‘Let's make sure this won't be disastrous for small associations'

Students who serve on the boards of student associations and organisations recognised by Utrecht University (UU) and the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU) are eligible to receive the so-called board grants. In addition, both universities provide basic subsidies to student organisations so they can organise activities, committees, and materials. Starting next year, HU and UU will allocate these funds differently, as they consider the current allocation system unclear and complicated. 

The reallocation caused a stir, which is why the student delegation of the University Council made a few recommendations to the Executive Board. Most of their advice has been taken over in the new proposal, so the council now agrees with the plan. 

Student associations set to receive less money in the form of basic subsidies do not need to fear, for they will not lose the entire amount as of the next academic year. Instead, they will get half of the subsidies they are no longer entitled to between 2025 and 2028.

In addition, large student associations will receive additional board grants more quickly if they grow. The criteria for allocating the number of board grants for associations with five hundred members or more will be adjusted. According to student members, these associations are the ones most in need of board grants, as they will lose the maximum basic subsidy of 3,500 euros in one swoop under the new policy for associations with 500 members or more.  

Additional board grants
his adjustment will benefit five student associations. The number of board grants will not decrease as much for associations Unitas and Veritas. USC and the rowing associations Triton and Orca will benefit even more than in previous plans.

USC will receive an additional 2,125 boards in board grants, on top of the 10,625 euros the fraternity already received in the initial proposal by the Executive Board. The fraternity has grown considerably, so their grants will no longer be cut. In 2018, USC did not have enough HU and UU members, forcing it to temporarily cut grants.

Finally, more clarity has been provided for the associations without membership – those that work with volunteers or buddies, for example. They will be assessed through questionnaires.

Major shifts
The student delegation was supposed to vote on the new framework at the previous University Council meeting, in April, but due to major objections among student members, that vote was postponed. The student members were eager to come up with recommendations.

The student delegation feared major shifts, with some associations going down hard. Also, in the new distribution, the university would be paying around 26,000 euros less worth of basic subsidies. Research by DUB showed that seven student associations would lose at least 10,000 euros in the new scheme. Apart from Veritas, the associations in question are going to cut costs even in the adjusted reallocation system.

Agreement
Although some adjustments were made, the policy remained the same. Board grants are still going to be awarded based solely on the number of members each association has. Critics argued that those numbers do not accurately reflect how much work board members have on their plates. In addition, the nature of the association or its activities isn't taken into account. 

According to Claire Bruls, a student member of the University Council, representing the Vuur party, student members are still concerned, but "there’s no good way to solve the problems. All we can do is wait and see how things will go throughout the next few years, making sure that that the new policy will not lead to less diversity or be disastrous for small associations.’

Despite the reservations, the student delegation agreed with the new policy. Bruls: "We do think the new framework is better than the old one and that it’s going to improve the distribution of grants. Associations that are structurally underfunded, such as sports associations, are now going to receive much more money."

More room
Levi Verbeek, a secretary at student advocacy group Vidius, is closely involved in the reallocation of board grants and basic subsidies. He advised student members on the reallocation. Verbeek is "delighted" that the UU Council's advice has been adopted, especially the transitional arrangement for the basic subsidy will give student associations more air. ‘It helps several associations tremendously because the loss of basic subsidy was the biggest blow for them.’

More generic offer

But he also still has ‘a great concern’ and wants to closely monitor the impact of the new policy on the student body together with the U Council. There’s a risk that it will cause fewer ‘associations and lead to there being no room for unique associations.’ Verbeek: ‘I hope not, because Utrecht has a beautiful diverse student life.’ 

The student delegation of the University Council agreed to the reallocation on Monday. The University Council already agreed to the policy on 17 April. Tests based on the new policy will start in 2024. That policy will take effect from the 2025-2026 academic year.