At the start of each academic year, many student societies at UAntwerp organise welcome activities for new students. These sometimes include student initiation ceremonies.
For some students, taking part in an initiation can be a way to connect with a new group and quickly become part of student life. At the same time, you certainly don’t need to take part in one to have a great student experience. Thinking about joining in? Make sure it’s a choice you feel comfortable with.
UAntwerp recognises the value of well-organised student initiation ceremonies when they provide a positive welcome and help foster a sense of belonging within a student society.
Rules and agreements
UAntwerp recognises the value of well-organised student initiation ceremonies when they are designed as a welcoming ritual and a way of becoming part of a new group.
In the City of Antwerp, the Antwerp Student Charter applies. In addition, on 28 March 2020, a Flemish framework for student initiation ceremonies was approved at the initiative of the Flemish Minister for Education. The framework was signed by Flemish universities and a number of student societies.
On 30 March 2021, following consultation with the Student Council, UAntwerp approved an amended version of the UAntwerp Student Regulations. These regulations set out additional rules for students enrolled at UAntwerp.
Article 31 states, among other things:
Students may only take part in initiation activities organised by student organisations that have endorsed the applicable initiation charters. A list of these organisations is published at the start of each academic year. This also applies to all activities related to so-called ‘schachtenverkopen’.
All initiation activities must also take place at locations that are accessible to at least members of the university community and the emergency and law enforcement services. This rule also applies to activities related to so-called ‘schachtenverkopen’.
Thinking of taking part?
Check beforehand whether your student society has signed the Antwerp Student Charter and the Flemish framework for student initiation ceremonies. Only recognised student societies are allowed to organise initiation activities.
Inspiration guide for welcoming rituals
In the 2019–2020 academic year, UAntwerp commissioned an extensive study into initiation activities organised by its student societies. The final report includes recommendations for organising student initiations safely, respectfully and effectively.
You can find the final report on this page.
The City of Antwerp, higher education institutions and Antwerp students later worked together to develop a new approach to welcoming rituals. Their ideas were brought together in an inspiration guide with practical tips and advice for student societies.
The guide recognises the value of traditions while also considering how welcoming rituals can evolve to reflect society today. It’s a useful resource for any student society looking to create a warm and inclusive welcome for new students.
Download the inspiration guide