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Binding study advice Bachelor programmes

The year class system: Get a good start at Erasmus University Rotterdam

At Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), you are encouraged to complete your study within the allotted time. Therefore we use a new evaluation system: the year class system. Initially, this new system applies to four bachelor programmes.

Binding study advice and the year class system

In order to ensure that your study get off to a good start and progress well, Erasmus University Rotterdam uses the binding study advice for almost all bachelor programmes.
The year class system is a particular type of binding study advice, where you can progress to second year with a clean slate and with no delays: you pass first year on the first attempt. Each programme draws up its own set of rules on the requirements for the first year.

Important matters related to binding study advice and the year class system

As a full time student your are expected to proceed into your second year with a clean slate and with no delay. You will be given a negative study advice if you fail to meet the standards of your course. This advice means you have to stop with the programme.  For a period of three years, you are prohibited from applying for the programme for which you received the negative binding study advice.  Exceptions may occur in case of special personal circumstances.  The examination board will decide on this.

1. How is the binding study advice established?
2. To whom does the binding study advice apply?
3. Personal circumstances
4. Objections
5. Information from your faculty

A. How is the binding study advice established?
Throughout your first year, you will be informed of your study results on a regular basis by your programme. In addition, you can check your achievements and progress of your studies in real-time during the entire year. If the results are below par, then you will be given a warning and invited to a meeting with your study advisor or student Counsellor. Your results will be discussed during that meeting as well as any circumstances that may have an effect on your studies. The fact that you might have chosen the wrong programme will be considered and that it might be better to stop and think about following a different programme. In August, the number of study points you earned at the end of first year will be calculated and whether or not you meet the requirements of your programme.

If you do not meet the standard and there are no mitigating circumstances, then you will receive a negative binding study advice: you may not apply to follow that programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam for a period of three years.

Note!

• Are your poor results due to your personal circumstances, tell your study advisor or student counsellor in good time. The examination board that delivers the advice can take this into consideration.
• If you stop your studies because of a negative preliminary binding study advice and if you withdraw your registration before 1 February, then you will not be given a binding study advice.  More information on withdrawing your registration.
• Is this also your first year of study financing for higher education? By stopping your study financing before 1 February, your achievement grant becomes a gift. On condition that you do not apply for study financing again in the same year.
• Information about circumstances that have an influence on your studies and what you can do about it can be found on the pages about guidance and advice.

B. Who is affected by the binding study advice?
The binding study advice only applies to first year students of the bachelor programmes. Are you following a second programme, remember that a binding study advice is possible for both studies. It varies per programme whether or not specific groups of students, such as part time students and those who have completed a vocational college education, are exempt from the binding study advice. You can find information about this in your programme.

C. Personal circumstances
The binding study advice is based on study results. The university is required to take into consideration the personal circumstances defined by law, if these are the cause of disappointing study progress.
These personal circumstances are:
•    Illness
•    Physical sensory or other functional disorder (disability)
•    Pregnancy
•    Extraordinary family circumstances
•    Membership of a particular university body
•    Membership of the board of particular student organisations.
In case of personal circumstances, notify your student advisor or student counsellor in good time. Only then can the Examination Board take these into consideration when delivering the binding study advice. The manner in which you must do this, differs per programme. It is therefore important to make sure you are informed.

D. Objection
If you have received a negative binding study advice and you disagree with it, then you can appeal to the college Examination Appeals Board.

Frequently Asked Questions on the EUR-plans with the year class system

1. What is the ‘year class system’?
2. What is the compensation scheme?
3. Why does the compensation scheme differ per programme?
4. Does compensation between subjects have a negative effect on quality?
5. The number of re-sits is limited; why is that?
6. It all seems so school-like. Will it be deep enough?
7. Are you given assistance in learning how to study?
8. What does the EUR want to achieve with the year class system?
9. Are all programmes using the year class system?
10. How do you deal with students who have been ill for an extended period, or who, because of personal circumstances (death of a family member), have not earned all their credits?
11. Isn’t it quite difficult to pass first year in one go?
12. If I do not meet the required standard, can I repeat the year or do I have to leave anyway?
13. How do you treat students who want to follow more programmes simultaneously?
14. Does the EUR provide other possibilities for extra development if you choose not to follow a second programme?
15. How do you treat students who are members of a society, or who for example, want to fulfil a board position?
16. Do other universities plan to do the same?
17. Do you have to be extra motivated before you register at the EUR?
18. Is it wise to start a study if you are not 100% sure you have made the right choice?
19. How can the university help if you are not 100% sure of your study choice?
20. Does the EUR monitor performance throughout the academic year?
21. So, I can confidently choose the EUR year class system?