The foundation was built with three different groups of people: The Advisory Board, The Chaplains, and The Student Team. The advisory board consists of students, alumni and/or professionals from various backgrounds nominated by the chaplains and the student team. The board is responsible for administrative matters and funding and gives advice to the rest of the team.
The Chaplains and our Zen Buddhism advisor are professionally trained in counselling and spiritual work, to support the students. They are available for counselling and answering questions concerning the philosophy of life, ethics, and the art of living. They are concerned about students' well-being and personal growth in life. Besides, they also oversee and coordinate the day-to-day work of Spectrum.
Along with the board and the chaplains we have a team of students that plays an important role in the functioning of the foundation. The current team of facilitators consists of an Office Manager, a PR Manager, an Externus, a Treasurer, and a Coordinator. Likewise, we have an Activity Manager and a Meditation Assistant who are part of the committee of activities and who focus on planning and organizing activities.
You (the young minds in Wageningen) are the Fellows of Spectrum, who support Spectrum and are indispensable at our events and activities. In that way it is a community that co-creates and with a board to give direction and guidance.
Spectrum aims to gather students in all their diversity for religious, philosophical and cultural exploration and discussion. We wants to provide a safe space based on mutual understanding and hospitality. This will contribute to the wellbeing of students individually and as a group by providing opportunities for community building. We are motivated by hospitality and a genuine interest in the many different ways young people try to give meaning to their lives and supporting them in finding their passion. We want to be a platform where students from various backgrounds connect and interact with each other beyond the scope of their academic lives. We believe that this helps the students to develop their skills and interests and to follow their passion. Eventually, Spectrum wishes to contribute to students living a happy and healthy life.
The events and activities organized by Spectrum are based on our five pillars - Connecting, Creativity, Personal Growth, Philosophy, and Spirituality. Activities are organized by the students, the chaplains, or by both together. Think of workshops, lectures, group discussions, excursions, meditations, and counselling. We also organize activities in collaboration with other student associations and organizations.
The goal behind these activities is to support student’s personal development beyond academic learning.
We want to use the diversity in Wageningen to create the best experience for Dutch and international students during their time here.
The organizing team is made up of the student team, the chaplains and the board members.
Three student chaplains
1. Josine van der Horst;
2. Jeannette den Ouden;
3. Dorothée Berensen;
And 4. A Life coach - Marloes Harkema;
And supported by The Board
Olaf van Kooten
Marieke van Keeken
Alfred Arulandhu
Rob Witte
Josine van der Horst