Statement Executive Board regarding ‘Boos’
We have recently received a request from the TV programme 'Boos' to participate in their show. According to them, they have received signals and/or complaints from students and staff regarding, among other things, the quality of education and the working culture within the Fine Art course at AKI.
These are topics that have been on our radar for quite some time, partly due to the feedback provided by colleagues and students previously.
That is why the newly appointed director, upon joining in September 2022, was given a robust mandate for change. The objective of this mandate is to restore AKI to a healthy academy with a corresponding safe learning and working culture, sound finances, and high-quality education.
We are working on three topics/processes:
- Curriculum renewal
- Assessment and examination
- Professional learning and working climate
Quality of education, curriculum, and assessment
In May 2023, the new director appointed a project leader (educational specialist) to work alongside teaching teams and advisors in developing a new Fine Art curriculum based on quality and feasibility (including financial). The directive is to align with developments in higher (art) education and ArtEZ's institutional plan. To facilitate this, the Executive Board has decided not to admit new students to the Fine Art course for the upcoming academic year. While not an easy decision, this is not uncommon in education when it allows for better handling of issues.
The director and the examination committee are working closely to monitor and ensure the quality of education and compliance with the Education Examination Regulations (OER). Following the examination committee's dossier review results in June 2023, the heads of departments were tasked with drafting a recovery plan. The recovery plan for all courses has been approved by the examination committee and is currently being implemented.
Professional learning and working climate
Systematic efforts towards professional conduct, organisation, cohesion, and communication form the basis for creating a professional learning and working climate. Changes in an organisation and culture are not always easy. Many students and colleagues welcome these changes, but some do not, which is normal during a cultural shift. It is therefore important to engage in ongoing conversations about this. In light of this, we invite everyone to engage in dialogue. Our approach is to talk with each other, not about each other. Hence, we are not cooperating with the filming of 'Boos' at this time and invite everyone to discuss matters with us. Both the director and we are available for this purpose.
Executive Board
Marjolijn Brussaard
Bert Verveld