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Progressive Student Fraction (PSF)
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The Progressive Student Fraction (PSF) is one of the parties represented in the Student Council (SC) of Wageningen University.
Currently there are three student fractions of which two are represented in the SC:
-The Progressive Student Fraction, PSF
-United Students (Dutch:Verenigde studenten),VESTE
-Christian Student Fraction, CSF. Currently not represented in the SC.
The PSF is a progressive fraction and therefore aims to adept to changing times and needs of students and will continuously seeks to actively improve the students environment. The basis of the PSF is a strong ideology that has changes little over the years.
The interpretation and projection of these ideals on current problems will be ever changing and PSF consciously aims to be pro-active and ever adapting creative in finding new ways to improve the university.
The most important slogan used by PSF is: "Putting Students First". The slogan is an alternative interpretation of the abbreviation 'PSF' and expresses in these words an important part of the ideology of PSF. The PSF represents all students and will always put students needs first in the discussions on policy making at Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR).
Ideoligy
[edit]The ideology of the PSF is the basis of the PSF that will never change in essence. This does however not mean the PSF has not changed over the years. With changing times and people the PSF has adapted and progressed as party and will continue to evolve to face new challenges in the university and in the need of students.
- Progressive: P stands for Progressive; The PSF does not just wait for the plans of the Executive Board before they react. Instead they are constantly searching for ways to improve the University. The PSF uses their own view of the ideal University as a guide.
- For all students: PSF puts students first. They do not search for solutions that benefit one group of students and harm others. Sometimes, however, different groups of students have different needs, so some groups may need more attention than others.
- Openness and Transparency: In a University it is important that students and staff know which decisions are taken by whom. It should be clear who is responsible for different aspects of the University, including education. PSF actively seeks to know who is involved in decisions, and being open in its own operations; keeping contact with students.
- Balanced Assessment: When decisions are taken, the different interests should be weighed and compared carefully. PSF tries to work thoroughly and to discuss matters until they are sure they have found the right solution.
- Sustainability: Sustainability means having financially sound plans, taking care of the environment, and having healthy working and studying conditions. The PSF aim for the University to act taking all these aspects in to account.
- Social Responsibility: The University is a public institution, financed primarily by the government, with money from the society. Therefore we have a responsibility to inform society. The University needs to explain what is being done and why, and what the consequences for society can be The University should also contribute to the welfare of society, through technologies and debate
- Freedom: The freedom to choose as a student what you will do within or outside your study is essential to strengthen the motivation of students and to stimulate self-consciousness. Students should be able to be in charge of their own time as well; education and facilities should make that possible, e.g. by longer opening hours of libraries and computer rooms.
- Continuity: PSF thinks that the Executive Board should have continuity in plans for the University. The PSF does not want radical changes every year, because they affect education and research in a negative way. The basis of the PSF stays the same throughout the years, to assure continuity of the PSF as party.
- Integrity: Decisions and statements should not have malicious intentions. What someone says should be based on his or her real views.
- Equivalence: All people are not equal, but equivalent. There should be no discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion or previous education. People inside the University should treat each other as equivalent, regardless of their degree or position.
- Academic Development: PSF thinks that the University should enable students to take part in or organize activities outside their normal study program, because these activities contribute to the academic development of students. But students have to decide themselves if they want to use these opportunities.
- Critical Reflection: It is very important that graduates are able to think and act autonomously and have a critical and reflective attitude (towards themselves, science and society). These attitudes should be stimulated in education; students should be able to create their own program and learn to reflect critically on their studies.
- Multidisciplinary: Graduates from this University should be able to co-operate with people from different fields of study and backgrounds, therefore students need to have some basic knowledge of other fields, and need to learn skills to work together with others.
- Knowledge Depth: It should be possible for all students to deepen their knowledge in their field(s) of study. It is the task of the University to provide enough courses and opportunities to do this adequately, even if only a few students take the courses each year.
- Honesty: The PSF strive toward honest communication, which means: The PSF does not withhold any information, will be open in its objectives and progress, and plays with open cards, even if this means criticizing its own work or party.
History
[edit]The PSF's history is closely connected with the history of the Wageningen Student Orginisation (WSO). Both started in the seventies as part of WASTRA (Wageningen Student Counci) representing all students. To be able to act more effective, the Wageningen Student Organisation (WSO) was founded. When the University decided to form a University Council in which students and employees worked together, the WSO wanted to have a say in this council as well. The Progressive Student Party, a parliamentary branch of the WSO was born. The WSO and PSF are in current times two separated entities who closely work together for both have similar aspirations and ideologies but both use different methods to achieve these goals. The PSF strives to improve the university using political debates while the WSO uses activism and information distribution to achieve political goals ass well as providing a broad range of facilities and services to students.
References
[edit]Student Fraction website, PSF information booklet Retrieved 09-08-2010]
article on student councils Retrieved 09-08-2010]
Student Organization website, History Retrieved 09-08-2010
External Links
[edit]http://www.psf.wur.nl
http://www.veste.wur.nl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_council
http://www.wso.wur.nl
http://www.wur.nl/UK