NovUM University Council

Andrew William Scrivener

I've been a member of the University Council for 2 years, but I'm not done yet. This year I want to improve your life through 3 vital changes:

1. Make the cafeteria food cheaper by getting UM to subsidize our Mensa's.

2. Provide free Dutch-Classes until level B2 to promote integration for voluntary international students.

3. Create a new office space for Student Associations where each association has it's own room and storage space, and where common spaces can be used for events.

Shari Celma Crespi

After being in the University Council for 1 year, I want to keep fighting for the student community. This year, I have clear priorities:

1. Halt or freeze all partnerships with institutions that collaborate in violating human rights. 

2. Ensure sustainable and livable campuses by providing accessible rates for the university's facilities (UMSports) and committing to the 2030 carbon-neutral goals.

3. No expensive food for students! We must have subsidised Mensas that cater to all dietary options. 

4. Survivor-friendly social safety. Our programs must always protect the mental health of survivors in the audience, making them feel safe and heard. 

Matthieu Marienbach

Forging a university that stands taller

• Human rights first. Freeze partnerships that breach UM’s values and human-rights obligations.
• Audit every tonne, every euro. Transparent UM2030 sustainability metrics, never buried in unread PDFs.
• Bridge the Maas between us. Foster genuine connections between Dutch and Internationals. 
• Campus spaces as catalysts for community. Green spaces, common rooms and a student-run hub that powers the UM community.
• Teaching beyond slogans. Give coordinators the resources to turn around poorly reviewed courses across all faculties. And defend our humanities!
• Unwavering social safety. World-class prevention workshops (mandatory), zero-tolerance policies and support every survivor until our campus is truly safe.

Sophie Wucherer

Let’s make student life healthier, more connected, and more supportive!

What I stand for: 

• Free Coursera access to enrich learning
• Affordable cafeteria food to support well-being
• AI literacy workshops to prepare for the future 
• Community events to connect our diverse student body
• A Canvas hub for internships and scholarships

Roos Goorman

Wellbeing No.1
How can you focus on your studies if your basic needs aren’t met? NovUM fights for affordable housing, lower cafeteria costs, and better mental health services at UM. Your wellbeing = our priority.

Accessible Education for All
Have you ever needed support in your studies but didn’t know where – or how – to ask? NovUM advocates for a university that supports every student. We push for stronger mental health services and better visibility of UM’s existing resources.

1 University, 1 Community
We aim to bridge the gap between Dutch and international students and build a united community at UM.

Cecilia Salomoni

Let’s make student life simpler, more accessible and connected through stronger support and better communication!

This is how we can achieve it:

• On-campus support with study advisors and mental health experts to improve students    well-being.
• More affordable language courses to improve integration and accessible education.
• Creating a live chat with staff members to make communication with students faster and easier.
• Larger variety and attention for those with special dietary needs, starting with more gluten-free and vegan options.

Karina Meyer

Let's build a UM that supports our ambitions and leaves a positive impact.

1. Career and Entrepreneurship for All  

Push for job fairs and career support to include all faculties, and create a shared space for student associations, start-ups, and entrepreneurs to connect and grow.

2. Dutch Courses for REAL integration 
Expand free Dutch language courses to help more students integrate and succeed in the Dutch job market, especially with growing national language requirements.

3. Student and University Sustainability 
Support UM’s sustainability goals, including becoming a circular university by 2035, while prioritizing student wellbeing as a key part of a sustainable future.

Vincent Bühler

Uniting for Maastricht's research and growth

1. Help students who face financial difficulties access university life without having to choose between education and employment

I will push for more merit- and need-based scholarships, along with flexible work-study opportunities that fit students schedules. 

You are not alone!

I will expand counseling services, especially for students facing isolation, stress, or financial hardship, and introduce peer support groups and stress-relief activities during exams

Counteract the core threat to our identity and unity

work with other universities and policymakers to challenge the 'Internationalisation in Balance Act' and safeguard Maastricht University's research growth and global opportunities ! ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Mauro Cioci

Narmin Gurbanli

Lorenzo Sauty de Chalon

Ersi Retounioti

Let's build a UM that practices what it preaches and supports our well-being and ambitions.

• Halt or freeze all partnerships with stakeholders/ institutions that violate human rights.
  
• Lower food prices in all Mensas, with sustainability and inclusivity considerations implemented.
  
• Free Dutch-learning courses up to B2 level, discounted language learning certificates with revisited re-examination criteria, and UM-led workshops to promote integration.

Francesco Balters

Let’s build a UM that supports students, defends our values, and makes ambition affordable.

• Freeze all partnerships with institutions that violate human rights.

• Free Dutch courses up to B2, with fair exams and better integration support.

• Cheaper, inclusive, and sustainable food in all Mensas.

• Expand job fairs and create shared spaces for students, start-ups, and associations.

• Improve mental health support and real-time communication with staff.