It's time to go the extra mile

These are restless times in the Academy. We are coming face to face with the reality of the proposed cutbacks in higher education and scientific research. At the same time, competition between universities, both at home and abroad, is on the rise. Universities must promote themselves and they need to show how they can make a real difference.

In this prevailing climate, it is only logical that university administrators are also being asked to show their true colors. Students and staff members regularly ask me where I stand on the issues.

Of course I have quite a bit to say, but what is the core of my message? In a nutshell: everyone will have to go the extra mile!

Students, too, will have to work harder in their first year to secure a positive recommendation on continuing their studies. They will need to invest more time in their academic endeavors. Lecturers will need to demonstrate to students that diligent study habits really do produce results. Our teaching programs will become more demanding and interactive, requiring didactic innovation and commitment. This will also demand extra effort from everyone at Tilburg University. Our focus needs to be on redoubling our commitment to teaching and rewarding didactic excellence.

We will simply have to work more effectively and with a clear sense of purpose. The university’s central support services and the faculty offices will need to work smarter and more efficiently so that we can save money and strengthen our primary mission.

We will have to get to work now if we want to retain our ranking. This requires commitment and energy, and we need to expend this extra effort now to stay in the lead.