Clio

Clio is the Study Association of International Relations & International Organization at the University of Groningen. Clio has over 1100 members and is one of the largest students' associations in Groningen, and the largest students' organization at a Dutch faculty of arts.

History

On the 15th of June 1988, Clio, the club of Policy and Governance in the International Organizations was founded. At that time the study was only available for students of History already having past their preliminary examination. Clio is the muse of historiography and that is why this name was chosen for the association. After the study commenced in 1988, some students decided to found a study association for all students of Policy and Governance (nowadays IRIO), then and now. The association has developed throughout the decennia, adapting to changes at the university and the study. In 2003 the character of the study changed dramatically, students did not have to pass their preliminary History examinations anymore. The study’s name changed too, from Policy and Governance to International Organizations and International Relations (in 2007 the name of the study changed again to International Relations and International Organization ‘IRIO’). From this day on the study IO & IR was a full bachelor’s program. Between 400 and 500 students a year subscribed to IRIO. Because of the great interest in the study and the pressure on the department to cope with this, they set a numerus fixus in 2005. This numerus fixus was set at 220 students (in 2010 this numerus fixus is raised to 240 students). Because of the already mentioned interest in the study, Study Association Clio is one of the biggest associations in Groningen, with an membership of around 1100 students.

Association's Objective

The objective of students’ association Clio is compound. First of all, she wants to combine academic development and social activities to stimulate the integration between students and between students and professors. Besides that she wants to represent the students IRIO and sees the promotion of their interests as important. Thirdly, Clio has the objective of promoting the study association and the study International Relations and International Organization. To fulfill these objectives, Clio organises well known activities, such as lectures and the annual Conference. Next to the above, Clio supports their students in their study by facilitating books, organising workshops, an internship database and summaries. Clio stimulates students to develop themselves besides their study as well. IRSP gives senior students the opportunity to implement their theoretical knowledge in a research programme. By organising parties, get-togethers, and other informal activities Clio tries to create a social environment for its members. By organising the already mentioned activities, Clio is a study association that promotes the interests of its members in many fields.