Filing an objection

In some cases, such as with issues regarding admission, registration or applicable tuition fees, it is not possible to file an appeal if you disagree with a written decision that was made by a body of the university, such as the Executive Board (EB). In such cases, you can file an objection.

How and where to file?

You can file an objection with the Complaints Service Point (CSP). The objection must be filed within six weeks of the date on which the decision was issued. The CSP will pass your objection on to the Advisory Committee for Student Affairs (AC) who will process your objection on behalf of the EB.

See the step-by-step plan for filing an objection, appeal or complaint

Complaints Service Point

complaintsservice[at]maastrichtuniversity[dot]nl

What happens after filing your objection?

Once you have filed an objection with Maastricht University (UM), you are involved in a legal proceeding to which parts of the Algemene wet bestuursrecht (Abw - Dutch general administrative law) apply. You can read about what to expect below.

Confirmation of Receipt

After you have submitted your objection, the Complaints Service Point (CSP) will send you a confirmation of receipt by email as soon as possible. They will then forward pass your objection to the AC. You will receive a separate confirmation of receipt by email from the AC.

Amicable settlement?

The AC will pass your objection onto the department that made the written decision you are contesting and will request this department to review whether the objection warrants reconsideration of its decision or a possible amicable settlement. Please be aware that the department in question will likely contact you via email or phone to discuss your objection.

Hearing

If an amicable settlement is not possible, the AC will invite you by email for a hearing. You will receive UM's written response to your objection from the AC before the hearing, so you can respond to it during the hearing. A representative from UM will also be invited to the hearing.

The AC consists of three members: an external chair, a UM employee, and a UM student. In addition, a secretary assists the AC. The goal of the hearing is to allow the AC to acquire all the information that is required to provide the EB with sound advice concerning your objection.

In light of the Awb, hearings will generally be conducted in Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch, you can bring someone who does. Although you are allowed to bring a professional interpreter, you can also bring a non-professional. If you cannot arrange for a Dutch speaker to accompany you to the hearing, you can request that the hearing be conducted in English. You can direct your request to the secretary of the AC. Make sure you make your request in a timely manner. The chair of the AC will decide whether your request can be granted.

Advice and decision concerning your objection

Based on the documents that were presented by both parties as well as the information that was gathered during the hearing, the AC will advise the EB. The EB will make the final decision regarding your objection, taking into account the advice received from the AC. The decision will be ‘founded’, ‘unfounded’ or ‘inadmissible’.

Powers of the AC

The powers of the AC and the grounds on which the appeal can be filed are laid down in articles 7.63a and 7.63b of the Dutch Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (WHW). You can also read more about it in Chapter 8 of the Student Charter.

Timeframe of objection procedure

The EB’s decision should be made within 10 weeks after the UM has received your objection.

Appeal against the decision

If you do not agree with the decision that was made by the EB concerning your objection, you can file an appeal with the College van Beroep voor het Hoger Onderwijs (CBHO) in The Hague. Your appeal should be sent to the CBHO within six weeks of the date on which the EB’s decision was issued. Please be aware that there are costs involved with initiating an appeal with the CBHO. Visit the CBHO’s website for contact details and more information on the procedure.

Rules of Procedure Advisory Committee for Student Affairs (GC)
Student Charter (Chapter 8)