Vice-Dean Koen Caminada speaks at the opening ceremony of the HOPweek
Last monday, the fourth edition of the HOPweek kicked-off. During this week, new students of Leiden University that will study in The Hague will get to know new people, their study, study associations and The Hague. HOPweek 2019 was officially opened during the opening ceremony in the Great Church (De Grote Kerk) where Koen Caminada, the Vice-Dean of FGGA, gave a warm welcome to the participants.
During his speech, Caminada started with talking about the history of Leiden University in The Hague, because a lot has changed over the years. “At the beginning, Leiden University in The Hague only occupied a single basement room. Today, it is spread out over five buildings in The Hague’s city centre. Also, one out of four students is doing her studies in The Hague with over 95 different nationalities. This creates a specials dynamic.” It is expected that the number of students of Leiden University that study in The Hague will rise to one out of three in a couple of years.
“The Hague and Leiden University are connected on many levels. The Hague’s profile of City of Peace, Justice and Security relates to the research Leiden University in The Hague conducts” said Caminada. The education of Leiden University in The Hague is focussed on International law, peace and justice, Politics, Public Administration and International Affairs, Urban Issues and Health and Care.
Vice-Dean Caminada told the participants that they are now part of a community, a diverse community, where they hopefully will feel at home. “Leiden University places great value on freedom of mind, thought, and expression. Our motto is ‘Praesidium Libertatis’ – Bastion of Freedom. You are at liberty to ask any question and to express your opinions on matters that are important to you. However, as a university community, we feel it is important that any debate is conducted with decency.”
We wish all the new students a great HOPweek and pleasant time at Leiden University.