EN|NL

ARE YOU GOING TO BE THE NEXT STUDENT UNION BOARD MEMBER?

Do you have a heart for personal development and do you want to defend the interests of your fellow students? Then you are the person we are looking for! We have four vacancies on our board from September 2025 until September 2026, of which we would like to fill the following portfolios: 

A specific description of each portfolio can be found on the board page.

DAILY TASKS OF A STUDENT UNION BOARD MEMBER

Together with five fellow board members, you are responsible for most affairs that involve the student life of Enschede. The Executive Board of the UT mandated the Student Union to write the policy for sports and culture, student entrepreneurship and (the introduction to) the living environment of students. Besides that, you are not just engaged in the developments of the UT, but you will also get a lot of freedom to initiate new plans and realise them because of the position of the Student Union. Because of the various tasks of the Student Union, you will meet different kinds of parties at the university. From students and associations to heads of departments and the Executive Board of the university.

The SU talks and decides about the changes in our university, how (extra-curricular) personal development can be placed in this and how this all affects the daily life of students. What would this university look like in 20 years? And how can students contribute to that? SU's mission statement is: 'Everything we do is done for our fellow students - to empower them to achieve more than a degree'. In addition, your coordinating role represents the interests of some 12.000 students and you will be the point of contact for umbrella organisations, associations, foundations and external parties. In short, you play an active role in everything that concerns students.

Several examples of what SU board members have been working on in the past years: representing student interests around the COVID-19 measures, establishing a UT-wide vision on Extracurricular development, internationalisation of the campus, training for boards, engagement market, engagement recognition, board minor, discussing the wellbeing of students, organising the More Than a Degree awards, establishing new FOBOS category for entrepeneurs, being involved in SHAPING2030, making sure students can participate in sports and cultural activities, lobbying for associations interests, managing financial flows in a financial difficult time, etc.

The most important things the past board members have learned are: thinking in solutions, lobbying with different parties, critical thinking, having a positive approach, formulating things clearly, setting goals and managing.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and every board member is keen to tell you more about it!

THE BOARD ITSELF

We work in our office in the Bastille. Every Monday morning we have breakfast together and on Friday afternoon we catch up informally at our weekly Friday afternoon drink. The rest of the days, we meet regularly to walk around, to have a talk or during our board meetings. We are a close board and organise extra activities to maintain this. 

INTERESTed?

We offer different kinds of activities where we’ll tell you more about what it’s like and where you can ask us everything you would like to know. Whether you're seriously considering a year on the SU board or are just exploring the options, you're always more than welcome! 

Monday the 14th of April the next interest drink is planned at the SU office (Bastille 332) from 4pm till 6pm. 

You are free to ask a current or former board member of the Student Union to join for a walk/video call, so you can ask them whatever you like to know about the daily tasks you can expect and their experiences. Contact Annick for any questions or more information, text or call her on +31534896918. 

Are you looking for this challenge and do you want to empower your fellow students to achieve more than a degree by taking this unique position for a year? Apply now!

You can find more information about the application procedure here.

Frequently Asked Questions. 

Here is an overview of the most frequent asked questions.

What does the Student Union do?

Even though we are called the Student Union, we are not a real union. The Student Union is an organisation for and by students with the following mission: "Everything we do is done for our fellow students – to empower them to achieve more than a degree." In practice, this means that we advocate for students' interests. We do this by making the students' voices heard on policy matters. Additionally, we provide direct services and organise events for UT students.

What are the benefits of becoming an SU board member?

As an SU board member, you have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, build a valuable network, and make a direct impact on student life at UT. You will learn to collaborate with various parties, from students and associations to university administrators.

How are you guided as an SU board member?

You will receive guidance from University of Twente staff, such as our board advisor, communication advisor, policy advisor, and financial controller. Additionally, the board receives several professional training sessions and workshops to further develop their skills.

What does your financial year look like as an SU board member?

Because you take on significant responsibilities and it should be possible for any student to become a board member of the Student Union, you receive financial compensation for your work as a board member. You will get your tuition fees reimbursed and receive an additional €750 per month.

What is your work situation like as an SU board member?

The Student Union has its own office at the university. You work 40 hours a week for the SU, from Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. For vacations, you have 2 weeks of Christmas break, 3 weeks of summer vacation, and 10 vacation days.

How does a former SU board member look back on their SU year?

Former SU board members often look back on their board year as a very educational and valuable experience. They emphasize personal growth, the development of their professional skills, and the impact they were able to make on student life.