Become a boardmember
Do you want to become a board member, but are you still not sure about whether you should do it or not? We answered here the most frequently asked questions from students about a board year. The answer to these questions includes more information about what you do in a year, combining a board year with your study and more!
How much of my time does a board year cost me on a weekly basis?
This varies, some weeks that are more activities planned, so it partly depends on the number of activities (from committees, but also board-related activities). Per week it will take you, on average, about 7 to 10 hours, this includes meetings, drinks, and activities. As already said, in some weeks it will be less and in some weeks it will be more, for example when a big event, like the bachelor ceremony, approaches. During the self-study week and the exam week, there will be no activities or meetings, unless agreed upon by all board members! These two weeks you can fully focus on studying for your exams!
Am I able to combine a board year with my study?
Yes, you can! Most board members do not end up with a delay when they decide to become a board member, in fact, most board members will pass their exams just like their fellow students who are not part of a board. Our studies (both BIN and BCL) have not many contact hours and thus it is quite simple to combine the study with your work as a board member. Our programs provide us enough flexibility to schedule meetings for the board as well as schedule time for self-study. As was said earlier, during the self-study and the exam week, there will be no board-related activities and thus you can then fully focus on studying for your courses.
Do I have enough time to do other things like being a member of a student association, a sports association, or work?
Yes, besides your tasks as a board member, you still have time for other things! Our experience shows that you can be part of a sports association, work (in Wageningen or your hometown), be a volunteer, play music (either in a band or an orchestra), be part of other organizations (UNICEF, etc.) and meet with friends. It must however be said that sometimes you are not able to do these things when you have for example a bachelor ceremony or another important activity where you should go as a board member. As a board you can decide to schedule meetings on times that every board member is able to participate, for activities you can decide with the rest of the board who is going to represent Ipso Facto, the others can then take a night off for example. On average you are two nights busy with the study association (activities, meetings, etc.), this does vary per week! On the weekends and holidays, there are no activities or meetings planned, so you can enjoy your weekend in Wageningen or your hometown.
What does a board year bring me?
A board year brings you lots of amazing things! You will meet a lot of new and interesting people, for example, your fellow board members, with which you will do lots of fun things (Board weekend, a battle between different boards, etc.). Besides your fellow board members from Ipso Facto, you will also get to learn a lot of board members from other study associations, you can help each other out and build your network, but most importantly it is very sociable.
During your board year, you will also learn a lot about the university itself, you have for example regular meetings with study advisors and program directors. You will develop organization skills and you learn more about working in a small team. Meeting students and businesses also may help you in your future life. Last but certainly not least it improves your CV, a board experience shows that you developed yourself on a professional and a personal level.
Interested in a board year after reading this? You can always send an e-mail to bestuur.ipso-facto@wur.nl if you want more information about a board year or one of the functions. Still unsure whether to become a board member? You can always come by at the Hok to talk to us!