Headlines

Utrecht University is engaged in a project called Solis housestyle improvements. As the name implies, this project was set up toimprove the existing house style and navigation structure for thewebsite's general information. It will also be a pilot project forimprovements in the Chemistry Department's website. The opening ofthe revamped website, as well as that of the faculty site, wereplanned for 14 June. But because of delays in the delivery of thenew server, both openings have been postponed until 31 August.

Graduation in style.

A short address from the supervisor, a drink and a present.These are some of the changes in the university's graduationceremonies announced this week. The idea is that every studentshould be able to graduate in style. From next September onwards,the proposed changes will be tried out in five faculties. The eightmeasures proposed are listed in a protocol presented to the variousDeans of Faculty. Particularly the small things in life, itappears, can be expected to lend a touch of distinction tograduation ceremonies. Such as a personal address from one'ssupervisor, a snack and a drink. The new graduates can also expecta small present from the University Board. In addition, all degreecertificates will become uniform. Prospective graduates will beallowed to send out invitations on behalf of the university, and arestricted number will receive permission to use the privatefaculty club. It is hoped that after these trials, other facultieswill adopt the new approach. The effort to give more character tograduation ceremonies fits in with the university's strategy toraise the level of Utrecht student amenities.

Student charter?

Rien Meijerink wants a better deal for undergraduates. In hisopinion, students should give up the idea that their rights aresafe in the hands of Education Minister Loek Hermans. Meijerink,who is stepping down as chair of the VSNU Association of DutchUniversities, reckons that undergraduates would be much better offdoing business with the universities and colleges of highereducation themselves, because they are better informed than theminister. Meijerink proposes a new kind of charter, stipulatingboth the rights and duties of undergraduates. He also suggests that'terms of delivery' should be included in such a charter. Meijerinkpresented hisideas to an LSVb student conference on the position ofundergraduates.