Behind the Numbers

The Bureau des Étudiant-e-s Administrateurs-trices de l’UCL (BEA) is a robust student union. It provides a number of good services and represents students effectively. However, there is room for growth. Key areas for improvement include completing its website, publishing clear rules and regulations, and organizing extracurricular events. Addressing these gaps would improve the union’s score and potentially place it among the top performers in the Index.

Services provided by the BEA include legal aid, financial aid, advice on university regulations, and psychological support. The association is active on its social media accounts. The food assistance provided by the BEA is rare and not on a regular basis. Strangely, the BEA does not often organize extracurricular events for the student community, as other student unions in Belgium do.

In terms of representation, the BEA does a good job. The BEA is a member of the Fédération des étudiant-e-s francophones. It effectively uses its structural power to improve student life and organizes advocacy campaigns that produce tangible results. Unfortunately, there are no documents on the website detailing its policies and regulations. The Union does not appear to be involved in community governance.

The Tweaks

Some information on the website is either outdated or entirely absent, making it difficult for students to access accurate and up-to-date resources about the Union’s activities, services, and policies. A comprehensive review and regular maintenance of the website would enhance its utility and ensure students are well-informed.

It would also be beneficial for the Union to actively organize events for the student community, like cultural activities, or recreational events. These initiatives could  provide opportunities for students to engage with the wider student community, helping them to make new friends, whilst enhancing the visibility of the Union’s efforts.