A Faculty Strategic Plan for and by the Faculty community
The Faculty of Archaeology is on the eve of a new Faculty Strategic Plan (FSP) that will cover the years 2026-2028. Dean Jan Kolen stresses the importance of involving both staff and students in this process. 'We want everyone to think along about the direction we should take as a faculty. We want a plan that comes forth from the community and in which themes emerge that are widely supported.'
Involvement
Kolen emphasises that the success of the new FSP depends on the involvement of the entire community. 'Time and again, I see a lot of evidence of commitment within our Faculty. We can be proud of the willingness of staff and students to share their thoughts. We should cherish this.'
Several sessions will take place in the coming months to gather input. The Faculty Board will kick off these sessions with a number of proposals, but these are in no way set in stone. In the first phase (March-April 2025), the Faculty Board will engage with various Faculty and coparticipation bodies such as the Heads of Department, Faculty Council, LAS Terra, the Research Committee and D&I Committee. In the second phase two plenary meetings, one with staff, one with students, will be held in October in which members of the Faculty community may contribute to the draft.
Future generations
‘This coincides with the currently ongoing culture change trajectory,’ Kolen notes. 'We realise that this will be a busy year, but it is in the interest of all of us. This strategic plan should not only give direction but also contribute to a stronger and more connected academic climate.'
The new FSP will not only set out a vision for the coming years, but also anticipate the needs of future generations of researchers and students. 'We not only involve senior researchers, but are also keen to listen to the younger generation, the students, PhD candidates and other young researchers. They bring in fresh ideas and look at academic processes differently.'
Culture change trajectory
In autumn 2025, the first outcomes of the culture change trajectory will become clear. The steps leading to a desired culture, as formulated by staff and students, will be included in the Faculty Strategic Plan. ‘Ultimately, the goal is the Faculty as a place where we enjoy coming together and working together,’ Kolen summarises. ‘I am very curious to know what the Faculty community thinks about the steps we need to take.’