Rector Rik van de Walle after a fuss about cross -border behavior to UGent: « We want to give the new disciplinary framework every opportunities » (Ghent)
© Belga
Rik van de Walle, candidate for a third term as rector of UGent, remains behind the renewed disciplinary policy of the university. « We believe in the interest of this framework and we want to give it every opportunity, » he says to the Belga news agency.
Source: Belga
Today at 4:10 PM
Following the fuss around the novel Academicin which abuses are charged to UGent, the disciplinary policy at the university is again the subject of sharp debate. Earlier this week, candidate rector Petra De Sutter argued for « zero tolerance in cross-border behavior, intimidation and unacceptable leadership ».
But the disciplinary procedures on UGent have only been renewed. Long after the alleged course of events to the political science department, on which former doctoral student and author Hilde Van Liefferinge bases her fiction book. But not long enough to make an evaluation.
« Trust in our internal disciplinary organs and procedures was lost for a while, » says Van de Walle. « They are therefore reformed, with a majority of external members in the disciplinary organs. The selection of those members has begun and the new disciplinary organs are a fact next academic year. »
Powerful improvement plan
The rector says that an external audit has yielded useful insights that are incorporated into a « powerful improvement plan ». In the coming months and years, candidate vicerector Ilse Derluyn and myself want to « execute and monitor that priority ».
« Those new disciplinary organs and procedures must be closely monitored, evaluated and, where necessary, also be adjusted, including the treatment periods and the support of (UGent) witnesses, » he says.
Parallel, a UGent protection framework was created for whistleblowers and reporters, the rector still says. « We believe in the interest of this framework and we want to give it every opportunity. »
Recognition and thanks
Van de Walle acknowledges that mistakes have been made. « Trust in our internal disciplinary organs and procedures was lost for a while. They have therefore been reformed, with a majority of external members in the disciplinary organs. » The changes came after an external audit, which « delivered useful insights and brought nuance ».
Yet he warns about generalization. « I oppose a generalized negative tone with regard to the welfare policy of UGent. » According to Van de Walle « a lot has happened in recent years » and employees and students who cooperated in it deserve « recognition and big thanks ».
