Staff Faculty Council

Jan Sleutels

Jan Sleutels is associate professor at the Institute for Philosophy. He is currently in his third term as director of Humanities Lab, the honours programme of the Faculty of Humanities, and previously served as director of education and programme chair for Philosophy. In the Faculty Council he can put this experience to good use.

As a member of the Council, Jan is committed to a safe and pleasant working environment for students and employees, where everyone feels involved and heard. Points of attention include the faculty’s financial situation, workload, programme standards, the relationship between education and research, and participation for non-Dutch-speaking students and staff.

Elizabeth den Boer

Elizabeth den Boer has been working at the Faculty of Humanities since 2008, and since 2013 as a study adviser and education coordinator for the BA International Studies (in The Hague). Since 2020, she has also been the team leader of the bachelor’s programmes of Humanities at the Campus The Hague.

“One of my key concerns is the ‘human dimension’, which I would like to see reflected in both education policy and staff policy, where ‘work balance’ must be taken seriously. In a healthy university, awareness of being an educational and research institution is central, with a shared understanding that research and teaching are investments in the present and future of society. Teaching and support staff must be heard, and university policy must be clear in the direction it is taking and include the voice of staff in that process.”

Adriaan Rademaker

Adriaan Rademaker is engaged in research and teaching in the field of Greek Language and Literature. In addition to his seat on the Faculty Council, he is chair of the SKO Assessment Committee and a member of the Examination Appeals Board.

“In the Faculty Council I have a particular interest in topics concerning the organisation of teaching and research. In times of financial uncertainty, a constructive dialogue with the Faculty Board is of great value. I represent the council in the Workload Balance Steering Group, a committee that makes suggestions on how to improve the workload balance of the faculty’s staff. I also focus on matters concerning the structure of teaching, such as the Course and Examination Regulations and the academic year schedule at the faculty level. In this way, I try to make a small contribution to the wellbeing of all members of our faculty community.”

Arnout van Ree

Arnout van Ree works as a lecturer in International Studies (in The Hague). He is also the FNV trade union representative for Leiden University.

“I am committed to advocating for the interests and rights of all staff and students. Everyone must be heard and included in policy and decision-making within the Faculty.”

Marina Terkourafi

Marina Terkourafi is a linguist whose research focuses on aspects of meaning that remain unspoken and are often interpreted differently by people from different backgrounds.

“Having worked at universities in five different countries across two continents, I have had ample opportunity to observe intercultural (mis)communication in practice. One of my goals, as a member of the Faculty Council, is to facilitate dialogue between the faculty and its many members—students and staff, temporary and permanent, Dutch and non-Dutch, based in Leiden and based in The Hague. I believe that we can use the diversity of our faculty as a strength and a source of inspiration, rather than as a weakness that stands in the way of effective decision-making, and I intend to use my familiarity with both campuses of our university to help achieve this.”

Joost van den Berg

Joost van den Berg is a content manager at the Faculty of Humanities’ Communication and Marketing department.

“Open communication and transparent decision-making are essential within our faculty. My goal is to actively involve staff and students and ensure their voices are heard, so that together we can improve our working environment. I am also committed to a future-oriented, strong organisation where both a pleasant and efficient way of working are central. If you have any questions or ideas, I would be happy to hear from you!”

Elmer Veldkamp

Elmer Veldkamp has been working as an Assistant Professor in the BA Korean Studies since 2018 and, as of 1 September 2025, is the programme director of this degree.

“As a staff member and lecturer, I find it important to contribute to a faculty that is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive working and learning environment. As a member of the Faculty Council, I want to focus on connecting the faculty board with the wishes and needs of the diverse people who make up the university community.”