Suspense in the air, last week. How'd the campus exams go? We now know the answer: surprisingly well. Isabelle Selleslag from the Strategy and Policy department is involved in the organisation. "The good result is due to the collaboration between a lot of people from different departments."
So, how have you been the last week?
Isabelle Selleslag. “It's been an exciting week, that's for sure. In the beginning, some things had to be figured out, not only by us, but by the students as well. They didn't immediately find the distribution points of the safety kits and the mouth masks, for example. But by Wednesday that was solved, partly thanks to a broader communication."
No shortage of helping hands that first week?
Isabelle Selleslag: "On the contrary, it even turned out that we had planned a bit too many stewards. We were especially worried that we would be overrun at the distribution points, and that we wouldn't have enough people to cope. But that fear turned out to be unjustified: the students are very disciplined. They come in small groups, so we can handle the crowd well. They also wait well spread out in front of the classrooms until the gates open. It's only after the exams that things sometimes get a bit looser and the stewards have to urge them to keep their distance and not to stick around too long.”
It must have been hard work getting everything ready for the exams.
Isabelle Selleslag: "It certainly was. For example, the recruitment of stewards got off to a slow start, which meant that we were only able to start planning in late. But soon after, many people joined, including volunteers from Brussels and from all kinds of cultural organisations. But especially important was the excellent cooperation between a lot of services. Facility Services, for example, took care of all the materials and signage, Prevention and Environment worked out the precautionary measures, Educational Affairs was of course responsible for the exam planning but also for the briefing of the teachers and the supervisors of the exams in the classrooms. Marcom took care of a lot of practical and logistical matters as well as communication. And of course, the faculties also provided indispensable support. True, it's not over yet, so everyone remains alert. But I do feel reassured, even in the knowledge that all kinds of ad hoc problems will still arise".
There have been some problems then?
Isabelle Selleslag. "Not enough to start panicking, far from it. For example, on the first day we forgot to provide coffee: rather important if you know that the staff and volunteers had to be there at 7:30 am. But that was sorted out quickly. And yes, if something unexpected turns up, you have to make sure everyone is informed. Nothing that can't be solved with some solving skills, though.
Are you on post again this week?
Isabelle Selleslag: “I'm on campus Tuesday and Friday. Tuesday there are few exams, but Friday I want to be there to brief the steward coordinators. They come from different departments and faculties, all of them with lots of sympathy and engagement towards the VUB. They also know the campuses very well, but when they are coordinator for the first time, it's still good to be there and help get them started.”
You'll be longing for a good holiday afterwards, won't you?
Isabelle Selleslag: "Not just me, but a lot of other employees too, I guess. Indeed, I'm looking forward to it. I still have to schedule my days off, though. But that won't be lacking!"