According to Teun Dekker, chair of the University Council, these questions touch on a tension inherent in all democratic systems. “As an elected representative, are you simply a conduit – someone who gathers and conveys their constituents’ opinions and questions? Or have voters appointed you to dig into issues and ask the right questions on their behalf?”
Because all discussions have been confidential, the emphasis has so far been on the latter. Sophie Vanhoonacker, professor of Administrative Governance at FASoS, understands why, she says to Observant. “It’s a very complex process with plenty of opportunities as well as risks. You really have to think it through. Most people at the university are only keeping an eye on it from afar, because everyone is busy with their own work.”
Responsibility
This places a heavy responsibility on representatives, says Dekker. Even staff and students who have only been on the University Council for six months will soon have to vote on detailed regulations that have been years in the making, with far-reaching consequences for the university. “We’ve done a lot to make sure everyone is well-informed, organising technical briefings by civil servants, presentations by experts. My impression is that the University Council will be able to vote with confidence.” Having served on an ad hoc advisory committee, Vanhoonacker saw the representatives’ work up close. “These are highly principled and capable people who take their responsibilities seriously. I have no doubt their final decision will be carefully considered.”
Still, Dekker calls it “frustrating” that everything has happened behind closed doors. “You want to show people you’re taking it seriously. It wasn’t our choice to do it that way, but the Executive Board’s decision. Though I do understand why. If everything was public, it would weaken the university’s negotiating position relative to the hospital. And do you really want to see how the sausage is made?”
Transparency
The University Council has consistently pushed for transparency, claims Dekker. “That’s why the documents are now public.” On the intranet, he has encouraged staff to share their views on the plans with the University Council. Several council members are also visiting their faculties to discuss the proposal, Dekker says. He also appreciates that the Executive Board will answer questions from staff and students in an online session next week. Will the University Council run its own information session? “We haven’t decided. Ultimately, it’s the Executive Board’s responsibility to keep everyone informed; we don’t want to overstep.”
But can staff and students realistically grasp all the implications of such large-scale plans in so little time? Dekker believes they can, as they only need to focus on the main points. “Those make up just a small part of the two hundred pages. Everything else is rules, regulations and details. Scrutinising those is the University Council’s job.”
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