Artevelde Shifts Online and Postpones Exams Amid Ghent Strike

Ghent (Eurotoday) – Artevelde University College is adapting to the NMBS train strike by providing online materials for classes, ensuring students can continue learning despite transport issues. Spokeswoman Esther Van Tilburg emphasizes the importance of in-person attendance for better performance while offering flexible solutions for evaluations missed due to the strike.

Artevelde University College is handling the train strike in Ghent by using an online method. By using online tools, they can keep classes going and help students who cannot get to school. In the past, schools have also offered hybrid learning and recorded lectures for students to watch later. 

According to officials, the NMBS strike is a problem for many travellers, but Artevelde’s quick actions show that being flexible in education is important. This helps ensure that all students get the support they need, even when things are hard.

“We are not going to cancel the lessons in advance, but we are going to put teaching materials online. That way, those who can’t make it will still be able to follow the lesson,”

Says spokeswoman Esther Van Tilburg.

How is Artevelde in Ghent managing classes and exams during the NMBS strike?

Artevelde University College wants students to keep attending classes in person, even with the NMBS train strike. They are providing online materials but encourage students to come to campus when they can. Esther Van Tilburg says that in-person lessons help students perform better in school. 

He mentioned that many courses require hands-on learning, special tools, or interaction with teachers and classmates. By focusing on the benefits of live classes, the university aims to maintain high-quality education while being flexible for those affected by transport issues.

Artevelde University College has a plan for students who cannot attend evaluations due to the train strike. The school will review each situation individually to find a solution. If a student has a valid reason for missing their evaluation, the university will offer a chance to take it later. 

University officials mentioned that students must provide a good reason for their absence to qualify for a new date. They said that this approach helps ensure that students are not unfairly punished for things out of their control while keeping the evaluation process fair.

“We will assess this on a case-by-case basis. If you really cannot make it, we will find another moment. Of course, your absence must be justified,”

Esther Van Tilburg explains.

The 9-day strike by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) is causing big problems across the country. According to officials,  it is especially tough for students who depend on trains to get to their universities and colleges. Many students cannot reach their campuses because of fewer or no train services.

 To help, Artevelde University College has decided not to cancel classes. Instead, they will make sure students who cannot travel can still access important learning materials. According to spokeswoman Esther Van Tilburg, the school wants to reduce the impact of the strike by putting course content online. This allows students to attend lessons from home and study at their own pace despite the transport issues.