Blog: Interactive and equal

Alma Schaafstal shares her journey of launching the Creative Technology program at VU Amsterdam, fostering collaboration with the UT.

Interactive and equitable

We’ve had some exciting and, at times, tense weeks. There has been a lot happening regarding formal decision-making. The University Council of the UT approved the macro efficiency dossier, allowing us to request government approval to officially launch the bi-location. Both executive boards have agreed to the planned start of the bi-location.

The business case still needs attention. The Faculty Council of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science is keeping things sharp and asking for clarification on a few points. The optimist in me finds it hard to accept that, alongside the risks, the opportunities aren’t getting as much focus. However, I also know that considerations regarding appointments, good personnel policies, and all that goes with it must be properly addressed.

In the meantime, we had fantastic meetings in Amsterdam with our colleagues. Of course, it’s a bit awkward for everyone to meet in person for the first time. But 3D is so much better than 2D, and we’re calling each other more often now. The phase of simply transmitting information is over. There’s more and more interaction and equality. The best part is that there’s space to show our uncertainties and share them with each other. This makes the collaboration more open and equal. I really appreciate that!

And of course, there was that wonderful reception in Amsterdam on 7 April, with people from all the impact coalitions together, hosted by both executive boards. So warm and welcoming. Despite our differences, there’s so much that binds us: a focus on diversity, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Three themes that are strong in CreaTe!