The members of the Student Advisory Board were asked to contribute to the newsletter of het National Commission. Marjorie Miranda and Parker Winkel took the initiative and each wrote an article from their own personal perspective. In the articles you can read about what the respective members want to work on in the coming year.

By: Parker Winkel – BSc Psychology, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Trainer | Member of the Student Advisory Board (National Commission for the CoC)

If you’ve just read Marjorie’s column, you might be thinking, “Wow, the Code of Conduct is serious business.” And you’re right! It’s vital work, and her piece tackled an incredibly important issue. My contribution to this newsletter, though, takes a more personal turn. Think of it as a palate cleanser—still important, but with a little extra seasoning.

I joined the international Students Advisory Board (SAB) because, as an international student, I’ve seen firsthand how we often exist in a societal niche—contributive but without representation. During my time at the university, I watched friends from outside Europe drop out due to financial barriers, forced to return to their home countries despite their talents and ambitions. It’s hard not to feel frustrated when you see potential and opportunity curtailed by preventable obstacles.

This lack of representation isn’t just frustrating—it’s systemic. Politicians have little incentive to legislate in our interest. Unlike Dutch citizens, we have no votes to wield, leaving us dependent on decisions made for us, not by us. That’s why I was drawn to the SAB. It offers a rare chance to advocate for international students’ needs directly.

One foremost need is financial accessibility. Over the years, I’ve seen too many friends and colleagues from outside Europe pack their bags and leave, not because they lacked talent or motivation, but because they couldn’t afford to stay. It’s a trend that doesn’t just hurt students; it’s a missed opportunity for integration and a loss for the Dutch economy. Through the SAB, I hope to work with the National Commission to explore solutions within the CoC framework—ideally ones that keep talented students here rather than sending them home.

Of course, advocating for international students isn’t simple. Our community is diverse, and our experiences vary widely based on personal background and country of origin. Sometimes our interests even conflict. But certain initiatives—room guarantees, scholarships, or maybe just fewer bureaucratic hurdles—are universally beneficial. These are the kinds of changes I’d like to help make happen.

This week, we’ll  meet with the National Commission to start tackling these challenges. While I’m still new to the SAB, I’m eager to dive in and contribute. We SAB newcomers also hope to connect with changemakers who, like us, believe in equitable opportunities for all, no matter where you’re from.

At the end of the day, the SAB gives us a chance to be more than contributors without representation. It’s a platform where we can advocate for changes that matter. If we succeed, we’ll have built a more inclusive environment not just for international students, but for everyone. And that’s something worth fighting for—even if it means more acronyms.