[staff-physics-and-astronomy-HL-UHD-UD] NL/EN language policy in the Faculty of Science => input for SRM May 18th

[Juan Rojo]

Dear all,

Within the afdelingshoofdoverleg we would like to revisit the current language (NL/EN) policies of the Faculty of Science and propose a number of changes.

The main motivation for this discussion is that the current policy is perceived by many Beta departments as not inclusive/supportive enough for our international colleagues.

We would therefore like to use the section representatives meeting (SRM) on May 18th to gather feedback on the  current language policies and suggest improvements - please reach out to your section heads/representatives to make sure we collect as many ideas as possible.

See below for more context.

Some possible points to consider are:

- How can we ensure that the management and leadership skills of international employees are fully exploited at all levels within the faculty of science?

- What can the faculty of science do to ensure that international talent feels fully included?

- Is the support that we provide in terms of developing Dutch language skills sufficient?

- Are the expectations on Dutch language level clear? Are they perceived to be realistic/reasonable?

- What specific, low-threshold changes could be implement now which would already improve on the current situation?

Many thanks in advance for your input, best,

Juan

PD Feel also free to reach out separately to me if you prefer to provide your feedback in this way.

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At the AHO of 10 April, we discussed the VU language policy, including concerns regarding inclusivity for international staff. Following that discussion, we agreed to enquire about the status of the VU language policy and whether any changes are planned. We have been in contact with the HR department about this. It was indeed the intention to implement any changes in line with the Internationalisation in Balance Act (WIB). Given that the WIB is currently stalled, no follow-up has been given to this yet. The core principles of the VU language policy — parallel language use and bilingualism in communications to promote inclusivity — will not change. It is however the intention that the VU will ensure that international staff are better supported. Examples include the provision of language courses. In addition, the VU language policy makes an important distinction between:

1. Language proficiency requirements for teaching staff, which are necessary for the quality of education (C1 level).
2. Language expectations for all staff, which are necessary to promote inclusivity in all meetings. With regard to language expectations, there is more room to make tailored arrangements that fit individual circumstances. For the latter, the VU specifically advises:

Always make clear agreements about language use in (a series of) meetings. Apply the following three-step approach:

1. The meeting is conducted in Dutch if all participants are Dutch-speaking;
2. In meetings with both English-speaking and Dutch-speaking participants, parallel language use is the standard. Parallel language use requires a lower language level from participants and guests than speaking in one of the two languages (NL or EN).
3. Only as a last resort is the meeting conducted in English, as this requires a higher level of English from members and guests and thereby excludes the participation of people who do not have a B2/C1 level of English.

In anticipation of additional support from VU centrally, we think it would be a good idea to continue the internal discussion on how we as a faculty can better put this into practice, while taking into account any applicable legal or policy frameworks.

Our proposal is to dedicate more time to this and to do so at the next extra AHO on 22 May, with a request to you to:

* Collect concrete examples from departments of issues that have been encountered;
* Put forward concrete proposals on how this can be improved in practice.

As an example, I have attached the 'FGOV Language Policy'. These are language agreements made with the ODC and FSR regarding the conduct of meetings.

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Prof. Dr. Juan Rojo
Professor of Theoretical Physics
Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Science, VU Amsterdam
De Boelelaan 1081, 1081HV Amsterdam
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Nikhef Theory Group, Science Park 105,
1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Webpage: http://www.juanrojo.com/
Zoom: https://vu-live.zoom.us/my/juanrojo
E-mail: j.rojo at vu.nl
         j.rojo at nikhef.nl
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