Our organization
Zuyd is a large university of applied sciences with 13,000 students, 2,000 staff, and 11 locations in the southernmost region of the Netherlands. Our branches in Heerlen, Sittard, and Maastricht are each just about 15 minutes from the German and Belgian borders. 12% of our students come from abroad, mainly from our neighbouring countries, Belgium and Germany.
We offer a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degree programmes. In addition, working professionals can come to Zuyd for further education and training. We conduct applied research within our research groups (in Dutch: lectoraten). Together with one or more study programmes, these make up an academy. All our programmes, research groups, and the Executive Board are supported by eight departments.
Our schools
Our academies connect teaching, research, and practice. Students gain the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills, while also meeting companies and institutions through these academies. Our directors ensure strong connections and collaboration between the academies.
Executive board
The three members of our Executive Board ensure strong governance and effective oversight. Together with transparent accountability, these are the foundations of our governance approach. The Executive Board is ultimately responsible for everything we do at Zuyd. They set our direction and strategy, define the frameworks, and manage our financial resources. André, Saskia, and Rob are happy to introduce themselves.
drs. André Postema (1969), chairman:
"In my portfolio you’ll find: strategy, marketing and communication, human resources and organisational development, and Sustainable Zuyd. I graduated as an economist from the University of Groningen and went on to gain extensive experience as a director and manager in business, education, science, and healthcare. Before joining Zuyd, I was Vice President at Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini Netherlands. I also served as Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board of Maastricht University and as Chairman of the Executive Board of Limburg Continued Education. Until my appointment at Zuyd, I was Chairman of the Board at the Martini Hospital in Groningen."
Contact:
Ilse Bercx
Ilse.bercx@zuyd.nl | +31 (0)6 81 18 92 35
Prof. dr. Saskia Brand-Gruwel (1964), member:
"My portfolio includes education, research, and quality assurance. I have been working at Zuyd since 1 September 2019. Before that, I was Professor of Educational Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the Open University in Heerlen. Earlier in my career, I also worked as a university lecturer, head lecturer, programme director, and curriculum developer. It all started with my studies at Radboud University Nijmegen, where I graduated from the Faculty of Education and later earned my PhD. In addition to my work as a member of the Executive Board, I am also (board) member of several education- and research-related committees and advisory boards."
Contact:
Monica Bezemer
monica.bezemer@zuyd.nl | +31 (0)6 41 18 42 20
Supervisory board
Our supervisory board oversees the policies of the Executive Board and looks at the general course of affairs. Council members use a review framework for this purpose.
Our supervisory board includes:
- Prof. dr. Marja van Dieijen-Visser (chairman)
- Hans Dijkman MSc
- Theo Bovens MSc
- Beatrice Boots MSc
- Hans Vossen MSc
Our supervisory board has three committees.
- Remuneration, Selection and Governance Committee
- Audit Committee
- Education and Research Committee
Governance
The Executive Board, the Supervisory Board, the Deans, and the Directors of Support Services each have clear tasks, responsibilities, and authority. These are laid down in the Managerial and Control Regulations. These regulations follow the by-laws of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), and the Dutch code of good governance for universities of applied sciences.
Participation and co-decision
Student and staff participation is important. That's why our central participation council, service council and academy councils have a say in Zuyd's policies. They advise, consult, and vote on strategic and policy decisions within Zuyd.
Legal protection
Good governance also means protecting the rights of students and staff. Students can file complaints through the digital legal protection desk. Depending on the complaint, a confidential adviser, the ombudsman or the Board of Objections and Appeals will help. Staff, students, and customers can also contact an independent complaints committee. The integrity code sets out what behaviour we expect, and you can report wrongdoing through the whistle-blower scheme. Transparency is important to us in this context.