Curious, Open, Respectful, and Responsible - CORe for short. These are the four core values our university has embraced since September 2024. But how do you ensure those values become more than just inspiring words on paper? We spoke with Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts and ambassador for integrity and social safety Ingrid Heynderickx about how CORe should come to life within the university. "This is not a project with a deadline. This is how we want to be as a community."
What's happening with these core values now? That's a question they often get, says Ingrid Heynderickx. "People ask what they're supposed to do with them. Some are looking for an inspiring story, others want a clear-cut plan with data and deliverables. But that's not how it works. You integrate values into everything you do."
That's why a varied implementation plan is being developed. She emphasizes: "We're not going to prescribe top-down how everyone should 'live by CORe.' What we will do is offer support, inspiration, and challenge people to engage."
Inform, inspire, and engage
TU/e has chosen a practical approach based on three pillars: inform, inspire, and engage. "Once a month, you'll see CORe messages on all the coffee machines across campus," says Heynderickx. "It's like a monthly alarm signal-but for awareness. Just a moment to say: hey, this is what we stand for."
For example, during the WinTU/er Village in December, conversations about social safety and values took place under the Christmas tree, using ornaments and mugs as conversation starters. "Low-key, but meaningful," says Lenaerts.
Serious game
Another way to spark conversation is a board game developed by HRM, which is now being distributed within the TU/e community. "You can play it with a group, for example during a team retreat with your department or service unit. Everyone answers an open and reflective question, such as: 'What does appreciation from your supervisor mean to you?' You answer first, and then the others may respond. That's how a dialogue begins."
No rules, but reflection
For Lenaerts, that's exactly the point. "I'm not a fan of rules for the sake of rules. We don't want a culture where people 'just follow the rules' without thinking for themselves. CORe is precisely about reflection: about yourself, your behavior, and your impact on others. A culture of empathy and trust."
I'm not a fan of rules for the sake of rules. I want people to think for themselves about their behavior and what it means for others.
Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts
According to her, the values are meant to guide us-not to be used as a checklist. "They come up in every meeting. Not because I plan to talk about respect, but because they help navigate difficult conversations. Start by listening with curiosity, be open, respect the other person's perspective, and then take responsibility. I've also noticed that others are starting to adopt this approach in meetings. And holding each other accountable-that's a really positive shift," says Lenaerts.
Heynderickx adds, "Sometimes the values can even be in tension with each other. You might be open, but that doesn't automatically mean you're being respectful. That's when it's important to talk about it. Not to judge, but to understand."
Leading by example
An important step is involving the university's leaders in the process. "Practice what you preach," says Lenaerts firmly. "If our leadership isn't living by the CORe values themselves, we can't expect others to do it either." That's why TU/e is developing leadership programs with CORe at the heart.
The program begins with members of the MDC-the weekly meeting of the Executive Board with the managing directors of the departments and service units. "Over the next two years, this group will explore leadership in the context of TU/e's future governance, using the CORe values as a guiding framework," explains Heynderickx. "They'll be discussing our shared language, how we collaborate, and what we see as priorities for improving TU/e's operations going forward."
Vernieuwde jaargesprekken
De jaargesprekken worden vernieuwd met de kernwaarden in het achterhoofd. "We willen af van het afvinken van KPI's," zegt Lenaerts. "Het moet een open tweerichtingsgesprek worden waarin echt geluisterd wordt naar elkaar. Wat ging goed, wat kon beter, hoe gaat het met samenwerken. Maar ook: wat heb je nodig om te groeien, zijn er cursussen die je wilt volgen, heb je coaching nodig? Die gesprekken zijn superbelangrijk in de loopbaanontwikkeling."
From the top down-and back up again
How do you make sure CORe really resonates with students and staff? "We're focusing on two parallel paths," says Heynderickx. "On one hand, leaders setting the right example; on the other, employees and students taking initiative themselves. That grassroots movement is just as important."
For instance, study associations are being supported with tools and sessions to help them integrate the values into their activities. "They often face their own unique challenges," Heynderickx explains. "But the foundation is the same culture. The way it's applied might look different depending on the group."
