The Student and Educational Affairs (SOZ) department is involved in many processes. SOZ provides educational logistics and executive support for both national and international students. Additionally, SOZ focuses on the key elements of the service: sport, culture, and well-being. A complete overview of the activities can be found in the SOZ Products and Services Catalog 2022 [in Dutch].

SOZ houses the educational policy staff of the VU. The preparation of education policy and its evaluation is provided by SOZ. Good cooperation with faculties and their employees is essential for the proper functioning of SOZ. The core values of the VU (personal, open and responsible) are used as guidelines in all activities, in the pursuit of offering an unforgettable experience for all students. During the VU Bachelor Introduction Days, prospective students get a decent and fun start to their studies. Although almost everything can take place 'live' on the VU campus in post-corona times, SOZ is working on a transformation to active blended learning in the coming years. The VU campus is the central learning environment for the student, however where it is fitting and logical, education will also be offered online. In SOZ’s Multi-Year plan students, faculty, staff, and administrators speak about the service.

The VU Sports Centre and Griffioen Cultural Centre give all students and employees of VU Amsterdam the opportunity to develop themselves in alternative ways in addition to their education and work.

As of 1 May 2023 SOZ consists of eleven departments and a management. View the organisational chart, the SOZ annual plan 2022 [in Dutch] and the introduction film.