The main criticism of students leveled at the planned austerity measures is that this will make it impossible during one’s studies to develop oneself beyond the mandatory curriculum. Indeed, broadening one’s horizon by organizing a conference, running a student association or following traineeships abroad usually results in some prolongation of the study program. In order to combat the planned retrenchments affecting students and institutes, various student organizations have joined forces and will on January 21 stage a major protest action under the motto: ‘Nederland kennisland, ambities in de prullenmand’ (The Netherlands knowledge train, ambitions down the drain).

The universities of technology of Twente, Eindhoven and Delft anticipate serious problems as a result of the cutbacks. They fear that the pressure on students to graduate faster on penalty of this fine will cause students to decide on lighter studies. Spokesman Peter van Dam informs us on behalf of the TU/e Executive Board (CvB) that the CvB supports the protest action. “The voice of the university will be heard on that day as well”, he says. TU/e Rector Hans van Duijn has called on the professors of TU/e to join the protest on January 21, by parading through The Hague. “We want to make it clear in any case that this is not done.” In addition, the CvB is considering further practical support, for instance by deploying coaches for the transport to The Hague.

The Dutch student organizations are calling on everybody to sign the petition on www.kenniscrisis.nl and to be present on Malieveld at 15.00 hours on Friday January 21 for the national demonstration. Meanwhile almost 8.000 students have registered on Facebook. (HB)