Three weeks ago, UM requested that all independent student societies and student associations that have their own student societies immediately halt all activities for prospective members, after receiving signals that there had been “one or more instances” of misconduct during the so-called ‘A-tijd’. But which student association or society was it? And are the reports related to excessive alcohol consumption, humiliation, or was it something else? The university has remained silent.
The associations are being left in the dark, said Circumflex president Joost Mol. Just like the presidents of the three other large associations (Saurus, Tragos and KoKo) and Onafhankelijk Maastricht, the umbrella organisation that represents independent student societies, he has been in talks with UM for weeks. “It hasn’t cleared up anything. The information the university shares is very limited, and isn’t much more than that a report has been submitted. We don’t know whether or not it’s our association, let alone what exactly happened. UM says that is sensitive information.”
Rumours
After an initial conversation resulted in “insufficient insights” according to UM, the presidents were given ‘homework’ before a second meeting, which took place last week, namely to talk to their societies about possible misconduct. “We did that, but it hasn’t produced any new results,” said Mol. “We want to cooperate, but that is hard to do when you aren’t told where the problem lies.” Saurus president Joep Eijkens also said that “nothing new had resulted” from talks with UM or his societies.
The one thing UM’s investigation has resulted in, both presidents said, is unrest and rumours amongst students. “The uncertainty leads people to speculate,” said Eijkens. “Maastricht is a small city and rumours travel fast,” added Mol. “I’ve noticed that the associations and societies are all pointing fingers at each other.”
Punished
That was also borne out by conversations Observant had with dozens of students in and around university buildings last week. There are many different rumours, both among people who are and are not members of associations and societies – from aspiring members passing out due to exhaustion or excessive alcohol consumption, to students who dropped out of their A-tijd because the humiliation became unbearable. And every time it is a different society to blame. Members often complain they “are being punished for other people’s misconduct”. Students who had just started their A-tijd say they don’t understand why the university called a halt to all activities, “when everything was fine here”.
Mol and Eijkens hope the university will provide clarity soon. “If the complaints don’t concern our association, we want to know as soon as possible,” said Eijkens. “So we can carry on as before.” The UM spokesperson was not available to answer questions from Observant at the beginning of the week.