Elections 2025 – Know Your Options!
Date: | 09 May 2025 |
Author: | Guest blogger |

It's that time of year again—University Elections are fast approaching! From May 12 to May 16, students will vote for representatives in the University Council and Faculty Councils. These councils play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect our academic and campus life. Here's a brief overview of the participating parties and their key objectives:

Lijst Calimero
Lijst Calimero prioritises high-quality education, advocating for small-scale teaching, student well-being, and enhanced employability. They aim to improve teaching assistant training, increase study spaces, and ensure that students can specialise in their areas of interest. The party also emphasises the importance of student mental health and strives to create a safe and inclusive study environment.

Studenten Organisatie Groningen (SOG)
SOG represents a community of active students, supporting those involved in committees, boards, or sports associations. They advocate for student development both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the importance of teaching quality and providing platforms for future careers. Their vision includes fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof university.

The Independent Student / De Vrije Student
De Vrije Student champions a university environment where students have the freedom to develop personally and professionally alongside their studies. They stress the importance of curricular freedom, enabling students to engage in extracurricular activities and build social networks. Their goal is to offer a holistic university experience that balances academic and personal growth. Read their manifesto!

The Personnel Faction / De Personeelsfractie
Comprising scientific staff, support staff, and PhD candidates from various faculties and departments, the Personnel Faction brings diverse perspectives to the University Council. Their collective experience enables them to represent all layers of the university organisation, ensuring that a wide range of opinions are considered in decision-making processes.

Science Faction / Wetenschapfactie
The Science Faction advocates for the academic community's interests, focusing on reducing bureaucracy, fair resource distribution, improved working conditions, combating power abuse, and protecting employee privacy. They emphasise the need to prevent irresponsible budget cuts in research and education and to retain international colleagues. Read their manifesto!
To explore the full list of candidates and their detailed positions, visit the University Elections page.
Your vote shapes the future of our university, make it count!
About the author

Sometimes, we invite students and staff members to contribute to our blog page. This is one of those occasions. :)