Information and guidelines meetings

• Where can I register my event?

  You can register your event via frontoffice.fco@vu.nl or the blue button at the top of this page.

  If you have a question about event organisation, it’s best to contact Miranda van Holland. 

• What guidelines does my event need to comply with?

  Are you a lecturer, staff member, researcher or student and want to organise a meeting on Israel and the Palestinian territories? As a university, we see it as our role to facilitate academic debate on this conflict. At the same time, we attach great importance to ensuring that the activities taking place at our university do not lead to polarisation and/or (feelings of) insecurity in our academic community. Events must also comply with the general rules and the university’s code of conduct.

  We have established a set of guiding principles: 

  • The activity is inclusive and transparent.
  • The activity is only open to students and employees of VU Amsterdam and this is made clear in the announcement. The meeting will be announced through internal VU channels. Participants should register in advance via a registration form in order to monitor event capacity. You place this form in the agenda item of the meeting.   
  • The activity aims to conduct a dialogue aimed at sharing knowledge, increasing mutual understanding, in a way that treats each other respectfully and listens to each other.
    
    Rules of conversation:
    • We practice the art of deep listening, meaning we strive to understand the speaker's perspective. By suspending our judgment, opening up to receive new information from the speaker.
    • We accept that being part of the conversation is of greater importance than the need to be right.
    • This meeting is not intended for political activism, yet we will not exclude those who consider themselves activists or politically involved.
    • There is room for emotions but we try not to act out when emotional.
    • We all have our opinions but remain aware others may experience a different reality.
    • We speak as long as necessary, but as short as possible.
    • We intend for our contribution to bring the conversation further and strive to prevent exclusion or escalation.
    • We remain aware that our language should be productive not corrosive.
    • We ask for clarification and remain willing to explain yourself to others.
    • We remain aware that we are a community of learners and have a responsibility to our community.
    • We need to agree that we are ok with unease, however uncomfortable it might be at times.

  Questions?
  It's best to contact Miranda van Holland, project manager solidarity and dialogue c.r.van.holland@vu.nl.  

• Can VU help me with organizing events or activities?

  The VU recognizes that tragic events have occurred these past months in the Palestinian regions and Israel. These are a major cause for concern to many of our students. Our VU Amsterdam student community is impacted and there is a growing need for not only knowledge exchange but also for commemoration and dialogue. 

  3D, the dialogue stage of VU and NEWConnective help VU students setting up moments of reflection and exchange on campus. NEWConnective offers moments of silence in the VU Silence Room in the main building, grief groups or other contemplative activities. Together, we can create a gathering that fits your needs in these aggravating and mournful times. Such activities could include, for example - but not limited to - a candle lighting/silence moment, an introspective journaling session, a grief group or a dialogue. 

  For questions or suggestions please reach out to newconnective@vu.nl

• Where can I find someone to listen, and/or talk to for comfort or guidance?

  The Diversity Office, together with the spiritual caregivers of VU, is opening a consultation hour for staff and students who seek support following the outbreak of protests around Amsterdam. You can seek a listening ear, comfort, or guidance for your anxiety, anger, or concerns. Drop by or make an appointment via divers@vu.nl.