Binding study advice is faltering due to corona
Can first-year students still receive enough education (and earn credits) for a binding study advice? The Hogeschool Rotterdam does not want to wait and is suspending the BSA.
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It is the first university of applied sciences to take this measure. 'That means that everyone can continue their studies', is stated on the website. Some first-year students may receive negative advice, it says, but they will not be sent away.
The binding study advice differs per university and university of applied sciences, but the idea is that first-year students are sent away if they prove unsuitable for their study program. Otherwise, the student and the program would waste each other's time.
Exciting phase
In practice, this comes down to a minimum number of credits that the first-year students must obtain, for example 40 out of 60 credits. Sometimes they must also have passed a certain basic subject.
It is March, so the students “are in an exciting phase with regard to the BSA”, says Rotterdam Executive Board President Ron Bormans. “I want to take the tension off. It is very important to allow education to continue as firmly as possible, but also to reduce stress and the feeling of insecurity, for both students and staff. ”
It is very important to continue education as resolutely as possible, but also to reduce stress and the feeling of uncertainty
This week, the education ministers are talking with universities and colleges about the potential problems they face in the corona crisis. The binding study advice is also on the table.
'Not suitable'
The BSA is controversial, because how do you determine whether students are really 'unsuitable'? Maybe they just need a little more help. Training courses often use the BSA as a big stick to increase the study pace.
Minister Van Engelshoven wanted to lower the BSA, but had to back down in the House of Representatives. Under the motto never waste a good crisis could she still limit the BSA, even if only temporarily.
Legally speaking, it will also be difficult to maintain the BSA. After all, education must be in order if you set strict requirements for students. With colleges and universities closing their doors to students, you can see problems emerging. Maybe some exams are canceled.
There are no perfect measures in a crisis
It seems like a matter of time before other institutions follow suit and suspend or significantly expand their BSA. “At some point you are forced to do something with it,” says Bormans.
Perfect
As a result, some weak students will stay on the program who might be better off leaving. Bormans: “That is true, some students are not getting the push they need and for which we have set up the BSA. But in a crisis there are no perfect measures. ”
