Student associations under threat

Maastricht student organisations and associations are worried about their future growth. While the number of organisations is increasing every year, the number of members is staying the same, or with only a slight increase.

Some organisations have even reported a decrease in membership. Organisations cite the primary reason for the decline as the implementation of the new BA-MA (Bachelor-Master) educational structure, which allows students to complete their studies faster.

As a result, they are left with little time for outside interests. “I think it’s a pity that students do not engage in organised student life. it should be part of your student career. Not just studying, but engaging in social life and events,” said Mr. Gertjan Tommel, chairman of Fyrad, a student sports club.

The growing number of foreign students coming to Maastricht may also explain why, in particular, the older and more traditionally Dutch associations are shrinking.

Dutch members
The concept of student associations is a typical tradition in the Netherlands, with which Dutch students are raised.

The Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe (AEGEE), an international student Organisation with locations in more than 250 cities world-wide, reports that more than 70 percent of the members in the Maastricht branch are Dutch.

The association believes that the concept of student associations is uncommon to foreign students, and viewed as a waste of time.

With Maastricht universities and institutes growing more and more international, and attracting an increasing number of foreign students each year, the survival of existing student organisations depends on their ability to cater for different interests.

The most popular organisations at the moment are study groups and sports-related associations. Organisations that are attached to a certain study or faculty have the highest increase in new membership. “I think the future of Maastricht student associations lies in associations that have something more to offer than just the ‘fun level’,”said Simone Pekelsma, president of AEGEE-Maastricht.

“It seems that students are looking for an association that can provide them with an extra dimension. A student association must add something to the learning process; it must add value to the busy lives of today’s students.”

Source: Crossroads print issue, December 2003