More study spaces at the UB
Until late last month, the UB had seventy spaces available for vulnerable students. The library was only open in the morning. The library has been open in the afternoon since February 1, which means a total of 140 students were allowed inside the UB every day.
‘But this Monday, we’re scaling up our capacity to 140 study spaces, which means we have room for 280 students a day at the UB’, says UB spokesperson Babette Knauer. ‘Everything is in accordance with the corona restrictions, of course.’
Recommendation
Anyone who wants to study at the UB needs a recommendation from their study advisor. Students can then reserve no more than three shifts a week. Both conditions are strictly monitored, says Knauer.
‘You have to present the recommendation to the front desk when you come in. They’ll be able to check when your reservation is and how many you made. It’ll allow us to prevent students coming in more times than they’ve reserved.’
Vulnerable
Over the past few weeks, many people wondered what the term ‘vulnerable’ meant. When is a student considered vulnerable and allowed into the UB? ‘The term is basically impossible to define’, says Odette Ruyters, head of the Student Service Centre. ‘There are always multiple factors at play. It varies per student, so you have to determine it on a case-by-case basis.’
Nevertheless, attempts were made to define the term ‘vulnerable’. Generally speaking, it concerns students who need an external study location due to special circumstances.
‘Students who have problems focusing or structuring their day, for example, students who are really sensitive to external stimuli because of a disability, mental or physical disorders, or who have a difficult domestic situation.’
Students facing these issues can go to their study advisor, wo will then determine whether the student qualifies for a spot at the UB.