Protest on December 9: skipping classes is allowed, exams will continue

Students, lecturers, researchers, and other employees of universities and colleges will protest in Amsterdam on December 9 against cuts to higher education. This strike has been called by trade unions. Lecturers will continue to be paid if they strike. Students are allowed to miss classes, but exams will not be rescheduled.

TU Delft  has drawn up rules for the strike day. The university wants to give students as much opportunity as possible to participate in the demonstration. Education will continue, but students are not required to attend classes, “except in cases of patient care, compulsory practicals, tests, and education that takes place on that day and is considered compulsory,” the university writes on its intranet. Exams will also continue as usual.

Cancelling classes

The university asks employees to consult with their manager if they wish to participate in the protest. Lecturers may cancel their classes, but must communicate this to their students as soon as possible via Brightspace. Exams will also continue as usual for lecturers. ‘If this means you are unable to participate, please consult with your manager to find a suitable solution,’ the university said.

Most universities adhere to the same rules. They have made agreements about this with the umbrella organisation UNL. The universities continue to pay the wages of strikers, according to a UNL spokesperson. However, it is important that when teachers cancel their classes, “students still receive all the material within the duration of a course,” according to the spokesperson.