Five questions about improving our educational logistics
The university is exploring how to improve our educational logistics. Deputy Director of Operations and project leader Joop van Pijkeren answers five questions about the project.
1. Hi Joop, what exactly is this project about?
‘Our educational logistics are organised in a fragmented way, and there’s a perceived gap between the support provided by faculties and central services. Turner Consultancy carried out an analysis of our educational logistics, and based on the conclusions of their late-2024 report, we’re taking the next step with this review of the current situation. The focus is on identifying opportunities and finding ways to complement and strengthen each other.’
2. What’s our ultimate goal?
‘We have several goals. One is to align implementation more closely with policy. Another is to achieve greater cohesion: moving from an individual approach to an integrated one that prioritises the university’s interests and looks ahead. Once we’ve mapped the current organisation and analysed existing bottlenecks, we’ll develop one or two of the most realistic and achievable scenarios. A key priority is to support interdisciplinary teaching across faculties. This will require greater standardisation, making it easier for students to move between programmes: for instance, through interdisciplinary minors and classes at different locations. Every student should be able to ask the same questions and receive the same support at any help desk, regardless of faculty.’
3. What needs to happen in the coming months and years to make that a reality?
‘The key is genuine interfaculty collaboration: joining forces, sharing knowledge and pooling capacity. Everyone agrees that things could be better, but knowing where to start is a challenge. So we’ll tackle this together, guided by our vision for the future and the lessons learned from other universities and from the Faculty of Science, where an educational logistics project is already underway. Fortunately, there’s strong enthusiasm and commitment. It’s clearly in everyone’s interest.’
4. What do you see as the biggest challenges?
‘Change is never easy. In this project, we believe all changes and decisions should serve the interests of the university as a whole and its students. Our focus is on building connections. We expect everyone to contribute from their role and to see the benefits. The emphasis is on the tactical level: faculties will lead the work sessions, with plenty of attention to practical challenges and implementation. We’ll gather as much input as possible from colleagues and take it into account in our decisions.’
5. What is the plan for the coming months?
‘We’re currently carrying out the assessment and consulting experts: colleagues with extensive expertise from the faculties, SEA, functional application management, the University Services Department and councils. This includes a sounding board group with representatives from the faculties and expertise centres. We expect to provide advice on the next steps early in 2026, focusing on concrete options for an organisational.’
If you have any questions, please contact Joop.