Would you like to represent the interesting of your fellow students before the board of your faculty? Would you like to learn how to debate, lobby and network while making a real difference? Do you have a passion for education, student welfare, sustainability or another important issue? Then we are looking for you!
Apply now for the faculty council fraction of VUUR at your faculty. Please note: the deadline to apply is (extended to) 19 March 11:59 p.m.! Submissions after the deadline might not receive a response.
What is VUUR?
VUUR (Verenigde Utrechtse Universitaire Raden) is a progressive student party active in all layers of co-determination (medezeggenschap). With seats in the university council and multiple faculty councils we are an important player in determining the direction of the university. With our widespread network, students participating in the university council, faculty council and education committees (OCs) who to reach out to when fixing problems. This way no board member can circumvent us and we are an important player in the policy of the university. This is the power of VUUR. Lijst VUUR is year represented in the following faculties:
- Faculty council of Humanities (GW)
- Faculty council of Law, Economy and Governance (LEG)
- Faculty council of Science (BETA)
- Faculty council of Social Sciences (FSBS)
We are looking for these faculties (and for other faculties) students who would like to represent student interested at their faculty in the policy shaping of their faculty board. Important documents, like the faculty budget, the faculty’s strategic plan and the Education and Examination Regulations (EER) are put forward to the faculty council (FC) to be voted in. This way you as co-determination representative can be a watchdog for the board and their policy and make improvements on it wherever possible. Also there is space to bring forward your own initiatives to the faculty board. Will you become our most hardcore ‘VUURtje’?
Please note: The electoral system differs per faculty. For faculties where we are not currently represented, we will work with you to find out how you can apply for your faculty’s faculty council and what role VUUR can/may play in this. VUUR wants to represent students across the entire university and therefore aims to be represented at as many faculty councils as possible. The larger the network, the greater our shared knowledge!
Who are we looking for?
On our list for the elections of 2026, we would like to see students who are passionate about their faculty and all the students who study there. Of course, we would also like to see students who are (or want to be) involved in their faculty and its organisation. The ideal candidate has the following qualities: (preferred, not a requirement)
- Critical thinking skills;
- Eagerness to learn;
- Goede communication skills;
- Team player;
- Perseverance;
- Passion for working on behalf of students at Utrecht University;
- Organisational skills;
- Any previous experience with administration/co-determination;
- Passive command of Dutch (not because we consider it important, but because the university wants it and we do find it important that you can participate fully during your council year).
What will you be doing?
As council member of VUUR your activities will be among others:
- Analysing documents and formulating policy recommendations;
- Maintaining order within the faculty as a whole;
- Studying policy documents on specific topics;
- Maintaining contact with many stakeholders and supporters (fellow students and VUUR);
- Proposing and defending your own initiatives or positions;
- Participating in VUUR activities and training courses.
Practical issues
The time investment differs per faculty. Guidelines are:
- Faculteit Humanities: 0,1-0,2 FTE (4-8 hours per week)
- Faculteit Social Sciences: 0,3 FTE (12 hours per week)
- Faculteit LEG: 0,15-0,2 FTE (6-8 hours per week)
Furthermore:
- The formal startdate is 1 september 2026;
- The remuneration for the council work is approximately €1250,00 per 0,1 FTE per year, the total amount varies per faculty;
- The remuneration is not including a budget for education and training;
- Attendance and involvement during the elections (1 – 3 June) is mandatory;
- The induction period begins at the end of this academic year and can be combined with other activities.
What do we offer?
We will try our hardest to prepare the selected candidates for the elections and the subsequent council year. Furthermore, we and the faculties offer training courses and workshops, but also social activities! After a year with the VUUR faction, you will know all the ins and outs of Utrecht University and how to make a political difference there. Former VUUR council members from many different sectors indicate that they still use the knowledge they gained from their council work very often in their current activities. VUUR also provided them with a large network. (Former) VUUR council members work (or have worked) at student organisations such as the ISO, the LSVb and LOF, in local or national politics, at ministries, municipalities and political parties.
How can you apply?
Do you recognise yourself in the above and have you become enthusiastic about the activities? Respond now! You can apply till 19 March at the latest, by sending your CV, a cover letter (max 1 A4) and a picture to applications2026@verenigingvuur.nl. Do not forget to add for which council you are applying. We will send you a confirmation of receiving your mail as soon as possible.
After the deadline you will soon receive an email about the next phase of the process in which interviews will take place, for which you might be invited.
Questions?
If you have any questions after reading this vacancy, we would love to hear from you! You can reach out to us by mailing to bestuur@verenigingvuur.nl or using Instagram. We will then look who can best answer your question!
