first-year study starter 2021/2022
TRANSCRIPT
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First-year
Study Starter 2021/2022Actuarial Science, Econometrics and Business Analytics
student.uva.nl/eco (en) | student.uva.nl/ecb (nl)
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Introduction
Welcome to UvA Economics and Business (EB), your place of study from now on!
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the top universities in the world and one of the best
places to come and experience a high quality of education, an inspiring social life, and a wide range
of extracurricular activities.
The UvA, as well as the city of Amsterdam, is home to people with different mindsets, nationalities,
and backgrounds. This brings a lot of new experiences and fresh perspectives into your life.
To settle into this new environment it is good to know how the UvA works and how your study
programme is structured. Your journey begins here.
In the 2021-2022 academic year at UvA Economics and Business we provide education on campus
again. So you can attend classes and education activities on campus and meet your lecturers and
fellow students face-to-face. We can imagine you have questions about what on-campus education
means for you. For more information please check Education 2021-2022 (EN) / Onderwijs 2021-
2022 (NL).
We offer all the resources you will need for a successful start of your studies: this Study Starter
guide, the Intro-days, the UvA Economics and Business student website (student.uva.nl/eco (EN) /
student.uva.nl/ecb (NL)) and the MyUvA app. If you still have questions, don’t worry: in the first
semester your skills tutor is there to help.
We wish you good luck as well as a lot of fun!
On behalf of all lecturers,
Dr. Maurice Koster Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Econometrics
Dr. Umut Can Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Actuarial Science
Dr. Umut Konus55 Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics
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Table of contents
1 Goals of the first Bachelor’s year 7
2 Teaching methods 8
2.1 First-year group
2.2 Lectures and knowledge clips
2.3 Seminar
2.4 Tutorial
3 Academic calendar 10
3.1 Weekly study schedule and public holidays
4 Study Programme 12
4.1 First year schedules
4.2 Course Catalogue
4.3 Timetable
4.4 Canvas
4.5 Course and exam registration
4.6 Midterms and final exams
4.7 Inspection and appeal
4.8 Results
4.9 Choosing a major/specialisation
4.10 Honours programme
4.11 Books, software and electronic equipment
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5 Binding Study Advice (BSA) 20
5.1 What is a BSA?
5.2 Who can I talk to about the BSA?
5.3 When is a binding study advice not issued?
6 Study Support 22
6.1 UvA Central Student Service Desk
6.2 Economics and Business Education Desk
6.3 Economics and Business Study Advisers
6.4 VSAE Study help
7 Your rights and obligations 24
8 Representation for students 25
8.1 Actuarial Science and Econometrics Student Panel
(especially for first-year students)
8.2 Economics and Business Programme Committees
8.3 Student Councils
9 Organisation structure 26
10 Student life and study associations 28
10.1 Student life
10.2 Study associations
11 Practical matters and whom to contact 30
11.1 Practical matters
11.2 Whom to contact
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1 Goals of the first Bachelor’s year
In the first year we will:
2. Teach you basic
knowledge in
mathematics,
statistics and
data analysis,
and skills needed
for the second
academic year.
1. Provide you with
an introduction
to the critical
and analytical
thinking required
in an academic
environment.
4. Determine whether we think
that you are able to complete the
study programme, by means of
the Binding Study Advice (BSA).
3. Familiarise you with the study programme and inform
you about the majors and specialised study tracks in the
second and third years of the Bachelor’s programme.
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2 Teaching methods
Teaching methods are adapted to the course contents, and they can vary widely from course to
course.
2.1 First-year group
You have been assigned to a first-year group, consisting of approximately 30 of your fellow
students. With your first-year group you will follow most lectures, seminars and tutorials. The
seminar group is your first-year group, whereas tutorials and social events are held for the smaller
subgroups. Lectures are taught to all groups combined. For the Dutch groups, all lectures, seminars
and tutorials will be taught in Dutch in the first semester. For the international students English will
be the main language. In the second semester, all students follow the same lectures (in English).
2.2 Lectures and knowledge clips
Your lecturer uses lectures and/or knowledge clips to systematically cover the course material and
to highlight interesting or difficult points. This means that, for this part of your education, the
lecturer will spend most of the time talking and will also lay out new material. The knowledge clips
(or taped lectures) are prepared sessions that are made available through Canvas; there is no live
interaction with your lecturer. In the online or on-campus weekly meetings, the lecturer will discuss
the coherence of the clips and discuss further material. It is important that you take note of the
difficulties that you have with the topics discussed. This will be input for the live seminars.
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2.3 Seminar
In most of the courses, a lecture is followed by a seminar on the next day. The aim of these seminars
is to allow you to practice the theory covered in the book and lectures. Assignments from the book
are regularly discussed in seminars, as are, in some courses, homework assignments. A seminar
gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the material. It is also a place where interaction
between you and your fellow students takes place. We will ask you to always put your camera on,
ask questions live (or in the chat), and participate in online quizzes/polls that will be integrated in
the seminar. Seminars are much more useful if you have revised the contents of a lecture, because
you can meaningfully discuss issues and questions with the instructor. If you fall behind, you will
miss that opportunity. Instructors appreciate active students, so make use of that!
2.4 Tutorial
Together with a smaller subgroup of your first-year group you will attend weekly tutorials. The aim
of tutorials is to help you improve your personal and academic skills and support you in the courses
you are taking.
In the first semester, the ‘Skills and connect’ sessions will help you develop the academic skills
needed for a smooth transition to an academic environment. Guided by your skills tutor, you
and your fellow students will exchange study tips, set goals and reflect on them. In addition, the
attention goes out to basic math skills, how to prepare for tests and general ICT skills that will be
indispensable for your future career.
Also, your skills tutor will help you to connect with your fellow students by organising social
activities, find your way around campus and will make you feel comfortable at the UvA. You will
meet your skills tutor at the study programme Intro-days in August.
Attendance rules for each course
It is important to be well aware of the rules concerning attendance for each course.
Even though not all lectures are compulsory, we advise you to attend them anyway
in order to be fully prepared for the exams.
coursecatalogue.uva.nl (EN)
studiegids.uva.nl (NL)
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3 Academic calendar
At the UvA, the academic year runs from the beginning of September until the end of August of
the next year. It is divided into two semesters with three periods each: two periods of eight weeks
and one period of four weeks. Please note that the resits of period 1 are scheduled right after the
Christmas holidays.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Academic calendar (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Academische jaarkalender (NL)
3.1 Weekly study schedule and public holidays
Public holidays
Christmas holidays 27 December - 07 January Obligatory Free Day Friday 06 May
Good Friday Friday 15 April Ascension Day Thursday 26 May
Easter 17 and 18 April Obligatory Free Day Friday 27 May
King’s Day Wednesday 27 April Whit Sunday Sunday 05 June
Liberation Day Wednesday 05 May Whit Monday Monday 06 June
During public holidays the UvA has adjusted opening hours. Keep an eye on Announcements.
student.uva.nl/eco > Announcements (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Mededelingen (NL)
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Weekly study schedule
Wk Period 1 Activity Wk Period 4 Activity
36 06/09 Lectures 06 07/02 Lectures
37 13/09 Lectures 07 14/02 Lectures
38 20/09 Lectures 08 21/02 Lectures
39 27/09 Lectures / Midterm
exams (possibly)
09 28/02 Lectures / Midterm exams
(possibly)
40 04/10 Lectures 10 07/03 Lectures
41 11/10 Lectures 11 14/03 Lectures
42 18/10 Lectures 12 21/03 Lectures / Resits period 2 & 3
43 25/10 Exams period 1 13 28/03 Exams period 4
Period 2 Period 5
44 01/11 Lectures 14 04/04 Lectures
45 08/11 Lectures 15 11/04 Lectures*
46 15/11 Lectures 16 18/04 Lectures*
47 22/11 Lectures / Midterm
exams (possibly)
17 25/04 Lectures / Midterms
48 29/11 Lectures 18 02/05 Holidays*
49 06/12 Lectures 19 09/05 Lectures
50 13/12 Lectures / Exams period 2
(17/12)
20 16/05 Lectures
51 20/12 Exams period 2 21 23/05 Lectures / Resits period 4*
22 30/05 Exams period 5
Period 3 Period 6
02 10/01 Lectures / Resits period 1 23 06/06 Lectures*
03 17/01 Lectures 24 13/06 Lectures
04 24/01 Lectures 25 20/06 Lectures
05 31/01 Lectures / Exams period 3 26 27/06 Lectures / Exams period 6
27 04/07 -
28 11/07 Resits period 5 & 6
The weekly study schedule gives an overview of activities per week. If a week is marked with a *, a holiday falls within this week.No rights can be derived from this document. Check www.rooster.uva.nl for real time information.
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4 Study Programme
Each academic year consists of 60 EC. Each EC represents 28 hours of study. This means you will
have to study 168 hours for a course of 6 EC. 60 EC is evenly distributed over the academic year.
4.1 First year schedules
Bachelor’s programmes in Actuarial Science and Econometrics
SEMESTER 1
Period 1 Period 2 Period 3
Macroeconomics for AE 6 EC
Mathematics 1: Calculus 6 EC
Microeconomics for AE 6 EC
Probability Theory and
Statistics 1 6 EC
Introduction Econometrics
and Actuarial Science 6 EC
SEMESTER 2
Period 4 Period 5 Period 6
Finance for AE 6 EC
Mathematics 2:
Linear Algebra 6 EC
Probability Theory and
Statistics 2 6 EC
Programming and
Numerical Analysis 6 EC
Introduction Data Science:
Data preprocessing 6 EC
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Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics
SEMESTER 1
Period 1 Period 2 Period 3
Mathematics 1: Calculus 6 EC
Analytics for a Better
World 6 EC
Probability Theory and
Statistics 1 6 EC
Microeconomics for AE 6 EC
Introduction to
Programming 6 EC
SEMESTER 2
Period 4 Period 5 Period 6
Mathematics 2: Linear
Algebra 6 EC
Finance for AE 6 EC
Probability Theory and
Statistics 2 6 EC
Business Law and Ethics for
Business Analytics 6 EC
Introduction Data Science:
Data preprocessing 6 EC
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4.2 Course Catalogue
You can find all course descriptions in the Course Catalogue. They describe the learning objectives,
the entry requirements, the teaching methods and the contents of each course. Here you will also
find the course literature and the form of examination.
In the Course Catalogue you can also find more general information about UvA’s study programmes.
This can be useful when you, for example, want to look at the full Bachelor’s study programme, entry
requirements for a Master’s programme or a minor, or contact information for a study programme.
coursecatalogue.uva.nl (EN)
studiegids.uva.nl (NL)
4.3 Timetable
Lecture and examination dates can be found
in the UvA timetable. Add your group to view
your timetable.
1. Log in with your UvAnet ID so you can
save your personal timetable.
2. Choose ‘Add timetable’ and click ‘Group’.
Search for your study programme and
select your first-year group. Your personal
timetable will appear.
mytimetable.uva.nl (EN)
rooster.uva.nl (NL)
4.4 Canvas
Canvas is our digital learning environment. After you have registered for a course, you will get
access to that course in Canvas as soon as the lecturer makes it available. Here you will find
teaching materials, articles, assignments, practice exams, homework, and announcements (for
example about changes in the course schedule) added by your lecturer. You can also use Canvas
to communicate with your lecturer and fellow students about the course.
canvas.uva.nl
Download the Canvas Student app to stay up to date about your
courses anywhere. (After downloading, search for ‘University of
Amsterdam’ under ‘Schools’)
Download MyUvA app
For direct access to:
• your timetable with the option to
be notified of the latest changes
• your results
• important announcements
• the University Library catalogue
• available study places
• directions for UvA-locations
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4.5 Course and exam registration
To provide you with a smooth start, you will be registered for all courses during your first year.
This includes registration for the exams and, if needed, for resits (also see 4.8 Results). Before the
academic year starts, you will receive your personal timetable by email.
From the second academic year onwards, you will have to register for courses yourself (including
first-year courses that you did not pass). Course registration will take place in June 2022 (for
semester 1) and December 2022 (for semester 2). The Education Desk will send you important
emails about the course registration, so keep an eye on these messages.
4.6 Midterms and final exams
You will earn course credits when you meet all course requirements and achieve a passing final grade.
• Each course examination consists of at least a midterm and a final exam.
• For each first-year course you have one resit opportunity.
• In case of a resit, the results obtained for the midterm will be disregarded.
• For some courses you can earn a bonus by doing weekly assignments.
Check the course descriptions for more information about how a course is graded.
coursecatalogue.uva.nl > Choose course > Assessment and testing (EN)
studiegids.uva.nl > Kies vak > Toetsing en toetsdata (NL)
Code of conduct for examinations
Be aware of the exam and resit rules before starting an online
examination or entering an examination hall.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Exams and resits (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Tentamens en hertentamens (NL)
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4.7 Inspection and appeal
The Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER) state that you have the right to inspect your tests
within 25 working days after a written examination has taken place. The lecturer decides how this
inspection will take place, individually or collectively, in person or via Zoom, and they will announce
the moment of inspection on Canvas. We urge you to go to the inspection, this way you can learn
from your mistakes.
It is possible to lodge an appeal regarding a final mark. However, we encourage you to consult
with your lecturer and course coordinator first. You can find more information on this procedure in
article 4 of the OER (see 7 Your rights and obligations).
4.8 Results
Your lecturer will place study results on Canvas. You
can find an overview of your registered final grades
via sis.uva.nl or directly via the MyUvA app. You will
be notified of your final registered grades by email.
Results are never communicated by telephone.
Did you pass the exam, but do you want to attend
the resit for a higher mark, then you do not have to
register separately for the resit. Please note: the last
mark you receive will apply.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Exams and resits (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Tentamens en hertentamens (NL)
4.9 Choosing a major/specialisation
4.9.1 Bachelor’s programme in Actuarial Science and Econometrics
The first two years, the Actuarial Science and Econometrics programmes are joint. Therefore you
can still switch to the other programme if that suits you more. Within Econometrics, you specialise
further by choosing either the Econometrics, the Data Science or the Free track. The Actuarial
Science programme does not offer specialisation tracks. That curriculum is designed to optimally
prepare you for the Master’s programme in Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance. At the end
of the second year, you will be informed about all these options.
Both programmes offer elective space in the third year, in which you can for example take a minor,
opt for an internship or study abroad for a semester.
UvA grading scheme
At the UvA the maximum
grade you can obtain is 10,
while the lowest grade is 1.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z >
Grading scheme (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb >
Grading scheme (NL)
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4.9.2 Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics
In the first year, the Business Analytics programme share several joint courses with the Actuarial
Science and Econometrics programmes. However, the Business Analytics programme has courses
specific to its own. Therefore is not a joint programme as Econometrics and Actuarial Science
programmes are in the first two years. Nonetheless, due to similarity in curriculum in the first year,
econometrics and actuarial science students can switch to Business Analytics year 2 after successful
completion of their first year. The Business Analytics programme does not offer specialisation tracks.
The programme offer elective space in the third year, in which you can for example take a minor,
opt for an internship, do a minor or study abroad for a semester.
4.9.3 More information
For more information on a major/specialisation and second and third year courses, go to the
overview of your Bachelor’s programme in the Course Catalogue.
coursecatalogue.uva.nl (EN)
studiegids.uva.nl (NL)
You can find more information on minors, studying abroad, internships and career in the A-Z list on
the student website.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z (NL)
4.10 Honours programme
If you want an extra challenge, then definitely consider joining the Honours programme. In this
additional 30 EC programme you will have the opportunity to take interdisciplinary courses (courses
in which the subjects cover multiple disciplines) with other honours students, as well as courses
within UvA Economics and Business. After completion of this programme, you will graduate with a
‘With Honours’ annotation on your degree certificate.
To be eligible for the honours programme, a GPA of 7.5 is required.
Admission requirements, application procedure and more information can be found on:
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Honours programme (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Honoursprogramma (NL)
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4.11 Books, software and electronic equipment
4.11.1 Books
In the study guide you will find the literature that is required for each course. Books can be ordered
through the study association VSAE (vsae.nl) and if you become a member of the VSAE you will
get a discount (up to 10%).
4.11.2 Software
Almost all software that we will use is open source – like R/Rstudio and LateX. As a registered
student you may profit from the cheap software licenses on www.surfspot.nl.
4.11.3 Electronic equipment
To be able to join the online classes and participate in the online exams you will need your own
electronic device. In case of proctored exams the minimal requirements are the following:
Windows Mac Linux Chrome OS
Operating System Windows 7+ macOS 10.11+ Ubuntu 18.04+ Chrome 58+
ProcessorIntel Pentium
or betterIntel
Intel Pentium
or better
Intel or ARM
Free Disk Space 250 MB 250 MB 250 MB 250 MB
Free RAM 2 GB1 2 GB1 2 GB1 1 GB1
Upload Speed 0.092 Mbps - 0.244 Mbps2
Microphone Any microphone, either internal or external3
Webcam 320x240 VGA resolution (minimum) internal or external3
1 Free RAM is the minimum amount of memory that is not in use by other applications.2 Depends on the exam settings, secure browser has no upload speed requirement.3 Only required for proctoring, secure browser functionality does not require audio/visual recording.
However, we advise you to only start online proctored exams with a minimum upload speed of
0.699 Mbps. Note that you will need a laptop/notebook in almost every course, so that it may be
worthwhile to buy one with better specifications than those you find above.
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5 Binding Study Advice (BSA)
A Binding Study Advice (BSA) applies to the first-year Bachelor’s programmes in Economics and
Business Economics, Actuarial Science and Econometrics, Fiscale economie, Business Administration
and Business Analytics.
5.1 What is a BSA?
A BSA determines whether you have sufficient knowledge and skills to continue and finish your
Bachelor’s programme.
• 60 EC in one year earned: You can start the second year of your Bachelor’s programme.
• A minimum of 48 EC earned (BSA-requirement): You will receive a positive advice, which
allows you to re-enrol. You have to finish the remaining first-year courses in your second year.
• Less than 48 EC earned: You will receive a negative advice at the end of the first year.
A negative advice is binding, which means that you will have to quit the Bachelor’s programme.
Moreover, you will not be allowed to enrol in the same programme at UvA Economics and Business
for three years. In those circumstances you still may enrol in any programme other than Actuarial
Science, Econometrics or Business Analytics. In case you decide to change programmes, be aware
that again you are confronted with BSA. Some of the courses that you passed may be used in the
new programme, but do ask for more information about the actual list of possible exemptions.
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5.2 Who can I talk to about the BSA?
Throughout the academic year you can contact a study adviser if you have questions about your
study progress and the BSA. The study advisers are trained in counselling students and can be
reached daily. You can sit down with a study adviser to talk about the cause of the unsatisfactory
results and how you can improve your study skills, and to draw up a study plan. Sessions with a
study adviser are always confidential.
5.3 When is a binding study advice not issued?
There are two possible reasons for not receiving a BSA:
I Termination of enrolment in Studielink before 1 February.
II Recognised personal circumstances (when reported on time to the study adviser).
All the information on the BSA can be found on:
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Binding Study Advice (BSA) (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Bindend Studieadvies (BSA) (NL)
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6 Study Support
UvA Economics and Business has an extensive infrastructure for study support. We encourage
you to make as much use of this infrastructure as you need. We would like to emphasise that the
initiative to use these services and facilities has to be taken by you.
We have listed a number of important services for you. For contact information,
check 11.2 Whom to contact in this guide or visit the students website:
student.uva.nl/eco > Contact (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Contact (NL)
6.1 UvA Central Student Service Desk
The Student Service Desk is the first point of contact for general
questions about studying at the UvA. You can ask questions about your
enrolment at the UvA, Studielink, tuition fees, residence permits and visa,
insurance, UvA-net ID and much more.
6.2 Economics and Business Education Desk
The Education Desk helps you in case you have a question about your
timetable, registration of your grades or when you have other practical
questions about your study. You can also turn to the Education Desk in
case you do not know where to go with your question.
6.3 Economics and Business Study Advisers
Study advisers are available if you need professional support and
information during your studies. If you think there are personal
circumstances that may have a negative impact on your study result,
please let the study advisers know. All sessions are strictly confidential.
6.3.1 Studying successfully
We also offer several services and tools that can help you improve your
general study skills.
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Study skills tip sheets
These sheets list several tips and tricks for different subjects related to study skills. Examples are
tipsheets on procrastination, drawing up a study plan, taking an exam, and remembering and
processing study material. Make sure to take a look at the subjects you have trouble with. Reading
a tipsheet does not take long and can help you a lot!
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Studying successfully > Study skills (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Succesvol studeren > Studievaardigheden (NL)
Workshops
If you are looking to enhance your study skills, consider joining one of the workshops offered by
UvA Student Services. Topics include planning skills, jumpstarting your thesis, and ‘tackling the
books.’For a quick brush-up, there are shorter workshops that will get you up to speed on basics
like exam tips and smart reading in just an hour.
The study advisers are also offering several workshop and trainings to help you make the best of
your first year, such as the studying successfully workshop, BSA webinar, miracle morning sessions
or ‘Stress Relief Hour’ workshop.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Studying successfully > Training and workshops (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Succesvol studeren > Trainingen en workshops (NL)
6.4 VSAE Study help
If the regular educational activities such as lectures and seminars are not
enough for you to get a profound understanding of the topics discussed
in courses like mathematics or statistics, and you get the idea that you
are falling behind, you may want to contact the study association VSAE.
The VSAE can assist you in finding a personal tutor who is usually a
member of the VSAE.
vsae.nl > EN > Study > Tutoring
vsae.nl > Studie > Studiebegeleiding
Check the event calendar regularly for a wide range of training
sessions, workshops and social activities.
student.uva.nl/eco/events (EN) / student.uva.nl/ecb/agenda (NL)
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7 Your rights and obligations
Your rights and obligations are documented in the Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER).
In this document you will find, amongst other things, the regulations on the determination of
grades, right of inspection, academic fraud and plagiarism and the Binding Study Advice.
The OER for a specific academic year is published before the start of each academic year.
The articles most crucial and useful on a daily basis for you are:
Assessment and Examination
• Article 4.2; Type of examination
• Article 4.4; Opportunities to sit examinations
• Article 4.5; Marks
• Article 4.6; Determining and announcing results
• Article 4.7; Right of inspection
Honours Programme
• Article 5.1; Honours Programme
Academic student counselling and advice regarding continuation of studies
• Article 7.2; Binding (negative) advice regarding continuation of studies (BSA)
Read more online about these daily basis articles and more:
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Rights and obligations (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Rechten en plichten (NL)
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8 Representation for students
We encourage you to actively discuss and express your opinion on education matters, arrangements
and student interests. Students can influence the board and organisation on different levels.
8.1 Actuarial Science and Econometrics Student Panel (especially for first-year students)
Through the Student Panel you can directly give feedback on the first year. You can apply for the
Student Panel by contacting Maurice Koster (see 11.2 Whom to contact).
8.2 Economics and Business Programme Committees
Here you can discuss the quality of education with fellow students and lecturers. The Programme
Committee provides advice to the programme director on the design of the curricula, quality
assurance and policy-making.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Programme committees (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Opleidingscommissies (NL)
8.3 Student Councils
Economics and Business Student Council
Ten members of the Student Council represent the needs and wishes of all students. The
Student Council has a say about affairs at UvA Economics and Business and gives advice to the
management team (see 9 Organisation structure) and has regular meetings with the dean. It is
divided into two committees:
• Education & Research mainly works on tasks regarding study programmes, courses,
the Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER) and other educational matters.
• Organisation & Media is responsible for organising events, and connecting with students
through social media.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Economics and Business Student Council
UvA Central Student Council
The Central Student Council is the umbrella council that concerns itself with matters that cover the
whole University.
UvA Central Student Council: studentenraad.nl/centrale-studentenraad
Members of the Student Councils are democratically elected and you can put yourself forward as a
candidate. All students are entitled to vote during the annual elections in May.
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9 Organisation structure
The Executive Board is charged with the general management and responsible for the efficient
management of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) as a whole: seven faculties, executive staff and
shared service units.
The Supervisory Board assesses overall governance of the University and advises the Executive Board
appropriately. The members of the Board are appointed for four years by the Dutch Minister of
Education, Culture and Science.
Education at UvA Economics and Business (EB) falls under two Schools: The Amsterdam Business
School (ABS) and the Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE). Research at UvA Economics and
Business is carried out at the Amsterdam School of Economics Research Institute (ASE-RI) and the
Amsterdam Business School Research Institute (ABS-RI). At UvA Economics and Business, research
and education are strongly connected and we carefully consider the impact our work may have on
society.
The Dean Prof. Han van Dissel is in charge of the general management and is responsible for the
administration and management of UvA Economics and Business. A dean is a professor and is
appointed by the university’s Executive Board. To stay in touch with the student body, the dean
meets the Economics and Business Student Council (FSR) every six weeks to discuss new ideas for
the improvement at UvA Economics and Business (EB).
Management team
Educational Directors supervise the management team and they are in control of the curricula and
teaching plans of study programmes. The Educational Directors work closely with different boards
and advisory groups to discuss and apply rules and regulations.
Programme directors work in a team with other members of programme management on the
development and improvement of a specific study programme that they are responsible for.
Course coordinators are responsible for facilitating a high quality of the courses. Their tasks include
designing and developing courses, selecting assessments methods and evaluating student learning
outcomes.
27
Find your way around the organisations’ management and structure.
uva.nl/en > organisation (EN)
uva.nl > organisatie (NL)
Supervisory Board
Minister of Education, Culture and Science
Organisation structure
Executive Board
UvA Central
Student Council
Executive Staff Shared Service
Units
Faculties
Dentistry
Economics and Business
Humanities
Law
Medicine
Science
Social and
Behavioural ScienceDean Economics and Business (UvA EB)
Amsterdam Business
School (ABS)
Economics
and Business
Student Council
(FSR-EB)
Amsterdam School
of Economics (ASE)
Economics
and Business
Programme
Committees
ABS
Research
Institute
(ABS-RI)
ASE
Research
Institute
(ASE-RI)Educational Directors
Programme Directors
Course Coordinators
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10 Student life and study associations
10.1 Student life
Discover what UvA Economics and Business has to offer, become part of the campus community,
meet new people, and get tips from experts.
Skills tutors: Tips and guidance from experts
If you are looking for advice on how to make the most of studying and living in Amsterdam, your
skills tutor is there for you.
• A skills tutor is a 2nd or 3rd year student in your study programme.
• Your skills tutor is here to help you with any challenges you may face in your first year.
Moreover, your skills tutor can help you find your way around Economics and Business and can
recommend the best spots in the city.
• Together with a group of first-year students, your skills tutor will guide you and do fun activities
in the first semester to connect with your fellow students.
Unibuddy: Chat with a student
Do you have questions about studying and living in Amsterdam and would you like to have
additional tips? Chat with other students at Economics and Business. Our student ambassadors are
from around the world and represent a variety of programmes.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > New students > Chat with a current student (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Eerstejaars > Unibuddy: stel je vragen aan een student (NL)
Intro-days
The Intro-days take place in the first month of the academic year, starting with your study
programme Intro-day followed by several workshops, sports classes and events. You will receive an
invitation by e-mail.
End of August: study programme intro-day
The programme directors, study advisers, study associations and other guest speakers will welcome
you this day. Make sure you are present because important information about your programme will
be provided, which will help you with a good start of your studies.
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First weeks of September: workshops, sports classes and events
Attending workshops, sports classes and events are a great way to get to know your fellow
students and UvA Economics and Business during the first weeks of classes.
Sports
At the University Sports Centre (USC) you can participate in a full range of sport and fitness
activities at low rates.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Sport & Fitness (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Sport (NL)
Creativity
At CREA, the cultural organisation of the UvA, you can participate in creative courses and
workshops or attend performances, concerts, events and exhibitions.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Cultural organisation – CREA (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > CREA (NL)
Language skills
Maximise your study time by learning Dutch or a foreign language and prepare for your future job.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Dutch language course (EN)
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Language skills (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Taalvaardigheid (NL)
10.2 Study associations
Becoming a member of a study association gives you the opportunity to come into contact with
your fellow students in various phases of their studies. It can also be beneficial for your future
career and personal development to participate in study association activities.
• VSAE, for BSc and MSc
students in Actuarial
Science, Econometrics
and Business Analytics
vsae.nl
• Sefa, for BSc and MSc
students in all Economics
and Business disciplines
sefa.nl
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11 Practical matters and whom to contact
11.1 Practical matters
UvAnetID
All students receive a UvAnetID which provides access to PCs at UvA study areas, Wi-Fi, and all
online tools.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > UvAnetID (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > UvAnetID (NL)
Student ID card
You will need your student ID card to take exams, to enter buildings, to borrow books at the library
and to pay for food and drinks at UvA locations. The student ID card also provides discounts at
CREA and USC as well as museums, theatres and cinemas in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
abroad. Make sure you activate your card when you first receive it.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Student ID card (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Collegekaart (NL)
Wi-Fi
Most UvA locations offer free Wi-Fi. Make sure you have the right settings activated on your device
for safe use of the network.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Wi-Fi (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Wi-Fi (NL)
Printing, copying and scanning
If there is credit on your activated student ID card, you can use it at UvA libraries to make prints,
copies and scans.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Printing, copying and scanning (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Printen, kopiëren en scannen (NL)
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Microsoft 365 in the cloud: e-mail, MS Teams, OneDrive
Microsoft 365 in the cloud is at your disposal at the UvA. This will make it easy for you to
collaborate online in one tool inside and outside the classroom with secured access. Share
documents, have programme licences, make video calls, chat and more.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Studying online (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Online studeren (NL)
UvA Library
The library allows you to borrow books and to make use of its study facilities. You need your
student ID card to enter the library.
uba.uva.nl/en (EN)
uba.uva.nl (NL)
Study areas
At the UvA you can find several types of study areas (with or without PCs): individual spots, study
cabinets or larger spaces for group projects.
student.uva.nl/eco > A-Z > Room booking and finding a study place (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > A-Z > Ruimte reserveren en een studieplek vinden (NL)
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11.2 Whom to contact
UvA Central Student Service Desk
• (Re)Enrolment and termination of enrolment at UvA (Studielink)
• Financial matters and residence permit
• Visa
• Student grants and loans
• UvAnetID and Student ID card
student.uva.nl/eco > Contact > Central Student Service Desk (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Contact > Centrale Student Service Desk (NL)
Economics and Business Education Desk
• Course registration
• Grade registration
• Graduation
• Statements and requests
student.uva.nl/eco > Contact > Education Desk (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Contact > Onderwijsbalie (NL)
Economics and Business Study Advisers
The study advisers can help you with:
• Advice about personal circumstances during your study programme
• Coaching in making important choices
• Questions about taking on more challenges and enhancing your knowledge
• Advice about your study planning and study delay
• Support related to studying more effectively
• Questions regarding the Binding Study Advice (BSA)
student.uva.nl/eco > Contact > Study Advisers (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Contact > Studieadviseurs (NL)
Also in case of complaints or comments concerning educational matters and examinations.
33
Economics and Business Board of Examiners
• Submitting study programme requests and complaints
• Additional resits
• Appeals
• Approval of electives
• Exam and examination regulations
• Exemptions
• Requests
student.uva.nl/eco > Contact > Board of Examiners (EN)
student.uva.nl/ecb > Contact > Examencommissie (NL)
Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Econometrics
Also in case of complaints or comments concerning educational matters and examinations.
Dr. Maurice Koster.
Room: E3.59
Email: [email protected]
Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Actuarial Science
Dr. Umut Can.
Room: E4.26B
Email: [email protected]
Programme director Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics
Dr. Umut Konus55
Room: M2.05
Email: [email protected]
Colophon: Education Service Centre (ESC) in association with Marketing and Communication dept.
© August 2021 University of Amsterdam, Economics and Business. The content of this guide has been
prepared with care, no rights can be derived from its contents.