ID 3807
IPOP proposal: quality and quantity of student facilities
By: Student Council
March 11th, 2010
Wageningen University is growing – in student numbers and in its reputation and achievements. It is
maintaining and improving its position amidst the world’s leading universities in its area of expertise.
This IPOP proposal is written to give an overview of the preconditions facilitating the aim of
Wageningen UR for excellence.
Excellence is a ‘people project’ . As the university expands its reputation globally and excels, more
students and staff are attracted to it. Leadership and excellence magnetically attract future researchers
and scientists who first begin as students. Wageningen UR envisions optimal results from students and
outstanding research and development. The diversity and excellence of those who join the
Wageningen UR community contribute to propelling the university forward. Likewise, their experience
in Wageningen is a ‘calling card’ for future students and is essential for the reputation of Wageningen
UR around the globe. The experiences and contentment of students are crucial in maintaining the
accomplished attractiveness of Wageningen University. For these reasons it is necessary to develop a
vision on the contexts for excellence.
Wageningen UR’s goals and aims internationally require careful attention to three spheres in which its
facilities foster optimal results from students towards the aforementioned goals. These are Personal
Wellbeing Sphere and Professional Excellence Sphere and Social Embedding Sphere. These spheres
encompass the personal, profession and intercultural dimensions which are preconditions for study
results.
Personal Wellbeing
This sphere refers to the mental and physical condition of a person and complications leading to
negative consequences on the overall functioning. Optimal development of mental and physical
condition is stimulated by the following services and facilities.
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Mental and physical help: When students encounter problems in taking care of their own
wellbeing, guidance and a helping hand will strengthen students’ own capabilities to sustain
personal wellbeing. Information and easy access prerequisite the use of mental and physical
assistance aiming at recovery.
Sport and recreation: The University Sport Centre de Bongerd provides facilities and services
enhancing health. Maintaining optimal conditions will ensure physical activities and recreation
stimulating personal wellbeing. Variation in sports and recreation opportunities will create
suitable possibilities for all students to remain healthy.
Housing: While Wageningen University chose not to take up the responsibility of building
houses, it facilitates the accountable organizations which implies a vision on the following
points: A home base in Wageningen will serve as an essential element in students’ private,
personal and professional development. With a room in Wageningen emotional and physical
stress can be prevented leading to better study results and increased study completion.
Sufficient rooms in Wageningen will create greater efficiency reducing students’ travel to and
from their hometown to Wageningen University. Working and growing together for
professional excellence - especially in intercultural situations - is best facilitated by the skills
developed by living together. Sufficient and adequate housing in Wageningen will set the
foundation for developing problem solving approaches and t-shaped skills as individuals
interact in the diverse Wageningen community rather than in enclaves outside the city.
Sufficient adequate housing in Wageningen will contribute to building the social activities
around a thriving University. The current situation, the lack of student housing, hinders
students who do not have a room in or around Wageningen to function optimally. The
ambition of Wageningen UR to gain excellence, needs the additional pursuit of facilitation of
students facilities including housing.
Professional Excellence
One of the main spearheads of Wageningen UR aims at excellent and professional educational results.
A supportive context and educational assistance will facilitate this spearhead of Wageningen University.
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Educational facilities: A stimulating environment and adequate facilities will enhance
the progress for excellent results. Facilities in the domains of study places, ICT services,
atmosphere and good guidance are crucial elements for students to study.
Study and careers service: The University encourages students to follow courses, do
an internship or thesis (partly) abroad. Comprehensive information on all possibilities
including scholarships, information on related universities, on research institutes and
companies, and assistance in arranging external educational visits will elevate the
number of students gaining experiences and knowledge abroad. In addition support
insights and training for finding suitable employment after graduation will ensure that
Wageningen students employ distinguished prominent jobs.
Social Embedding
Wageningen is known for its personal and intimate internal network. The social, intercultural
environment and cohesion make it possible for a student to develop optimally.
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Eating facilities: Wageningen has very few facilities for students to eat relatively cheap food in
a setting where students can easily meet each other. Facilitating cheap, healthy meals which
are not found in the city center or within the university, will enhance the social environment
and cohesion important in respect to the growing number of students. Should there be a
proven need, it will be essential to develop a vision
Social associations: In Wageningen, especially student associations and study associations take
up the responsibility to create an pleasant social setting in addition to the educational setting.
Supporting students who run the associations will stimulate the growth of Wageningen
University and stimulate that this – rather than the pursuit of external resources continue to be
the core business.
The aforementioned outlines basic spheres functioning as preconditions for students to develop and
study at Wageningen University and it is essential that these student facilities are assured in quality
and quantity in parallel development of the increasing number of students. The reputation of
Wageningen UR is also depending on the contentment within the organization, therefore it is in
Wageningen UR’s highest interest to strive for excellent facilities and environment.