23 years at home at the Faculty of Law

After secondary school in Belgim, she was looking for something entirely different. “I wanted to learn new things, something that truly interested me, not a prescribed curriculum.” Her interest in European politics, languages and history brought her to Maastricht, where she was first introduced to problem-based learning during an open day. “The educational system appealed to me enormously: short teaching blocks, small tutorial groups, and a problem-based, practice-oriented approach. I was immediately sold!” she adds with a laugh. “My mother found it terribly dull and didn’t agree with my choice, but my decision was made: I was going to study European Law School.”

The transition to a Dutch university also meant a cultural shift. “For the first time, my opinion was asked for. In fact, it was expected that you had one.” What began as a small culture shock quickly became a liberating experience. She came from a strict Catholic secondary school, where independence and participation were less common. “As a student, I really appreciated that you could simply approach any lecturer or staff member, email them, or drop by their office. I often knew them only by their first name.” As she describes it, it was “a breath of fresh air to think critically and search for solutions independently.” She looks back fondly: “I truly enjoyed my student days. I had to work hard, but I did it with great enthusiasm!”

Dutch directness also left an impression, sometimes quite literally. With a smile, she recalls how she managed to improve her exam grade after speaking with two lecturers. “Apparently, I hadn’t received all the points for listing the Kelderluik criteria.” What followed was a small but memorable scene: a conversation in a room filled with cigarette smoke. After a brief discussion, she made her case successfully. “One point higher and a lesson in assertiveness.”

From student to lecturer

After graduating, she found her way into the faculty more or less by chance. On the advice of her internship supervisor, Prof. dr Aalt-Willem Heringa, she submitted an open application to the Public Law department. “I had never really thought teaching would be for me.” Nevertheless, she was invited for an interview and started as a lecturer in October 2003. She taught tutorial groups for first-year students, but also for part-time students, professionals combining work and study, often around twenty years older than she was. “That was quite a challenge.” The group was critical and initially somewhat sceptical. “It took quite a bit of energy to win them over.” Yet this is precisely what made it valuable: “They really challenged me as a lecturer. It was intensive, but incredibly educational.” The transition from student to staff member was surprisingly smooth and natural. She was warmly welcomed and well supported by colleagues and quickly felt at home. “I have always felt welcome and valued.” 

Substantively, she could rely on the guidance of more experienced lecturers. During teaching meetings, they shared anecdotes, tips and best practices; knowledge she eagerly absorbed and applied as a young lecturer. Outside those moments, she also learned a great deal from colleagues: by observing tutorial groups and receiving feedback on her own teaching. Between teaching sessions, there was also room for informal moments. Her attic office became a place to catch her breath and exchange experiences with colleagues. This combination of professional guidance and collegiality has remained defining for her. “Whether I worked as a lecturer, at Marketing & Communications (M&C), or now at LAW.next, I have always had wonderful colleagues, colleagues who also became friends. Without a doubt, that is the most important reason why I have enjoyed working here for 23 years.”

Proud of the faculty

Over the years, she has seen the faculty change, and at times, not change. “It is an organisation that respects tradition; change does not always happen quickly.” Yet the COVID-19 pandemic revealed another side. “Suddenly, everything became possible. Online teaching, working from home, it happened incredibly fast. That was impressive.” Her conclusion is clear: “When necessary, we can achieve a great deal, without the usual ‘UM way’.”

After three years as a lecturer, Katrien moved into a different role within the faculty. She joined the student information department, now M&C. During that time, she saw the faculty from a new perspective. “When I started as a student adviser, later as a communications adviser, internationalisation was the key objective.”

According to her, that international orientation remains one of the faculty’s greatest strengths. “You study here with people from across Europe and beyond. It really broadens your perspective.” At the same time, she emphasises: “We are a relatively young university, but we have built a strong reputation in a short time. As pioneers in problem-based learning, we have inspired other institutions.” The combination with an international environment makes the difference. “Our location, close to the borders with Belgium and Germany, allows us to attract students and staff from everywhere. That diversity makes us unique, and something we should be proud of, and continue to be.”

Lifelong learning

She now works as a communications adviser at LAW.next, the faculty’s institute for post-academic legal education, where she focuses on the further development of professionals and strengthening connections with alumni. From that role, she also looks ahead. “I hope our student and staff population remains as diverse as it is now.” At the same time, she stresses the importance of continued connection. “Your story as a student doesn’t have to end after graduation. We still have a lot to offer each other.”

In her view, ties with alumni can be strengthened further: “The experience of legal professionals is incredibly valuable for our academics. That exchange between practice and research can grow even more.” Through its post-academic education, the faculty actively contributes to this. “Lifelong learning does not stop after graduation, and as a faculty we can continue to play a role in that.” A message that perfectly reflects 45 years of the Faculty of Law: a community that continues to connect, long after graduation.


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