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Who we are

Vision and Strategy

We prepare students and professionals to make a positive impact, now and in the years ahead. Our vision and strategy guide everything we do, from talent-oriented education and practice-based research to collaboration with our region. On this page, you can read more about our mission and core values, how we help students and professionals grow, how we shape participation and sustainability, and our strategic direction for the coming years. This gives you a clear picture of what Fontys stands for, and where we are heading.

Our Direction

The world faces major challenges, such as climate change, affordable healthcare and social tensions. These issues affect us all and call for collaboration and innovation. 

Fontys chooses to contribute to a society that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable. 

  • We educate people who make a difference.
  • We develop knowledge that advances professional practice.
  • We work with our region on solutions that matter.

This way, we help shape a future in which people, technology and society strengthen one another. 

Our Purpose

It is Fontys’ task to develop people and knowledge.

  • We help students and professionals discover and grow their talents.
  • We make knowledge useful in professional practice.
  • We learn with and from each other within our community.

In this way, we contribute to a society where everyone can keep learning throughout life.

Fontys University of Applied Sciences is a broad-based institution in the south of the Netherlands. We work with regional partners and employers to provide strong education and practice-based research. In doing so, we contribute to a strong, inclusive and sustainable society.

Strategic Plan 2021–2025: Fontys For Society 

The world is changing fast, think climate challenges, new technologies, and shifts in healthcare and education. Fontys wants to help find solutions to these challenges. In our strategic plan Fontys for Society, we explain how. 

We focus on three main goals: 

1. Giving everyone the chance to develop their talent

At Fontys, we want everyone to have the chance to learn. Students and professionals can develop in a way that suits them. We are making our education more flexible and more personal. This allows people to learn at their own pace, in their own way.

2. Doing research that helps solve social issues

Fontys is not only a university of applied sciences, but also a knowledge institution. We carry out practice-based research on topics that matter in society, such as sustainability, health and digitalisation. We do this together with companies, public organisations and governments. The results help us improve our education and support the professional field.

3. Building an organisation that adapts

To keep offering strong education and research, we must be flexible. We help our staff work well together, keep developing, and respond quickly to change. In this way, our organisation stays strong and agile.

Fontys for Society is not a fixed plan. We keep talking with students, staff and partners. Together, we keep learning, improving and contributing to society. 

Participation 

Have your say: think along, speak up, help decide 

At Fontys, we value the involvement of students and staff in decisions about our education and organisation. This involvement is called participation. 

Participation councils: 

  • give advice to the Executive Board;
  • have a right of consent on certain topics;
  • promote open dialogue and better decision-making.

Students and staff participate at three levels: Fontys-wide (central), within services and institutes, and within degree programmes.

  1. Central Participation Council (CPC) 
    The CPC talks with the Executive Board about Fontys-wide policy. The council has 11 students and 11 staff members.
  2. Services and Institute Participation Councils (SDPC and IPC) 
    Each services department and each institute has its own council. These councils consist of staff and students who consult with their director.
  3. Degree Programme Committees (DPC or JDPC) 
    Every degree programme has a Degree Programme Committee (DPC) or a Joint DPC (JDPC). Students and lecturers discuss the quality and delivery of education.
Centre for Participation (CfP) 

The CfP supports participation at central and local level. It offers advice and training to councils, committees and their partners.

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Together with employers and partners, we develop talent and knowledge. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant society.
Joep Houterman, Chair of the Executive Board

Sustainability 

Fontys wants to contribute to a sustainable society. That is why we are making our buildings more sustainable, travelling more responsibly and reducing waste. Sustainability is increasingly central in our education and research. 

  • Students work on current, real-world sustainability challenges.
  • We run projects that make a real difference.
  • We have taken the first steps. With courage, persistence and collaboration, we are making progress.