Rhetoric vs Reality: the status of sustainability and student voices at Radboud

Radboud University has consistently presented itself as a “green-focused” university, aiming to “leave the world better than they found it” (1). However, many upcoming and current projects/expenditure plans do not align with the sustainability objectives of RU at large. The USC has advised Radboud to make further investments into sustainability but received only a dismissive response – which brings to light a much deeper issue within the USC and Radboud governance.

The lack of meaningful consultation goes beyond just sustainability. The voices of the student representatives are not being heard, and frequently not even consulted. This absence of consideration and transparency was seen repeatedly regarding several issues. Firstly, the dismissive attitudes surrounding the calls to cut ties with Israeli universities; as well as the complete lack of communication regarding budget cuts, and finally about the sidestepping of protocol when appointing the new dean of the faculty of law. The USC has become an environment that no longer favours collaboration but focuses on non-effective debates and the suppression of the student voices.

The discussion surrounding the 14 Tesla MRI machine, is an example and reflection of Radboud’s unbalanced priorities. The university expects  the MRI machine to allow us to conduct new and important research. However, the machine comes with  an exceedingly large environmental footprint and significant energy requirements. When this issue regarding the environment was raised by the USC, the university responded with the absolute bare minimum: such as thermal heating and solar panels; which are basic sustainability measures that should be in all buildings and can in no way account for the impact of this machinery. This dismissal is notably alarming in the context of national budget cuts – where sustainability programs could suffer greatly, yet the funding for this expensive piece of equipment remains untouched. Months of debating back and forwarded has ensued but yielded nothing. There has been a systematic silencing of (sustainability) advocacy.

The system needs to change. Sustainability must be embedded in governance, and not merely an afterthought. Additionally, it is crucial that the university embraces collaboration within the USC. A university that disregards sustainability and student voices today, cannot credibly claim to be shaping a better future –Radboud leadership’s reluctance to listen, is holding us all back.

1.     https://www.ru.nl/en/about-us/mission-and-strategy/key-strategic-themes/sustainability

Written by: Megan Stuart