Jan Danckaert wants to continue to put VUB on the map as a leading, growing and caring university. "We are and we will remain a pioneering university and we have already added – uniquely – a bachelor's degree in another language. After the very successful English-language BA in social sciences and then business economics, this academic year we launched a multilingual bachelor in linguistics and literary studies: MuBa for short. And we also started a new Dutch-language bachelor's programme, reminiscent of many years ago when we were the first university to teach computer science. Back then, most people had never seen a PC up close. Today we are launching a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence."
Job security
He spoke reassuringly of VUB's financial situation. "It is true – how could it be otherwise – that we as a university are experiencing the sharply increased energy prices and skyrocketing inflation. We will always be very transparent about that. But I would still like to emphatically reassure each and every one of you. Our heads are above water. We are doing everything we can to ensure that maximum staff appointments are guaranteed. By drawing on some of the balances, we can do that. And will continue to do so."
You Are Not Alone
A caring university also means a university that does not tolerate transgressive behaviour, so VUB has rolled out the YANA policy. YANA: You Are Not Alone. Jan Danckaert: "What does that mean in practice? Well, in the first place we are fully committed to prevention and awareness-raising. But if – despite all the campaigns – transgressive behaviour does occur, we do everything we can to make victims feel supported. You are not alone. We have reviewed and thoroughly improved the functioning of our helpline. Our disciplinary procedure for staff members is being updated. And we are committed to bystander training. We will communicate clearly about transgressive behaviour. All the information about transgressive behaviour is in one place on our new VUB.be website."
VUB stars
VUB's musical talents made themselves heard in a very enjoyable way during the New Year session. Julie Brondeel, Samar Hatem and Margot Van den Brande sang to the audience from the stage. A delegation of the VUB choir Café Latte also enthusiastically showed their skills. Finally, as is traditional, Leo Van Biesen, chair of the Circle of Friends of VUB, played the saxophone.
Professor of Movement Sciences Kristine De Martelaer and Dixie Van De Wiele encouraged the audience to get moving in the New Year. Dixie even had the audience perform a fitness exercise.
Finally, the traditional tribute took place for colleagues who have been working at VUB for 20, 30 or 40 years. There was also a tribute to colleagues who have retired in the past year. Afterwards, a reception took place in the Mandela Hall.