If we show ambition in our education and expect students to share that ambition, we must clearly indicate where we set the bar and help students find the programme that matches their ambitions, dreams and entry-level competences. Good orientation for students is based on freedom of choice, but twins this with clear expectations. We will, therefore, continue to encourage Bachelor’s programmes to participate in the starting and positioning tests, and we will further expand the accompanying support for (future) students. The remedial measures after the starting tests (imposed by government decree) can be conceived of as an opportunity to provide each student with personalised feedback on their starting competences before the start of the programme, which can motivate them to make up for any shortcomings in good time. Together with the Steering Group on Positioning and Start Tests, we will monitor the feasibility of this, and provide project-based impulses to shape both the tests themselves and the remedial measures.

Together, we make KU Leuven

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence you have placed in me during what has already been an intense campaign. Now we are steaming ahead to the final round of voting! Because if you really want to bring a breath of fresh air to the university, you need to know exactly what is going on, what the needs are and how we can realistically address them. In short, you need to know KU Leuven inside out so that we can move forward together and leave no one behind. That’s why I am keen to continue the dialogue with you, because yes, together, we make KU Leuven.