Meetups, day trips and discounts galore: join the Staff Association
Did you know that Leiden University has an active staff association? As a member you can get to know colleagues in an informal setting during activities such as cooking, playing padel, going on a boat trip or doing Christmas shopping. But, say board members Tom Stapper and Jeanine Rosheuvel, it’s fine if you only join for the discount at cinemas, theme parks, saunas and the Bol.com webstore.
Hi Tom and Jeanine, our Staff Association seems to be a well-kept secret. Why is that?
Jeanine: ‘It’s true. We regularly hear from staff who have already been working at the university for some years yet didn’t know we exist. That’s a missed opportunity.’
Tom: ‘That’s one of the reasons why I joined the board: because I think the association’s image could use a boost. For long, it mainly consisted of retired staff and many working staff saw that as a barrier. There has since been a split so we can focus on modernising and attracting working staff. It’s great that our hard work is starting to pay off.’
‘In terms of events, we always aim for variety. From active trips to relaxing and creative things.’
How are you going about modernising?
Jeanine: ‘We have done a great deal with digitalisation. When Tom and I joined four years ago, events were still listed in a paper booklet and you had to pay your membership fee by bank transfer. Now there is a website and you pay through iDEAL. I’m proud that we have achieved that. All new staff are now told about the association and we find that works. Many are keen to join.’
Tom: ‘We want to increase our visibility in this coming academic year. We now have some 450 members and aim to have a few thousand in a few years. That gives you more sway as an association and means you can organise larger, more affordable outings.’
What kind of outings do you currently organise for your members?
Jeanine: ‘In terms of events, we always aim for variety. From active trips like go-carting, laser gaming or a padel clinic to relaxing and creative things like a boat trip or an African mask-making workshop. We are also organising a really fun Christmas trip to Düsseldorf and Oberhausen this year. And people always like something to do with food, so cooking workshops, meals out or a high beer/high cocktail. You’ll see all our upcoming activities on our website: there is plenty of fun stuff planned until Christmas. We don’t do that alone by the way: we have a really keen events committee, with volunteers from the whole university who organise these activities for the association.’
‘Come on a trip with your teammates: that makes it less scary.’
Do I have to join right away or can I come and take a look?
Tom: ‘If you know someone who is already a member, you can come along with them to see what it’s like. We don’t ask much of our members as it is. It only costs 2.50 euros per month and that is automatically deducted from your salary. And the trips are definitely not compulsory – although we would obviously love you to join us. Some staff are only members because of the discounts you get through the association. That’s fine too.’
Discounts? Tell us more.
Tom: ‘We collaborate with Company Pass, who in turn work with business owners throughout the Netherlands. You get a ten per cent discount on Bol.com vouchers as well as a discount on cinemas, theme parks, saunas and wellness centres. So you soon earn your membership fee back.’
Anything else to add?
Jeanine: ‘Personally I really like how our association gives you the chance to meet other colleagues than those in your network. So take a look at our website or follow us on Facebook. If you have questions or ideas for an activity, feel free to contact us at pv@leidenuniv.nl.’
Tom: ‘And if you are unsure, just give it a try. Ask your immediate colleagues if they know we have a staff association or come on a trip with your teammates: that makes it less scary. We really hope to see you soon.’
How to become a member of the Staff Association
You can become a member of the Leiden University Staff Association for just €2.50 per month. You will be kept informed of all activities and benefit from numerous offers and discounts. At the Bol webstore for example, or the Drievliet, Julianatoren or Madurodam amusement parks, the Elysium wellness resort or at the Pathe, Kinepolis or CineCity cinemas.