Saxion will receive 2.25 million Euros from the Dutch Ministry of Education. The public funds are meant to assist the University in attracting excellent students. Saxion applied for the grant before but lost out to other competing schools. However, Mr. Plasterk, Dutch Education Minister, made more funds available and this time Saxion did receive the nod.
At first there were only funds available for 5 universities. Two Saxion academies, Marketing and International Management (MIM) and Management and Law (ABR), already have an excellence program in place. Now that Saxion will receive the additional monies, the programs can be expanded. The funds will go towards educational programs, research, and staff members.
Top students can enroll in the School of Excellence and complete an honors program. Upon graduating and completing tougher exams, a special notation on their diplomas will indicate the fact that they are honor students. Joop Mengels, a Saxion staffer involved in the Excellence Project warns, “students have to proof that they are worthy of the qualification Saxion Excellence.”
The School of Excellence accepts all qualified students that meet the criteria. Currently Saxion staff members are working hard on expanding the program and start up the new process.