Concerned students involved with End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) have occupied an area in the Minnaert building out of protest from 8 May until 10 May. EFO Utrecht has drafted amanifestoexpressing the request for an accessible and transparent university that breaks all ties with the fossil industry. The Executive Board understands the concerns of the students and has had several conversations about this with them. The following messages provide insights into how the university is working on these themes.
Update May 31, 2023, 4:00 pm
On Wednesday, 31 May 2023, the Executive Board provided a substantive response to the manifesto by email. The text of this email and substantive response can be read in the document 'Response to EFO demands 31 May' (pdf, 218kb).
Previous updates
- RSS
Occupation of area in Minnaert Building terminated
News
Concerned students involved with End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) occupied a room in the Minnaert building out of protest from 8 May until 10 May.
The concerned students involved with End Fossil Occupy Utrecht who had occupied a space in the Minnaert building since Monday 8 May, ended the occupation Wednesday afternoon, 10 May. The Executive Board had several talks with the students on the matter. Central to these talks was EFO Utrecht's manifesto.
Anton Pijpers, President of the Executive Board, and Anneloes Krul, student assessor, have continued their dialogue today with students from End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) in the Minnaertgebouw. During this conversation with students present, the use of the word “climate emergency” by Utrecht University was a topic of discussion. The following statement regarding this subject has been shared with the students, both in person and by e-mail.
Statement Utrecht University “climate emergency”
Previously, Utrecht University has deliberately chosen not to use the word "climate emergency”. However, we see that this has raised questions about the position of Utrecht University on the climate crisis. The fact that we did not use this particular word has unintentionally given the impression that we do not consider climate change to be of great urgency or importance. However, this is a misconception. On the contrary, we endorse that there is urgency and a climate crisis. Our researchers have also been sounding the alarm about this for a long time. That is why our university’s anniversary (Dies Natalis) in March was dedicated to the climate crisis. Sustainability and the energy transition are therefore woven into our teaching, research and business operations.
As a result of our conversations, we realize that so far, we might have approached the word "climate emergency" too legally. Utrecht University itself is not in a state of emergency. But we see that in response to climate problems, there really is an emergency in some parts of the world. We have therefore chosen to use the term “climate emergency” in our communications from now on, in order to make Utrecht University's position on climate change even more explicit. By doing so, we aim to match the words commonly used in society.
The group of students from End Fossil Occupy Utrecht, among others, spent anothernight in the occupied area in the Minnaert building. Again, the overnight stay was discussed in advance by the university with the students to ensure their safety. The night passed by quietly, just likethe first night.Yesterday, the students presented a number of requests to which the Executive Board responded (see the update of 9 May 6:30 pm). Later on today, Anton Pijpers, President of the Executive Board, will visit the students to further discuss this.
The full Executive Board of Utrecht University and Student Assessor Anneloes Krul had a conversation together with students of End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) today. They mainly focused on the manifesto prepared by End Fossil Occupy Utrecht, which included the topics of cooperation with the fossil industry, transparency and inclusion.
End Fossil Occupy Utrecht urged Utrecht University to meet the following two demands before 17:00h today:
- A ban on the presence of fossil industry companies at career activities such as company visits and career fairs.
- Declaring a climate emergency and call out for climate justice.
At this short notice, with regard to the demands of End Fossil Occupy Utrecht, we can indicate the following. Additional explanations on these points follow at the bottom.
- Before 1 August, we will share with our students and staff a draft framework on collaborations with the fossil industry and what conditions they must meet. We will also include our career activities in this framework. We will finalize this draft after the second ‘deep democracy’ session on 15 May, to ensure the ongoing democratic process around these questions.
- The university agrees on there being a climate crisis and that this is one of the biggest challenges we face. Our own scientists, too, are sounding the alarm on this. We feel great urgency to go against climate change and we are working hard to do so. This is woven into our teaching, research and business operations. Our scientists do not only provide insight into the actual scale of the climate crisis, they also contribute to solutions to counteract climate change.
Moreover:
- On or before 31 May, we will share an overview of our current collaborations with the fossil industry on our website.
- The head of our Sustainability Office was present at the talk today and is willing to talk further with EFO Utrecht about opportunities to better integrate ideas into our sustainability plans.
Additional information
Scientific cooperation fossil industry
In order to make a transition to a sustainable society and meet the global climate goals, it is crucial that the fossil industry becomes more sustainable. This is why Utrecht University is cooperating with the fossil industry on various subjects. The condition for cooperation in current research projects is that these projects focus on developing knowledge to accelerate the energy transition, phase out fossil as soon as possible and do not contribute to further CO2 emissions. In addition, all collaborations follow the principles of the Dutch Code of Conduct on Scientific Integrity (de Nederlandse gedragscode wetenschappelijke integriteit).
Transparency
The university is currently working on a comprehensive overview of current research collaborations with the fossil industry, their content and funding. We consider such transparency important. We expect to be able to make this information publicly available during the month of May 2023.
Deep democracy in consideration framework
To what extent are collaborations with the fossil industry desirable? And/or under what conditions? We as a university also deal with these questions. The Executive Board and the University Council (our participation body) have therefore initiated 'deep democracy' sessions with students and staff, to facilitate the debate on cooperation with the fossil industry. The content of these discussions will be used to draft a consideration framework for future decision-making on collaborations. The Executive Board has invited students to provide their input. The aim is to have a draft decision ready by 1 August 2023. The framework will also provide clarity on collaborations with the fossil industry for career activities organised by the university.
The members of the Executive Board, Anton Pijpers (President), Margot van der Starre (Vice President), Henk Kummeling (Rector Magnificus) and Anneloes Krul (Student Assessor), have continued the dialogue with the concerned students today. The concerns of those present about scientific collaboration with the fossil industry and the manifesto of End Fossil Occupy Utrecht were the main focus of the dialogue. More information will follow later today.
The group of concerned students of End Fossil Occupy Utrecht, amongst others, spent the night in the occupied area in the Minnaert building, as they previously announced. The overnight stay was carefully discussed with the university in advance and went by peacefully. The students acted responsibly and complied with the location’s safety measures. Utrecht University’s Executive Board understands and shares the concerns of those present and remains in dialogue with the students. Yesterday, Anton Pijpers (chair of the Executive Board) already spoke with some of the students. This afternoon, the Executive Board will continue the conversation and discuss the manifesto with them.
Concerned students and involved parties including End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) are protesting at Utrecht University today. They are occupying an area in the Minnaert building and have written amanifestodemanding an accessible university that breaks all ties with the fossil industry. They indicate that the occupation may last for three days, from 8 to 10 May. Read the news item.
FAQs
Occupation of area in Minnaert Building Utrecht University? ›
Concerned students involved with End Fossil Occupy Utrecht (EFO Utrecht) have occupied an area in the Minnaert building out of protest from 8 May until 10 May. EFO Utrecht has drafted a manifesto expressing the request for an accessible and transparent university that breaks all ties with the fossil industry.
When was Utrecht University built? ›Established 26 March 1636, it is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. In 2021, it had an enrollment of 36,390 students, and employed 8,276 faculty members and staff.
What is Utrecht like for students? ›A quarter of the population here are students, so there's great night life, live music and festivals, restaurants and bars, as well as lots of literary events; Utrecht is a UNESCO city of literature. For those who want to explore further, the city is also half an hour from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague by train.
How many employees does Utrecht University have? ›Sharing science, shaping tomorrow
At Utrecht University, we work together towards a better future for all of us. With our more than 8,500 members of staff, we provide socially relevant research and high-quality education.
Mission and vision
Our research is ground-breaking and focused on resolving major international issues. Our collaborative culture makes innovation, new insights and social impact possible. The core values of ambition, inspiration, commitment and independence form the basis of our university community.
Utrecht University is ranked #44 in Best Global Universities.
What is special about Utrecht University? ›Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities. It is recognised internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching.
What is the rich part of Utrecht? ›Witte vrouwen. The neighborhood of Witte Vrouwen is considered to be a more 'posh' area to live in Utrecht. The narrow streets give the district a village-like atmosphere with the advantage of being in the city center in no time.
Do they speak English in Utrecht? ›The short answer is yes, people in Utrecht do speak English. Depending on who you meet and where you are, you can expect most people to be able to communicate with you in English.
What is the average cost of living in Utrecht Netherlands? ›During your stay in Utrecht, you can expect to spend between €800 and €1,400 a month on living expenses. This amount does not include your tuition fee. Furnished, including utilities, individual/ shared, etc. Health, personal liability, etc.
What does Utrecht mean in English? ›
Utrecht. / (Dutch ˈyːtrɛxt, English ˈjuːtrɛkt) / noun. a province of the W central Netherlands.
What percentage of students are international in Utrecht? ›Utrecht has one of the largest student populations in the Netherlands, with around 40,000. More than 10% of those come from abroad, contributing to the city's vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
What GPA is required for Utrecht University? ›If you do not meet the grade entry requirements, an alternative route to become eligible to apply is to complete one year of university (in an academic subject) with a grade average of at least 70% at a 3-year university OR at least 80% or a 3.5 GPA at a 4, 5, or 6-year university programme.
Is it hard to get into Utrecht University? ›Admission selections at Utrecht University are based on overall application, academic and non-academic aspects (LOR, SOP, Language Test scores). However, preference is given to students with academic scores above 75% in the UG and 85% in Class XII.
What is the number 1 university in the Netherlands? ›University of Amsterdam
The university offers about 150 degrees taught in English, attracting more than 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries.
| Rank | Name Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford United Kingdom |
| 2 | Harvard University United States |
| =3 | University of Cambridge United Kingdom |
| =3 | Stanford University United States |
Utrecht University
Is one of the world's top universities. The Shanghai Ranking ranks the university number one in the Netherlands, 16 in Europe and 57 globally. According to the Times Higher Education Ranking the university is in place 68, the highest position of any Dutch university.
| Program | Application Deadline | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| B.A/B.S Liberal Arts and Sciences, University College Utrecht3 years | Early Application Deadline For Fall Intake (1st Dec 2023) | ₹8.4 L/Yr €9,450 /Yr |
The Utrecht University Acceptance rate is only 4%.
Is Utrecht a good student city? ›"Utrecht is a great city to live in as an international student. It has a huge international community and you have very good chances of getting employment even if you don't speak Dutch.
Is Utrecht protestant or Catholic? ›
The Archdiocese of Utrecht (Latin: Archidioecesis Ultraiectensis) is an archdiocese of the Catholic Church in the Netherlands. The Archbishop of Utrecht is the metropolitan of the ecclesiastical province of Utrecht.
Where do the richest people in the Netherlands live? ›This statistic displays the top 10 of the richest municipalities in the Netherlands in 2021. Bloemendaal was the richest municipality in the country that year. Around 29.7 percent of households in Bloemendaal had one million euros worth in wealth or more.
Where do the richest Dutch people live? ›The municipality covers an area of 62.40 km2 (24.09 sq mi), of which 11.29 km2 (4.36 sq mi) is covered by water. Wassenaar is home to some of the Netherlands' richest residential neighborhoods as well as the country's most expensive street, the Konijnenlaan.
Is English closer to Dutch or Spanish? ›Closest Major Language: Dutch.
Can I live in the Netherlands and only speak English? ›Visitors may find that it is possible to live in the Netherlands for a long time without learning Dutch, mostly because 2.5 million citizens in the country are not fluent in Dutch. A substantial number of the inhabitants of Amsterdam have English as their native language, mostly British and North American immigrants.
Where do expats live in Utrecht? ›Finding Accommodation in Utrecht
Ijsselstei, Leidsche Rij, Nieuwegein and De Vechtstreek are popular neighborhoods for expats to live in with their proximity to the city center and transport connections. Properties in these areas range from traditional Dutch brick dwellings to ultramodern brand new builds.
Netherlands is 7.1% more expensive than United States.
United States vs. United States vs. United States vs.
Dining out in the Netherlands is affordable if you stick to the more modest restaurants or chains. A standard evening meal can cost between €15 to €20 per person in a cheap restaurant and up to €40 to €90 per person in a more expensive restaurant. Tips are not included in the bill and are typically up to 10%.
Are houses expensive in Netherlands? ›The average home costs €424,681, more than 10 times the modal income. From 2015 to 2021, average household disposable income increased by 25%, but house prices rocketed by 63%, fuelled by low interest and a national shortage of 390,000 homes.
Why is Utrecht so expensive? ›Being a fast-growing city, Utrecht is attractive to locals and internationals alike. As a consequence, the demand for accommodation is nothing short of high, therefore driving the rent prices up.
Is Utrecht cheaper than Amsterdam? ›
While not as expensive as Amsterdam, Utrecht is still a pricey city to live in, if you add up the rent, groceries, restaurants and entertainment. Living in Utrecht costs about 850 euros/month per person, on average, excluding rent.
What town is between Amsterdam and Utrecht? ›Stichtse Vecht lies between Amsterdam and Utrecht. Due to its green character, picturesque villages and the many 17th- and 18th-century historic buildings situated along the river Vecht, the municipality is nicknamed 'Pearl at the Vecht'.
What is the biggest Dutch word? ›Officially, according to the number one dictionary in the Netherlands, Van Dale - which is also responsible for selecting the country's word of the year every December - the longest Dutch word is meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornis (35 letters) which, when plural, becomes even longer: ...
How do you say a girl in Dutch? ›- girl, the ~ (young womanmaiden) meisje, de ~ (v) Noun. jongedame, de ~ (v) Noun. jonge vrouw, znw. Noun.
- girl, the ~ (lass) deerntje, het ~ Noun.
- girl, the ~ (young ladylassyoung woman) jonge dame, znw. Noun.
man → bemannen; noun.
What is the most prestigious university ranking system? ›Also widely known as the Shanghai Ranking, the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) assesses six performance indicators, all relating to research excellence.
What is the difference between Utrecht University and University College Utrecht? ›University colleges in the Netherlands
University College Utrecht, which is part of Utrecht University, is the oldest in the Netherlands but was only established in 1998, whereas Utrecht University dates back to 1636. Since then, more university colleges were set up: Amsterdam University College.
Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities, recognised internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching.
What is the oldest university in Netherlands? ›Read on these pages all about the history of Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The Academia Lugduna Batava was founded in 1575 and its motto is: Libertatis Praesidium ('Bastion of Freedom').
How hard is it to get into Utrecht University? ›| Application Portal | Online Portal OSIRIS Online Application |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4% |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Mode of Payments | Credit Card or check/e-check |
| Academic Calendars | Semester |
What was the first university in Netherlands? ›
Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands.
What is the Harvard of the Netherlands? ›The Harvard Club of the Netherlands is a community for all Harvard alumni and those with significant Harvard affiliation or interest.
What is the oldest university in the world that is still alive? ›University of Bologna
The 'Nourishing Mother of the Studies' according to its Latin motto, the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and, having never been out of operation, holds the title of the oldest university in the world.
Harvard University
As well as being the oldest university in the US, Harvard is also one of the world's most prominent, currently ranked third in the QS World University Rankings®.
The town is named after Utrecht, a Dutch city with the same name, as a result from Dutch settlers in the region. Coal mining and cattle ranching are the predominant economic activities in Utrecht.
Is Utrecht better than Leiden? ›No contest, Utrecht. It has a bigger historic center with many more restaurant and shop options compared to Leiden. Also the canals and historic architecture in Utrecht are more unique. I like both cities, and yes, cycling around can easily be done in both.
Why are Dutch universities in English? ›The Netherlands is an anglophone country, making it ideal for an English-taught Bachelor's or Master's degree abroad. But did you know that approximately 90% of the Dutch population speak the English language?
What GPA do you need to study in the Netherlands? ›A. To get into Netherlands Universities, students must obtain a bachelor's degree from a research university (WO) in the Netherlands and must have an unrounded minimum grade point average (GPA) of 7.0. A GPA of 6.95 will be rounded off to 7.0.
Is Utrecht expensive for students? ›If you are considering studying in Utrecht, it is important to know what it will cost to support yourself. During your stay in Utrecht, you can expect to spend between €800 and €1,400 a month on living expenses. This amount does not include your tuition fee. Furnished, including utilities, individual/ shared, etc.
What is the cheapest university in Netherlands for international students? ›the University of Twente is one of the cheapest universities in the Netherlands. Founded in 1961, the university offers strong programs in technical fields such as engineering, technology, and science. It is ranked 202nd in the world in 2023, by QS world university rankings.
Where do Dutch universities rank in the world? ›
| Universities | Times Higher Education Ranking (2023) | Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | 70 | 151 |
| University of Groningen | 75 | 66 |
| Leiden University | 77 | 101 |
| Erasmus University College | 80 | 87 |
...
Bachelor's at universities of applied sciences.
| Duration | Credits | Degree awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Duration4 years | Credits240 | Degree awardedBachelor of Arts (BA) |