The well-known Maastricht art fair was actually supposed to take place between 12 and 20 March of this year, but was moved due to Covid19. The new dates 'interfere with the exams' of block five, which is why UM – together with the MECC – is looking for an alternative, says Bos.
But is there no contract with the MECC about this, council member on behalf of the scientific staff Katlijn Haesebrouck wants to know? “It cannot be that they determine our agenda.” Bos: “There is, and a contract is indeed a contract, but the MECC has been a valued partner of UM for years.” As a good partner, the university will therefore take the exams elsewhere for once.
Where? Bos is still looking at that. “In close cooperation with the MECC. They will bear all costs, even if that means transport to another location.”
WP councilor Mark Govers understands the decision of the Executive Board and sees the situation as an extra motivation for UM to think about the concept of 'assessment'. “We are stuck in an old-fashioned routine of answering questions with a pen on paper. Maybe in the future we can do more assessment without physical exams. Then less space is needed.” Of course that is looked into, Bos answers. But for now that is not the case.