Frequently Asked Questions - Student representation
1. What does the commitment as a student panel member concretely involve?
This depends on the type of assessment you participate in. In general, we distinguish between two procedures:
Programme assessment
- Active contribution throughout the entire assessment process.
- Training: 1 day (reviewing documentation and online training).
- Site visit (including hotel stay): 1.5 days (including travel time and a preparatory meeting with the committee at the hotel) for meetings between the committee and the programme.
- Feedback on the assessment report: 1 day.
Institutional review
- Active contribution throughout the entire assessment process. Each assessment is tailored to the specific context, but we estimate the time commitment per procedure at approximately ten days spread over a period of at least six months and no more than nine months.
- In principle, a panel visits an institution twice. The first site visit takes one day, while the second visit takes a maximum of three days.
Additional information: Are you participating for the first time? You will complete a one-time online training session and a peer exchange session.
2. How will I be prepared for my role as a panel member?
You will not be on your own. We provide a strong support structure:- An online training session and a 1.5-hour peer exchange session.
- Direct contact with the process coordinator (an NVAO staff member) for all your questions.
- You will be part of a panel. Under the guidance of the panel chair, the entire process is thoroughly prepared, and you will go through the assessment procedure together with the other panel members.
3. What’s in it for me? Will I receive compensation, and does this affect the number of working hours allowed under my student status?
The value of your diploma depends greatly on the quality of the programme that leads to it. As a student, participating in an assessment panel is therefore a highly valuable experience. By taking part, you help safeguard the future and quality of your programme and your diploma. At the same time, you gain relevant experience that can be useful for your future career. In addition, you receive a fair compensation, and your travel and accommodation expenses are covered. This compensation is not subject to taxation and does not affect the number of hours you are allowed to work in a student job. A true win-win situation!
4. How do I arrange my absence with my programme, workplace or internship provider?
We will provide you with a certificate signed by our director. You can submit this document to your programme, workplace or internship provider as proof that you are participating in an NVAO assessment procedure.
5. Am I allowed to share information from the assessment with others?
No. This information is strictly confidential. As a panel member, you have access to confidential and sensitive information about the programme or institution. You are responsible for handling this information discreetly and using and storing it exclusively within the framework of this assessment procedure.
6. What if I have to assess a programme or institution involving someone I personally know?
Independence is essential. According to NVAO’s Code of Ethics, a panel member may not have any personal interest in a positive or negative outcome of an assessment. Therefore, strict rules regarding conflicts of interest apply. For example, you may not have had any connection with the institution concerned (as a student or employee) during the five years preceding the application date. More information about our Code of Ethics can be found via the button below:
7. How can I apply?
Are you interested in participating in an assessment procedure as a student panel member and contributing to the quality of higher education? Great!Simply send an email to studentenrekrutering@vvs.ac and we will get in touch with you soon.