Behind the scenes of the ABEL Intro Committee’s team-building activity

A mix of students and lecturers
The ABEL intro committee consists of a diverse group of students - from first-years to fourth-years across Built Environment and Logistics - supported by a few dedicated lecturers. “As lecturers, we mainly play a facilitating role and take care of a number of organisational matters within BUas,” says Ilse Hens, study coach in Logistics. “During the week itself, we step in when needed and ensure the IC students can take responsibility. Ultimately, we are still the ones accountable.”

“Students come up with and organise everything: from the programme and catering to sponsor acquisition and detailed planning documents.” For their efforts, students earn study credits and gain valuable life experience.

The selection of committee members is done with care, based on participation in the intro week and observations at school. Who takes initiative? Who’s not afraid to speak up? But also: who’s the quiet force, always ready behind the scenes?

A blaze throws a spanner in the works
Before planning for Intro ABEL begins, the new committee embarks on a team-building activity to get to know each other better. It’s a chance to see everyone’s strengths and get a feel for who’s best suited for each task in organising Intro ABEL.

But what do you do when your team-building location burns down the day before departure? The plan had been in place for weeks: a week of team-building in Sleen, Drenthe, with 24 students and three supervising lecturers. Group accommodation was booked, along with a community activity at a local farm. Everything was ready - until the morning of departure brought a call: the accommodation had burned down completely the night before. “At first I thought it was a joke,” Ilse recalls. “But it turned out to be true. Everything was gone.”

Quick thinking and a new opportunity
Thankfully, the lecturers acted quickly. Independently, they all came up with the same idea: to contact De Roerdomp, a familiar location where the intro week has been held for years. There was exactly one accommodation still available.

“We had to completely redesign the programme,” Ilse explains. “But the location was perfect: sports fields, a lake, table tennis tables… And we were welcome immediately.”

Team-building with a purpose
The team-building weekend is essential. “This week forms the foundation of the introduction period,” Ilse says. “You get to know each other outside the classroom. That’s important, because you’ll be working together intensively. And that works better when you’ve got to know one another in a different way.”

The strength of small scale
Looking ahead to the introduction week, Ilse explains what sets ABEL apart from other intro weeks: “With us, the entire committee gets involved - from cleaning to security,” she says proudly. “We don’t have a large student association behind us, and that’s exactly what creates a close-knit, familiar atmosphere. New students feel comfortable around our IC team. It makes them want to be a part of it, too!” “Even staff from our academy stop by during sports day, so they can meet students informally. That’s quite special.”

Ultimately, the intro week is all about connection - between students, lecturers, and the academy. “You feel it straight away: this is ABEL. No fuss, no hazing, no massive parties, just a warm welcome. And it works every single year.”