Through the awards, students from RSM’s BSc International Business Administration (IBA) and BSc Business Administration (Bedrijfskunde) (BA) show that they value the hard work of RSM academics and educational support offices. Bachelor students from all class years were able to vote for a faculty members teaching in their respective year and programme.
“We may give our professors a headache at times throughout the year, but we love this opportunity to thank them for their collaboration and hard work,” Florian Dohmen, chairman of SR.
Professor awards
Votes were collected in each trimester to select, and there was a final voting for the whole year, where students from each year could vote for one of the three winners of that year’s trimesters. At the Professor Awards ceremony, the most inspiring lecturers of the academic year for each class and programme was revealed:
- BA1: Arnoud Kuijpers (Foundations of finance and accounting)
- IBA1: Dr Mirko Benischke (International business)
- BA2: Dr Christophe Lembregts (Marketing management)
- IBA2: Florian Madertoner (Corporate finance)
- BA3: Dr Tobias Brandt (Business information management)
- IBA3: Dr Helen Gubby (Business law)
The award for the ‘best supporting staff’ went to the team of student advisors. And for the first time this year, students voted for the ‘most innovative course’. They chose the Foundations of Finance and Accounting course because “the course combines innovative tools in the lectures, with smaller scale in-class activities in workshops,” said students. They were very enthusiastic about lecturer Arnoud Kuijper’s vlogs, and the way he incorporates relevant news into his lectures to show how business works in practice.
Dr Miriam Koning received the award on behalf of the team and said: “It is a fantastic compliment to our team of teaching assistants, who are doing a great job in the delivery of the course. And of course to our lecturer Arnoud, who always manages to engage students in the big lecture halls, with innovative tools but also with his enthusiasm.”
On the occasion, Arnoud Kuijpers said: “I feel the professor awards are really important to improve the university lectures. Often professors want to improve, but it is difficult to assess what the new generation of students really appreciate. This award helps to identify best practices. Secondly, professors may want to go an extra mile, especially if they get credits for it. This is exactly what this award does. I am impressed how serious SR takes this event, including the ceremony. Every year I look forward to the event, as it combines good content with fun!
Community feeling
“It’s surprising that an accounting course won the award for being most innovative. So big compliments to the teachers and course co-ordinator Dr Miriam Koning,” said student Arian Trieb. “I was struck by how many professors, students and others attended and joined us for drinks afterwards, it really shows RSM’s spirit and community feeling.”
The ceremony was attended by around 80 students and 30 professors, faculty members and staff members. At the event, Ewing Amadi Salumu took the stage and showcased the importance of the work done by his organisation: the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF – Universitair Asiel Fonds). SR announced it will be supporting this initiative by donating €1,500 collected through SR’s Second Reader and generous contributions.
The event was moderated by SR’s marketing and events co-ordinator Arian Trieb and awards committee member Mara Valeanu, and concluded with celebratory networking drinks at campus bar In de Smitse.
RSM student representation
The RSM Student Representation is the feedback channel between students, faculty members and professional services staff at RSM about courses and the school in general. Its mission is to give students a voice and to improve the quality of education at RSM. SR organises the annual Professor Awards every year to highlight the importance of teaching and education.