No, in principle, it cannot. We want to ensure that our entire archive remains intact and searchable. In this respect we are no different to other media. Only in exceptional cases, with very compelling reasons, will we deviate from this rule.

What about my privacy? An exception has been made within the GDPR for the processing of personal data for journalistic purposes. You can read more about this here: Article 43 of the Implementation Act of the General Data Protection Regulation.

If you want to remain untraceable to Google’s search engine, you can submit a request by filling out the so-called 'forget-me' form.

If someone is interviewed for a very personal story, an agreement can be made regarding inspection before publication. This is not matter of course. Corrections are only possible in case of factual errors. The tone and style of the article is the journalist’s prerogative. The editor-in-chief always has final responsibility for the article. Observant works with deadlines. This means that quick responses may be required. Journalists and interviewees make clear agreements about this.

Certainly. If you are concerned about something or think we should pay attention to an event or an issue at UM, please send an email to [email protected]

The editorial team will then decide whether to pursue your tip and will contact you.

Observant works with a team of student freelancers. If you're interested in writing for us, please send an e-mail, cv and example of your work to [email protected]. Currently, there are no vacant student freelancer positions. 

In principle, Observant does not publish articles that are not written by our journalists, columnists, or student freelancers. There are two exceptions: letters and opinion pieces.

In these, you can respond to one of our articles or to something happening at Maastricht University. Send the letter (max. 300 words) or opinion piece (max. 750 words) to [email protected]

Anonymous contributions are not eligible for publication. The editorial team will assess within three working days whether a submission is suitable for publication and will contact the author if necessary. If there is no response, we will refrain from publishing. We do not engage in discussions about why an article is rejected. The editorial team also reserves the right to edit or shorten letters and opinion pieces.

Complaints about our methods or the content of an article are initially handled by the relevant editor or the editor-in-chief. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you can contact the chair of our editorial council, Piet Eichholtz. The editorial council will hear both sides and provide an advice.

[email protected]

Observant offers possibilities to advertise in the newsletter or on our website. You can find our rates here. For more information, please contact [email protected].

For those who want to improve their writing, Observant offers the Maastricht Summerschool course 'Journalism and Effective Writing' in Dutch every year. In eight sessions, spread over two weeks (Monday to Thursday), the topics of press and news writing, interviews, reports, columns, science journalism, and writing for the web are covered in detail. Participants will work on writing articles every day and receive feedback in small groups from professional journalists.

This year, the Summerschool will take place from August 18-28, 2025. Click here for more information.

In addition, Observant does offer a writing workshop twice a year, in spring and fall. The next workshop will be on Thursday 5 March 2026, from 1.30 until 4.30 PM. Sign up here.