Board Grants paid in advance

The Board of Directors has decided to pay the board grants in advance this year, instead of only after the board year has been completed. They’ve just announced their decision during the university council meeting.

Temporary rollback

The UG initially wanted to only pay out afterwards. In case board members quit during the year, they have to pay back a part of their grant. It turned out to be very difficult for the UG to get the excess money back from students.

ESN, ACLO, USVA and KEI felt this change might cause problems. They fear that current board members may get into financial difficulties due to the postponed payout. Furthermore, they are afraid students may not choose to do a board year anymore due to this change. Also, board members (almost) can’t compensate the loss in finances by working, as they’re already busy with their regular tasks.

The UG still thinks that paying out afterwards is better. However, she recognizes that current board members couldn’t prepare for this change. After consulting CUOS, the UG decided to postpone the change for one year. From next year onwards, they still plan to only pay out afterwards.

Structural solution needed

Lijst Calimero is glad that the UG listened to the student facilities and decided to pay the board grants in advance to current board members. For the future, we want the UG to either continue to pay the grants up front or switch to a system where the grants are payed out in a number of installments. This last system would mitigate the worries of the UG, but still give board members the much needed financial support during the year.

Want to request your board grant? Go to https://gaiisap1.rcbiv.rug.nl:9644/fondsen/login/ and fill in the form. All rules concerning the grants and the graduation fund can be found at http://www.rug.nl/about-us/organization/rules-and-regulations/onderwijs/graduation-fund-regulations.