Student engagement in action: meet Marie Haffen, Audencia's new community life coordinator

A passionate and committed student, Marie embodies the link between student associations and the school's administrative staff. Here is a portrait of a dedicated student who has made community life her field of expression and action.  

• Can you tell us about your journey at Audencia so far?  

I joined Audencia last year, after two years of preparatory classes. From my first year, I became involved in student life by joining PIX, the school's photography and videography association. I started getting involved in the association during the pre-recruitment period in October/November, covering events. Then, in December, I was elected president of the association.  

This year, I am in my first year of the Grande Ecole master's program. I chose to follow the Engagement track, which allows me to be present at Audencia all year round and dedicate my afternoons to community life.  

• Photography, a passion?  

At first, I was only interested in photography when taking pictures with my phone. Then, in prep school, while preparing for my interview at Audencia, I discovered PIX and knew I wanted to be part of it. Once at school, I immediately sought out the “pixers” to talk to them. After joining PIX, I learned how to use a camera, make adjustments, edit images... It became a real passion. Today, I pass on this knowledge to new members of the association. Associations operate largely through knowledge transfer between different student cohorts.  

• What are your responsibilities as the student life coordinator?  

My main role is to facilitate the smooth running of events organized by the associations, ensuring coordination between the various players in student life and Audencia's departments: 

• On the organizational side, I oversee event planning, room reservations, and compliance with processes.  
• On the communication side, I maintain regular contact with association presidents, relay important information, and support students in their administrative tasks.

In terms of administration, I work closely with Sophie Pellois, who oversees student associations, to deal with specific requests. I also work with Alban Klein, communication and events assistant, who is responsible for visual design and communication materials for the associations.  

We hold general meetings with the presidents of the associations every two weeks, or more frequently if necessary. These meetings provide an opportunity to answer questions, remind people of the rules, and harmonize practices between the different associations.  

• What made you want to embark on this adventure?  

I know the former community life coordinators, Maximilien and Priscille, well. Last year, we often talked about what they did, and it made me want to do this kind of work.  

Also, as a member of PIX, I was already in contact with many associations and felt the need to get more involved. I like organizing, communicating, managing projects...  

So, I took on a new challenge by applying to be an association life representative, and I'm glad I did!  

• What are the main challenges you face?  

Time is a real challenge. I get a lot of questions from students, even on weekends. One must find a balance between personal life and involvement in community life. I realized that right from the start!  

• How and when can students contact you?  

I am on the third floor of Atlantic Campus, in office 309, with Sophie and Alban, among others.  Otherwise, I am often on the second floor, in the atrium area dedicated to associations, where we have a meeting room. I'm going to set up specific times during the week for my activities as community life coordinator, so that associations know when to contact me and where to find me.  

• Any advice for students who want to organize an event?

The first thing to do is to talk to their association president. And if they need to, they can also contact me directly. I'm here to support them and make sure their projects are carried out in the best possible conditions.