David Schindler, TiU-International: ‘People should be able to decide when to work’
Inclusiveness, diversity, and protecting the international community are what TiU-International is focusing on in the upcoming participation elections. In addition, there is a focus on practical issues. Party leader David Schindler: ‘Diversity is Tilburg University’s great strength.’
Lees dit artikel in het Nederlands
What should be different about Tilburg University?
‘First, we must try not to give in to the more nationalistic tendencies we are currently seeing in national politics. It is precisely because we embrace diversity and different nationalities that Tilburg University is outstanding in education and research. Together we form this community, which is of great value, and we must keep it that way.
The party leaders
It’s almost election time on campus again. From faculty council and division committee to university council: from April 16 to 18, students and employees will choose who will represent their interests in the participation councils of Tilburg University.
In the run-up to the election week, Univers publishes interviews with the party leaders of the participation parties. Who are they and what do they stand for? And how will the parties help the university and its students and employees move forward?
In addition, I think it’s good to continue our efforts when it comes to diversity: gender diversity, but also other diversity issues, such as people with disabilities and LGBT+ representation.’
What is going well?
‘That there is adequate attention to groups that are often ignored, such as graduate students, young employees, and more specifically young female employees. That we are aware of harassment in the workplace and that we want to address it at our university.
‘It is commendable that this is already happening, it shows that we value an inclusive university. So the groundwork has been laid, but from here, we definitely need to move forward.
What will TiU-International be working on in the coming period?
‘Protecting the international community is obviously one of our goals. We feel that both Dutch and international colleagues benefit. Moreover, Dutch society benefits when the University provides good education and conducts good research. This can only be achieved in an open, inclusive, and international environment.
‘In addition, we believe that if the Recognition & Rewards program is in place, there should also be a place for people who have received recognition before. After all, the point of the program is that everyone’s talent counts.
‘I love this university and never want to leave’
‘Finally, we want certain Tilburg University policies to be toned down a bit. Consider, for example, closing the buildings earlier. In an academic setting, people want to be able to decide for themselves when they work. And not everyone has a good workplace at home.
‘Suppose you have to take care of your child on Mondays but have all the time on Sundays. Then you want to be able to work on Sundays. By closing the buildings earlier, you especially affect our more vulnerable colleagues. That can’t be the intention.’
What have you accomplished so far for employees?
‘We tried to prevent the buildings from being open on a more limited basis for employees. And in addition, to keep the Mensa open longer so that colleagues who work later can also eat. We also worked hard to keep individual workstations. Everyone needs to be able to work with concentration, and that’s not possible in an open-plan office.
‘We have also ensured that we can hire more support staff, particularly to cope with the growth in student and lecturer numbers. Finally, we have worked to address issues facing international students and graduate students, including housing.’
Why should employees vote for you?
‘Because Tilburg University is a great place with great people. If we want to keep it that way, we have to make sure we remain attractive internationally, so we can compete with other universities.’
What do we need to know about you personally?
‘That I am happy to be a candidate for TiU-International. I served on the School Council of TiSEM from 2018 to 2022 and that was difficult and exhausting at times, but on the other hand, you can change things for the better.
‘What motivates me is that I love Tilburg University. I have been working here for seven years now and I never want to leave. That’s partly why I want to make sure this environment is the best environment it can possibly be for everyone.’
Translated by Language Center, Riet Bettonviel
Advertentie.
