Avans University of Applied Sciences and Avans+ in Breda formally say goodbye to each other on 1 July. What once started as one organization, now splits into two, each with its own mission and style. Avans Hogeschool from now on focuses purely on public HBO education in Brabant, while Avans+, later under a new name, profiles itself nationally as a flexible trainer for working professionals.
Avans+ started in the early 2000s as a part of Avans Hogeschool, especially for working professionals who wanted to follow a course. In 2003 it was named Avans+, but it was still belonging to the university. Avans+ offered post-HBO courses in healthcare, education, IT and management.
Marathon runner
What was once a collaboration grew slowly into a clear divorce. Avans University of Applied Sciences focuses primarily on full -time students, research and working in their own region. Avans+ wants to be able to act faster, offer customization and be active nationwide. In practice, the two organizations had therefore been working separately for years.
The differences in working methods and culture became increasingly clear. “Avans is a marathon runner, we are sprinters,” said Avans+director Cris van Osch recently to Breda mandel. The commercial trainer wanted more room to adapt to the market. The university continued to attach to its public role.
Confusion
The name increasingly caused hassle. Students and companies sometimes did not know where they were: was it a normal HBO education or did you have to pay for it? That confusion did not help anyone, especially now that both parties want to make clearer what they stand for.
Avans+ already worked on its own in practice, but on paper it still belonged to Avans Hogeschool. That got in the way. By separating, it becomes clearer to everyone and both organizations can focus better on what they want to do.
Divorce has been coming for some time
According to people who are involved, there have been talking about a split behind the scenes. The cooperation between Avans and Avans+ did not mean much anymore. They only shared some paperwork and agreements.
Now the Avans+ management has officially taken over the company. From October it will continue under a new name. What that will be is not yet known. Avans+ just stays in Breda, but from now on focuses on customers throughout the country. Avans Hogeschool continues to focus on students in Brabant.
Riot
The timing of the break is striking. Avans came in the news this year by hassle with foreign students. Due to errors during registrations, the IND moved in dozens of residence permits. Avans and Avans+ say that that has nothing to do with the split.