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VU Amsterdam Merges Theology Department
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is merging its theology department into a larger faculty to address declining enrollment, budget cuts, and improve its long-term prospects.
Dutch
Netherlands
NetherlandsBudgetHigher EducationMergerRestructuringTheology
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Vu)Arp (Abraham Kuyper's Political Party)School Religie En Theologie (Srt)Harvard UniversityYale University
Abraham KuyperRik Peels
- What is the perspective of Professor Rik Peels on this merger?
- Professor Rik Peels supports the merger, viewing it as a way to improve the theology program's competitiveness and relevance. He downplays concerns about "religiestress" and emphasizes the international standard of the new faculty's name.
- What external pressures are contributing to this restructuring?
- The declining number of theology students and impending government budget cuts are major factors driving the merger. Integrating into a larger faculty helps the program secure resources and administrative support.
- How will theology be positioned within the new faculty structure?
- The new faculty structure will house theology as a separate "School of Religion and Theology (SRT)" maintaining some independence. The rector assures that this is not a demotion and points to similar structures at universities like Harvard and Yale.
- What are some of the concerns raised by faculty members regarding the merger?
- Some secular faculty members are experiencing "religiestress" due to the merger, concerned about working alongside theologians in the new faculty. However, the rector and others see it as a positive step for the program's future.
- What is the main reason behind the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's restructuring of its theology department?
- The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is merging its theology department into a larger Social Science and Humanities faculty. This is intended to make the theology program more viable and better positioned to address societal needs.