A Word from the KNUS Board

A Word from our Chairwoman

Howdy, y’all! For the new students, welcome to the Radboud Universiteit and your first year of Arts and Culture Studies and Algemene Cultuurwetenschappen! And for the returning students, welcome back homies! I’m Olivia Krumwiede, the new Chairwoman of the XVII Board of KNUS for the 2020-2021 academic year. I know what you’re thinking… What in the Vincent Van Gogh is KNUS? And who is this weird American shouting “howdy” at me in the hallways? Both of these questions shall be answered soon, dear children! What is KNUS? Great question! KNUS is the study association for the Arts and Culture Studies (ACS) and Algemene Cultuurwetenschappen (ACW) at the Radboud. A study association is a group of students that helps organize committees, host social events and parties, work together with professors, create learning opportunities, and so much more. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities for each student to get involved in ACS/ACW and make connections with our awesome group of students. A study association is your go-to for any issues you have with your studies. Need help writing an essay? Having trouble with a particular class or professor? Feeling like you’re spending too much time studying and need a break? Need help making friends? We can help! If we can’t help you personally, we will direct you to the person who can. Just about every study in the Netherlands has a study association, all with the goal of helping students get the most out of their studies. Every year there is a new “Board” that is voted in by previous board members and other students. This year, I was voted in as the Chairwoman of the XVII Board of KNUS, which brings us to the next question…

Who is the Chair? That’s me, Olivia! First, I’ll give you a bit of an introduction of myself, and then I’ll explain my position in the board. I’m a 23-year-old human from Kansas City, Missouri, United States. I have been living in the Netherlands for the last couple of years. I speak a bit of broken Dutch, so for our students from the Netherlands, feel free to speak Dutch with me (I will try my best)! This will be my second year in the Arts and Culture Studies and I absolutely enjoy this program. ACS and ACW have great professors who are super dedicated to the students. Plus, our study association is super helpful and beneficial, especially as a first-year at the Radboud. That’s why I decided to join the board! SO… What does the Chairwoman of the board do? The Chairwoman is the leader of the study association. The Chairwoman organizes and delegates the Board of KNUS. I am the face you will probably see most throughout the year, as I will do most of the presenting for KNUS. But mostly, I am a student just like y’all!

Who is the rest of KNUS? An American, a Dutchie, a German, an Italian, and a Romanian walk into a bar… Oh wait, that’s just KNUS! There are five members on our board: the Chairwoman, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Commissioner of Internal Affairs, and the Commissioner of Public Relations. Each has their specific purpose in supporting KNUS on our journey of helping students.

What are the main goals of KNUS this year? With each new school year, the new board sets goals to improve KNUS and the overall experience of the studies. This is all included in our policy plan for the year, but here is a summarized version to get an idea of what we’re working on!

1. Internationalization/Inclusivity: We want to bridge the gap between the ACS and ACW students. We’re starting a “Buddy System”, as well as organizing more Dutch Culture Events to achieve this goal. More information coming soon! 2. Mental and Social Health: We understand that the topic of “mental health” should be left to the professionals. However, KNUS is dedicated to being an open, safe, and “gezellige” space for students, in which they can ask for support. We understand that starting university after months of quarantine is not going to be easy. Especially now, when the rules about social interaction are changing all the time. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating small-scale events so people can still meet in person in addition to hosting online events. Also, the “open hours” will be an opportunity for everyone to speak their mind and get help from the board. 3. More Educational Events: We are planning more education workshops such as the “Exam 101” to help new and current students with their studies. Also, we want to plan more educational excursion opportunities. 4. Sustainability: To add onto the great work from the previous board, the current board wishes to create a more sustainable culture in KNUS. We are currently creating a connection with the Radboud Green Office to learn more about what we can do to decrease our footprint as a study association. 5. Committee Involvement: We want to get more students involved in a committee! Committees are a great way to get experience working in a group and to make connections from all years of the studies. I myself was in three committees last year! They’re not as much work as one would think and there are always opportunities to learn something new. This year we will be promoting as best as we can and getting people connected with the right committees.

Does KNUS make a little bit more sense now? Hopefully! Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our study association? Magical! Feel free to talk to me or any of the board members about any feelings you might have about this upcoming year. We’re super eager to meet the new firstyears as well as see our returning students that we haven’t seen since March. The XVII Board of

KNUS wishes all of the luck in the world to each ACS and ACW student of the upcoming 2020- 2021 academic year! Veel succes jongens en meisjes!

Treasurer of KNUS

Hi, it’s me ,Melanie! Your fellow ACS student, who is in the second year. I’m 22 years old, German and love to travel and I have already participated in way too many research studies as a guineapig.

Secretary of KNUS

My name is Anouk. I am a Dutch, 21 years old and I will be entering my second year of ACS. You will most likely see me drawing or painting portraits. Do not confuse me with my twin though!

Commissionner Internal Affairs of KNUS

Heya! I’m Daniela. I’m an Italian 20-yearold, who’s gonna start her 3rd year in Arts and Culture Studies! I’m a perfomance art and musical theatre geek who’s pretty interested in alternative forms of tourism. Oh, and I’m an Hufflepuff dog’s person.

Commissionner Public Relations of KNUS

Hello everyone! I am Cami. I am 19 years old and I come from a small Transylvanian city in Romania. I am a second-year ACS student. A few things about me: I am an academic lover, a fan of the 80s era, I love comedy, and going to concerts. Fun fact: There are only 10% of people who are left handed, and I am one of them.