Today, all student teams are in the Atlas entrance hall to recruit new members. This is very necessary, because more and more student teams are popping up, which means more students have to be recruited each year. I myself have been on both sides of the recruitment pitch. Having been part of multiple student teams, I know exactly how the conversation goes. When the question ‘So this means taking an entire year off from my studies?’ is asked, for example, the answer invariably comes back: ‘You can learn way more at a student team than in a year of studying!’.

I wholeheartedly agree that a student team is hugely educational and fun. Above all, it’s an unforgettable experience I’d recommend to anyone. Having said that, before you sign up for a student team, it’s useful to take a moment to read the general terms and conditions. The importance of this is increasing because the key pedagogical idea behind the student teams, challenge-based learning, is to take center stage in TU/e education in 2025.

Terms and conditions for being part of a student team

By joining a student team, you agree to working hard in a tight-knit community. You devote your time to researching and implementing an impactful innovation. As a result, you may spend entire nights working or going out with your team members.

You are aware this can cause a lot of stress, especially in the run-up to major deadlines, such as for presentations and competitions. This may lead to euphoric moments of peak performance, possibly followed by absence and symptoms indicating you are overworked or burnt out. This is widely acknowledged by former team managers, coaches, and members. The student teams and university cannot be held accountable for study delay caused by said complaints. If you experience any of them, appeal to the internal burn-out program some student teams have.

As a member of a student team, you are part of the university marketing machine. You will be expected to keep in mind the university’s marketing (and other) interests when you represent the university at important events and to influential people. Personal financial compensation for the time and money you spent on developing the university’s image and identity, for example in the form of an administrative grant, cannot be guaranteed.

You bear all of the responsibility for your participation in a project with real impact. Should any problems arise in the way of financial mistakes, administrative mismanagement, or physical injury, you yourself are legally liable at the personal or board level. InnovationSpace may be able to provide support in this respect.

□ I have read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Tim de Jong is a student of Industrial Design at TU/e