UvaSociaal
UvASociaal is one of the oldest progressive student parties at the University of Amsterdam, committed to building a university that is inclusive, accessible, sustainable, and academically sound. Our platform is grounded in four fundamental pillars: Diversity, Accessibility, Sustainability, and Education.
We believe the UvA must be a place where all students, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or disability, can fully participate and thrive. We advocate for an intersectional approach to diversity that acknowledges and addresses the multiple, overlapping systems of disadvantage that students may face.
Accessibility, in our view, must be comprehensive. It includes not only the physical accessibility of campus facilities, but also the removal of barriers within educational structures and digital systems. We oppose elitist selection mechanisms and call for an institution that welcomes and supports every student equally.
In light of the climate emergency, UvASociaal demands that the university act responsibly by reducing its ecological footprint, cutting ties with fossil fuel industries, and actively contributing to the societal transition toward sustainability.
Finally, we stand for an education system that prioritizes personal and intellectual development over rigid performance metrics. We call for an end to overstandardization, overwork, and exclusionary policies. Education at the UvA should be collaborative, critical, and shaped democratically by students and staff.
UvASociaal is committed to representing all students and holding the university accountable to the values of social justice, transparency, and equity.
Click on any motion below to see the parties explination
The UvA should place greater emphasis on protecting and promoting academic freedom
Fully agree
As UvASociaal, we believe the UvA must place greater emphasis on protecting and promoting academic freedom because it is the foundation of critical thinking, independent research, and democratic education. In a time of growing political pressure and market-driven priorities, safeguarding the freedom of students and staff to question, challenge, and explore diverse perspectives is essential. Academic spaces should not be governed by fear, censorship, or performance targets, but by curiosity, open debate, and collective knowledge-building.
All lectures should be available online for everyone
Fully agree
UvASociaal advocates for hybrid education and digital accessibility so that students who cannot attend in person (due to illness, disabilities, or other responsibilities) can still participate in education.
More investment is needed in interdisciplinary education (providing students with more than just one perspective on a particular subject, such as honours, PPLE or IIS programs)
Fully agree
Programs like Honours, PPLE, and IIS demonstrate the value of approaching complex issues from multiple perspectives. As UvASociaal, we believe this kind of education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. By breaking down academic silos, the UvA can offer students a richer, more holistic learning experience that prepares them to engage with real-world challenges in meaningful ways.
The Binding Study Advice (BSA) should be abolished
Agree
As UvASociaal, we believe the Binding Study Advice (BSA) should be abolished, as it places undue pressure on students and reinforces a merit-based system that disregards individual circumstances. The BSA forces students to meet rigid academic targets, often overlooking the diversity of learning experiences, challenges, and personal struggles they may face. Instead of fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, the BSA can create unnecessary stress, discourage collaboration, and lead to the exclusion of students who may need more time or support to thrive.
Calling the police should be an appropriate response to deal with student protests and demonstrations at the university
Fully disagree
UvASociaal disagrees with calling the police as an appropriate response to student protests and demonstrations at the university. We stand firmly in support of peaceful protests as a legitimate and powerful means of expressing student concerns. The university should foster an environment where students feel safe to voice their opinions without the threat of escalation. Resorting to police intervention undermines the right to peaceful protest and can create an atmosphere of fear and division, rather than one of open dialogue and constructive change.
The UvA should take a firm stance against the government’s cuts in higher education
Fully agree
UvASociaal believes that the UvA should take a firm stance against the government’s cuts in higher education. These cuts threaten the quality of education, increase financial burdens on students, and undermine the university's ability to provide the resources and support needed for academic success.
The Numerus Fixus (a limitation in the number of students admitted) should be used to stop the growth of the university
Disagree
UvASociaal acknowledges the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the university, particularly as it affects the quality of education. While we agree that the Uva's years of global student recruitment have contributed to the current situation, we also recognise that, in some extreme cases, a Numerus Fixus may be necessary to maintain educational standards. However, rather than using it to halt growth, the solution lies in addressing underlying issues, such as expanding resources, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. A more comprehensive approach is needed to balance growth with academic excellence, rather than limiting opportunities for potential applicants.
Peaceful occupations should be considered as a legitimate means of protest at the university
Fully agree
UvASociaal strongly believes that peaceful occupations should be recognised as a legitimate means of protest at the university. When students and staff feel their voices are not being heard, non-violent actions like occupations can be a powerful way to draw attention to important issues. These actions should be respected as part of the democratic right to protest and advocate for change, as long as they remain peaceful and aim to spark constructive dialogue and solutions.
The UvA should cut ties with Israeli institutions
Fully agree
UvASociaal fully supports cutting ties with institutions that are complicit in human rights violations, including Israeli institutions involved in the occupation and oppression of Palestinians. The UvA must uphold its ethical standards and stand in solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide. Maintaining such partnerships undermines the university's commitment to justice, academic freedom, and global human rights.
The UvA should involve students in long term plans for study spaces and teaching facilities according to the expected changes in student population
Fully agree
UvASociaal fully agrees that involving students in the long-term planning of study spaces and teaching facilities is essential. As the student population grows and evolves, their needs must be at the forefront of these decisions.
All food options should be plant based by default
Agree
UvASociaal supports more vegan and affordable options, but doesn’t explicitly advocate for full plant-based food by default, as it can restrict choices.
Student & Workers Councils should have the final say in policy decisions
Agree
As UvASociaal, we believe that Students and Workers Councils should have the final say in policy decisions, because those directly affected by university policies must have real democratic power in shaping them. By empowering these councils, the Uva can ensure that its policies reflect the needs, experiences, and values of the academic community, rather than top-down administrative priorities.
The UvA should offer free menstrual products at each campus
Fully agree
Uvasociaal agrees that the UvA should offer free menstrual products at each campus. Access to menstrual hygiene is a basic necessity, not a luxury. By providing these products for free, the university can help combat period poverty, reduce stigma, and ensure that no student has to miss out on their education due to lack of access. It’s a small but essential step toward a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
It is the government’s responsibility to provide mental health support for students. Therefore, the university should not spend extra resources on this
Fully disagree
As UvASociaal, we believe that the university has a direct responsibility to support the well-being of its students. Mental health is a crucial factor in academic success, personal development, and student retention. Waiting for external institutions to address these needs ignores the urgency and scale of the issue. The UvA must proactively invest in accessible, culturally sensitive, and timely mental health services.
Students wishing to take honours courses should be able to do so based on their motivation, regardless of their grades
Agree
As UvASociaal, we reject rigid merit-based systems that reduce students to numbers and exclude those who may not fit academic traditions. Motivation, curiosity, and a desire to learn should be valued just as much, if not more than grades. Everyone deserves the opportunity to deepen their education, and the honours programme should be accessible to all students who are eager to engage critically and passionately with their studies.
All board members of study associations should receive equal financial support from the University
Neutral
UvASociaal takes a neutral stance on whether all board members of study associations should receive equal financial support from the university. Financial support should depend on contracted hours and the workload associated with each role. While some positions may require more time and effort, ensuring fairness and considering the specific responsibilities of each board member is key.
The UvA Leadership should strongly oppose governments’ policy plans to reduce the number of international students
Fully agree
UvASociaal fully agrees that the UvA leadership should strongly oppose government policy plans to reduce the number of international students. International students contribute significantly to the diversity, innovation, and global perspectives at the university. Reducing their numbers would not only harm the academic environment but also limit opportunities for cultural exchange and international collaboration. The UvA should continue to advocate for policies that promote inclusivity and ensure that higher education remains open, diverse, and globally connected.
Current UvA House Rules should be amended to ensure that students can fully express themselves politically, culturally and socially
Agree
UvASociaal strongly advocates for amending the current UvA House Rules to ensure that students can fully express themselves politically, culturally, and socially. Universities should be spaces where diverse perspectives are encouraged and protected, allowing students to engage in open dialogue and activism. By updating the House Rules, the UvA can create an environment that supports freedom of expression while maintaining respect and inclusivity for all members of the university community.
The university should stop the prioritisation of students from outside the EU in regard to the university provided student housing.
Disagree
UvASociaal disagrees with stopping the prioritisation of students from outside the EU for university housing. For these students, adapting to a new culture can be difficult, and secure housing is crucial for a smooth transition but also keeping in mind the needs of Eu students and not neglecting them.
The UvA should give more training to the teaching assistants
Agree
UvASociaal agrees that the UvA should provide more training to teaching assistants. This will enhance their ability to support students effectively, create a more inclusive learning environment, and ensure that they have the tools needed to manage diverse classroom dynamics.
Admission to programs with a limited student capacity should be based on selection procedure rather than random selection through a lottery system
Disagree
UvASociaal takes a stance on the lottery system, but we strongly opposed the merit-based selection procedures that replaced it. Research showed they favoured privilege and excluded marginalised groups, which goes against our values of equality. While the lottery isn't perfect, it’s a fairer alternative and we continue to advocate for truly equity-based admissions.
The UvA should cut ties with fossil fuel companies like Shell
Fully agree
UvASociaal fully agrees that the UvA must cut ties with fossil fuel companies like Shell. As sustainability is one of our core pillars, we believe the university has a moral obligation to divest from industries that drive the climate crisis. Collaborating with such companies directly contradicts the UvA’s responsibility to promote a just and sustainable future.
The canteen should be deprivatized.
Neutral
Uvasociaal advocates affordability and inclusion in food, but doesn’t mention deprivatisation altogether.
The University must prioritise active diversity policies and include decolonial perspectives in the curriculum
Fully agree
UvASociaal explicitly calls for decolonising the curriculum, improving inclusive policies, and elevating marginalised voices in education to ensure equity.
The UvA should invest in more accessibility for students with functional limitations, such as guiding lines for people with visual impairment, as well as sensitivity towards these students
Fully agree
As UvASociaal, we strongly support greater investment in accessibility for students with functional limitations. Ensuring that campuses include guiding lines for visually impaired students, accessible learning materials, and a culture of sensitivity and awareness is not optional—it is essential. Accessibility is one of our four core pillars, and we believe that every student deserves to navigate university life with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity. By removing physical and structural barriers, the UvA can create a truly inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
There should be mandatory attendance for seminars/tutorials
Fully disagree
UvASociaal fully disagrees with mandatory attendance for seminars and tutorials. We believe that students should have the flexibility to manage their own learning and academic responsibilities. Mandatory attendance can sometimes place pressure on students, especially those who may face personal, health, or work-related challenges. Instead, we advocate for creating a learning environment that encourages engagement and motivation without the constraint of rigid attendance policies, allowing students to take ownership of their education.
As a way to curb the growth of the university, Dutch language courses should be a mandatory part of all programs
Disagree
As UvASociaal, we believe that Dutch language courses should be freely accessible to all students who wish to learn the language. However, we oppose making these courses mandatory. The UvA is an international institution, and students should not be required to learn Dutch in order to fully participate in their studies. Language learning should be encouraged, not imposed.
The university should be allowed to limit the number of international students.
Fully disagree
UvASociaal fully disagrees with the idea of limiting the number of international students at the university. The presence of international students enriches the academic environment, fosters global perspectives, and promotes cultural exchange, which are essential aspects of higher education. Limiting their numbers could lead to a less diverse and inclusive campus, reducing opportunities for cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
The UvA should strive to incorporate a broader range of ideological perspectives into its curricula.
Fully agree
UvASociaal fully agrees that the UvA should strive to incorporate a broader range of ideological perspectives into its curricula. A diverse range of viewpoints enriches the academic experience, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a deeper understanding of complex global issues.
The UvA should address problems such as systemic overwork and bad working conditions among its teachers by giving out more permanent contracts.
Agree
UvASociaal believes that the UvA should address systemic overwork and poor working conditions among its teachers by offering more permanent contracts. These contracts provide stability, reduce the pressure of temporary employment, and allow teachers to focus on delivering high-quality education. Permanent contracts can also promote better work-life balance, job satisfaction, and long-term commitment to the university, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.
Programs should have the sole responsibility in deciding whether they teach in Dutch or in English
Agree
UvASociaal believes that programs should have the autonomy to decide whether they teach in Dutch or in English, depending on the needs and goals of the specific program.
The UvA should comply with the ethical assessments made by its independent committee on third-party collaborations, including cutting the ties with institutions found to be complicit in human rights violations
Fully agree
At UvASociaal, we fully agree that the university must uphold the ethical standards set by its independent committee, especially when it comes to third-party collaborations. Cutting ties with institutions complicit in human rights violations is crucial. Such actions not only protect the university's reputation but also ensure that we, as a community, stand firm in our commitment to justice and respect for all.
The executive board of the university should be elected through an open election by the students and worker’s body
Neutral
UvASociaal strongly believes that the leadership of the University of Amsterdam must reflect the voices of its academic community, particularly its students. While we support democratic governance, we recognise that open elections often suffer from low participation. Therefore, we advocate for strengthened student representation through the Central and Faculty Student Councils, ensuring consistent, informed, and accountable involvement in university decision-making.
The university lacks sufficient readily accessible gender-neutral toilets.
Agree
At UvASociaal, we recognize that the lack of gender-neutral toilets at the UvA is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. While the university has made some progress, we believe that further improvements are necessary to create a truly inclusive environment. More gender-neutral toilets would ensure that all students, regardless of gender identity, feel respected and comfortable on campus, fostering a sense of belonging and making the university a space where everyone can thrive.