Arianne Pen combines knowledge and network in new job
After sixteen years in various roles, Arianne Pen knew straight away: 'This is my chance.' As the new head of department at SOSZ, she uses her extensive network and experience to improve educational processes – and to give the support staff the recognition they deserve.
Arianne Pen knows the faculty like no one else. First as an education coordinator in physics, later as the implementation coordinator for the education administration system uSis. At the same time, she started as an education coordinator in astronomy, and then as a faculty training manager.
When she saw the vacancy for head of department at SOSZ, she didn’t hesitate for a moment. ‘I thought: “This is my chance.” I know the logistics of education, the people, the programs: now I can combine all of that. My network is extensive. I know what people are working on, both in the programs and at the faculty, whether it's a policy officer, a study advisor, or the colleagues who create the schedules. I’m grateful that I can bring all of this together in my position. It’s a wonderful place.’
More efficiency in the work processes
But it’s also a workplace where a lot is expected of her, Pen knows. The workload is high everywhere, and processes are not always efficiently set up or aligned with each other. ‘Each program is organised differently, but at other faculties, it’s also done differently than with us. Some things are centrally organised, others are not at all. Since we are increasingly collaborating with other faculties and universities, good coordination is necessary.’
Her new job gives Pen the opportunity to manage across the board, and that’s essential for implementing improvements sustainably. ‘I see where things are not working well and where they can be improved. But the most important thing is that we tackle this together with all of our colleagues.’
Support staff is the oil of our organisation
Pen especially wants to highlight the support staff. ‘These colleagues are the oil of our organisation; thanks to them, the education runs smoothly. Without their effort, everything would come to a halt. It’s crucial to recognize and appreciate their contribution. That’s why we are committed to reducing the workload – for them, but also for lecturers and students. We do this by developing uniform processes that create space for flexible and adaptable education.’
Arianne Pen is clear about the coordination she envisions. ‘When you look at education logistics, we deviate in many areas. The way we create schedules, the way we graduate students, and when we issue binding study advice. I’m only talking about variations within our own programs, and not even the differences with other faculties. We start at 9.00 am while the rest of the university begins lessons at 9.15 am. If you want to collaborate more, you have to align in these areas.’
‘The people at our faculty are all very passionate. Hard workers with a love for their profession, and therefore, colleagues who stand and fight for their own goals. That’s understandable, but we must keep looking at how we can bring more clarity and structure to the processes together.’
Passion for the profession
She strongly believes in keeping the conversation going and finding ways for everyone to collaborate more efficiently. Pen knows that this will sometimes be difficult. ‘The people at our faculty are all very passionate. Hard workers with a love for their profession, and therefore, colleagues who stand and fight for their own goals. That’s understandable, but we must keep looking at how we can bring more clarity and structure to the processes together.’
For Arianne Pen, it’s important that everything takes place in a socially safe environment. In addition to her work, she has her own practice as a confidential advisor for healthcare and educational institutions. ‘I find it essential that everyone can be themselves and that there are agreements in place to express what you think and feel in a safe way, with respect for each other, even when it comes to difficult topics.’
Taking work home is inevitable, as her husband, Christiaan, also works at the faculty as a precision mechanic. ‘A completely different field of work. We cycle to and from work together, and it’s really nice. It’s funny, though, we never see each other in the building.’