Standpoint of AUC

We are all following the developments with great concern. What is happening has shaken us all. As a programme of the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AUC stands with the VU and UvA and the rest of the Dutch universities, and their collective statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You can read the statements of the UvA here, and of the VU here. We stand with Ukraine, in empathetically expressing support to all those who speak up against the aggression.

Students and staff who are affected

At AUC we are a community of people from all around the world. This means that we have students, colleagues and prospective students who are impacted by the crisis, either directly or indirectly. We are focusing right now on those in our community who are most likely to be directly and immediately affected (those from the region, with relatives or friends in the region, sharing a history with the region), but we are also paying attention to the impact on the wider community (see below, about upcoming events at AUC where you can learn more, and other initiatives).  

AUC’s Student Life Officer's team, our tutors and managers are doing their best to get in touch with everyone who might be directly affected to offer their support. Concretely, we can right now offer a listening ear and pastoral care, and we will keep track of those contacted (if they agree to this) to offer ongoing support. We are creating an overview of available resources, which we will publish to those who can make use of it as soon as we have received some additional information that we are awaiting.

We realise that we may not yet have a full picture of all those likely to be affected. If you are a student, you are warmly invited to contact the Student Life Officer or your tutor, and if you are a staff member, please talk to your manager or the College Secretary, so that we know about your situation and can keep you updated on any provisions (becoming) available.  

We are here to help

Although our focus right now is on those likely to be directly affected, we are very aware that what is happening in Ukraine is having an impact on us all, and you may be feeling anxious and stressed about the situation. Please know that our Student Life Officers, your tutor, or your manager is also here for you and ready to talk with you.

Other initiatives we have been informed about:

• Students2Ukraine: You can drop off items at the Roeterseiland drop-off point already, and AUC Student Council is looking into starting a drop-off point at the Science Park soon too. Follow @studentsforukraine_ on Instagram for more information.
• An extensive overview of what is being done in Amsterdam has also been collected in the local newspaper here (in Dutch).

For students, we also want to highlight that you can drop in during the open SLO office hours (Monday and Wednesday between 12.00 and 14.00; Room 3.22) to speak to a Student Life Officer.