Rector and vice-rectors
Caroline Pauwels is succeeding Paul de Knop as the rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel. A professor in communications sciences and the director of the iMinds-SMIT research centre, Pauwels will becomes this university’s second female rector, following in the footsteps of emeritus professor Els Witte.
 
http://www.vubtoday.be/en/content/caroline-pauwels-named-new-rector-vrije-universiteit-brussel
 
The new vice rectors are Jan Danckaert (Education and Student Policy), Karin Vanderkerken (Research Policy), Hugo Thienpont (Innovation and Valorisation Policy), and Sonja Snacken (International Relations Policy)
 
http://www.vubtoday.be/en/content/new-rector-announces-team-vice-rectors
 
 
Student Council
Jarne and Julie will preside over the new student council. Jarne is a master student in “BRUFACE Electronics & Information Technology Engineering”, while is Julie is a master student in Medicine. They both served on the last year’s student council, so they know the ropes of student representation. The first Student Council of the new academic year will take place on September 28. 
 

http://www.vubtoday.be/en/content/new-student-council-has-international-outlook-0
 
 
Teaching and Examination Regulations
A number of adjustments have also been made to the Teaching and Examination Regulations. Especially concerning 'binding conditions'.
 
http://www.vubtoday.be/nl/content/één-op-tien-start-nieuw-academiejaar-met-bindende-voorwaarden
 
 
House style
The University Council approved a new VUB logo and rebranding on June 30. The orange, white and blue colours mark a return to the university’s roots.
 
http://www.vubtoday.be/en/content/rebranding-will-put-vub-back-picture
 
 
Swimming pool and campus construction works
The VUB swimming pool closed its doors to undergo thorough and much-needed renovations on June 25, 2016. The new pool – which has a price tag of 8 million euros – will feature a 25m ‘main pool’ as well as a 13m ‘teaching pool’ with an adjustable floor. It will also include four large changing rooms, four family changing rooms and 30 individual changing rooms.
 
You can find an overview of swimming pool alternatives here: http://www.vubtoday.be/en/content/3-swimming-pools-near-campus
 
Entrance 6 to the Etterbeek campus has also been closed for construction work. It will reopen in April.
 
 
Student restaurant
On Sep. 1, 2016, student meal prices were indexed in accordance with the consumption index price hikes.
From Sep. 1, 2016, the prices will be as follows:  

  • Menus of the day, fish and vegetarian: € 5,10
  • Pasta bar: € 4,90
  • Wok: € 4,80
  • Cold dishes: € 4,80

 
 
Public transport passes and bike