’

Kim Kuypers

Put yourself up for election for the University Council

From 10 to 14 March, you can run as an employee candidate for the University Council or for one of the Faculty Councils. What is it like to be a council member as an academic staff member, as a support staff member or as a student? In this series, we give council members the chance to talk about their positions as councillors.

Would you also like to have a say in important policy issues at UM? Then stand for election. Perhaps you’ll become one of the faces in the new University Council.


Text: Romy Veul

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