On one hand, Melina Pullin (20) student of European Law from Greece and Wales, does think the university has successfully created a diverse and inclusive environment: “Because there are various student associations where you can share your thoughts and ideas freely, such as the Feminists of Maastricht, Amnesty…etc.”.
But is this environment created by the associations more than the university itself? And is it UM, or rather Maastricht that creates this safe space, she wonders. “Well, firstly, coming from Saudi Arabia”, where she was born and raised, “I suppose the way I see the opportunities concerning the amount of freedom, self-expression and identity, stems from a more conservative background; so, in my view, these are manifold here.” However, “I think this safe space is really fostered by the student associations. But they are also part of the university in a way, so it’s sort of a loop between the two and they work together in this sense; with one feeding into the other”.
She doesn’t think students are always “heard” by the university. Take for instance the troubles with mental health raised during the pandemic when teaching was changing all the time, from online, to in person, to hybrid and so forth. “Students voiced their concerns” as the stress had a “considerable impact on the mental health, at least for me”. Pullin didn’t receive enough support during this difficult period and that has made her feel “disconnected” from the university, and hence, an outcast at times.
To help make people feel more included, creating more social events (for instance at Law) could help to connect people from diverse backgrounds. English classes could also help, as some don’t feel as comfortable speaking outside their native tongue. “This leads to people sticking to those from their own country”, Pullin says.
Lastly, providing tutor mentoring throughout the degree would be beneficial in helping create a safe environment where students express their concerns, are listened to, and given advice.
Leilani Radaideh