Students’ Rights Expert at the Student Union of ÅAU  

I am employed at the student union as an expert in higher education policy, student social benefits, well-being, and student rights. My job is to support union members, associations, elected representatives of ÅAS, and student representatives in the ÅAU administration. I have held the title of student representative since the job descriptions for ÅAS employees were updated a few years ago. We initially considered calling me an “advocacy expert,” but fortunately decided that sounded too complicated and dry. The title Students’ Rights Expert is more descriptive; I hope it signals that “yes, you as a student should get in touch, and I am happy to help.”

ÅAS advocacy work

ÅAS’s mission is to make students’ everyday lives as good as possible. We, the employees, are here to support the union board and the student council. I work closely with the union board by providing background information on student health, accessibility issues, and national regulations related to education. We often write texts together or make plans for campaigns.

I am involved as the Student Union contact in ÅAU’s Equality Committee and Crisis Support Group, and I also participate in meetings on student well-being and in collaborative groups with the Student Health Care Services.

Decision-making at ÅAU

One of my tasks is to handle the practical aspects of electing student representatives to various groups within ÅAU. I also organize training for the student representatives and answer their questions so that they can influence ÅAU’s decision-making as effectively as possible. The contact and communication between ÅAS and the student representatives is important so that we are all aware of what is being planned and decided at ÅAU. Especially now, when major changes may occur in education and course offerings, it is a priority to maintain close contact with everyone involved in the work.

How the Students’ Rights Expert can support individual students

I assist individual students in problem situations, for example, by finding out which rules apply to courses and examinations at ÅAU or which organizations can support international students. I often participate as a support person for students in meetings with ÅAU staff regarding, for example, suspicions of plagiarism or violations of the rules of conduct. My role is always to view matters from the students’ perspective and to ensure that students’ rights are upheld. This applies both if a course teacher has not followed the ÅAU rules and if a student has not followed the ÅAU rules.

What happens if I get in contact with the Students’ Rights Expert?

It is up to you what happens! I am happy to listen to what you are thinking about and answer questions or provide information, or provide contact details. If you do not want that, we will never take a question further to anyone else. All emails and everything we discuss are confidential.

Petra Lindblad
Students’ Rights Expert at ÅAS
petra@studentkaren.fi

It’s time for the International Students’ Survey! Your answers provide valuable information as to how ÅAS can improve and develop – and by answering the survey you also get a chance to win a 15€ gift card!

In this survey, you can share your thoughts on how you have experienced both your studies and also your student life outside of them! The point of this survey is to hear your thoughts on how we could improve YOUR student life. There are leading questions where you have the possibility to elaborate on your experiences or thoughts – all of which are very important to us.

Your answers provide valuable information as to how we, the Student Union, can improve and develop!

As a part of the survey, we are raffling off 5 gift cards to the K-stores, worth 15€ each. To participate in the raffle, just leave your abo-email address at the end of the survey. Your answers will remain anonymous, even if you choose to participate in the raffle!

Work is currently underway at the departments in preparation for an educational reform. They have been tasked with evaluating the subject clusters and courses within their study programmes. The goal is to have fewer main subject specialisations per programme, fewer minor subjects, and a reduced number of elective courses within each subject cluster. For example, a main subject worth 60 credits should have a clearer structure showing which courses are included.

This work is based on Åbo Akademi University’s (ÅAU) new Strategy for 2025–2030, where one of the main goals is sustainable finances. The aim is to achieve a lower cost level, both within education and within the university’s overall operations.

The departments are currently reviewing how courses and subject clusters are perceived and what improvements can be made, in collaboration with the departmental councils and heads of subject. The departmental councils also include student representatives, but not all subjects have representation. The heads of subject are the professors with main responsibility for a subject. The head of department, who is the department’s chair and leader of the departmental council, carries significant responsibility for how the work is managed. After evaluating the subject structures and reviewing the course offerings, as well as identifying problematic courses, the departments will together develop proposals on how subjects and course clusters can be reorganised and reformed.

The time to influence the decisions is now!

It is now, while changes to study programmes and courses are being planned, that we students have the best opportunity to make a difference. Once decisions are made in spring 2026, it will be more difficult to introduce changes.

For students to understand what is happening and to be able to influence the process, we need access to information about what is being discussed. We at The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) hope that ÅAU will include students throughout the entire process. Students should be able to submit questions or feedback regarding the work, and departments should include students directly, for example through surveys or question boxes. Students whose subjects are not represented in the departmental councils, as well as international students in English-language programmes, must also be considered.

The timeline is as follows

• In December 2025, the departments will present their proposals for revised study programmes.
• In February 2026, the Education Council will consider the proposals and take a position on ÅAU’s educational responsibilities.
• During March–April 2026, the ÅAU Board will make final decisions regarding the university’s educational responsibilities.
• From 2027 onwards, ÅAU plans to implement the new educational structures, but for now, preparatory work and situation reviews are underway at the departments.

To make it easier for students to provide input, ÅAS has created its own Question Box. Regardless of whether your department sends out its own survey or not, you can use ÅAS’ Question Box to submit feedback on courses, major subjects, minor subjects, or entire study programmes. You can also ask questions about the educational reform work in general. All feedback received will be forwarded to the departments.

It is important that we students make our voices heard about what we know best – our studies. We are the ones who know our study programmes best, as we are the ones following them and completing the courses. Therefore, it is essential that our perspective is placed at the centre and has an influence on the decisions being made.

As we are now looking for a new Board for 2026, this year’s Board will write short blog posts about their areas of responsibility and tell you a little more about what working in the Board entails.

Hi! Noomi here!

This year I’ve been working with Communications and City Relations in Vasa. When I applied to the Board, I already knew that Communications was the position I was most interested in. As the person responsible for Communications and City Relations, I knew I would get to work with things like social media (although it’s still the responsibility of all Members of the Board to create content for the social media channels we use) and to build connections with, among others, the City of Vasa and the other student unions.

Communications this year!

This year, my tasks have involved being responsible for Communications and City Relations in Vasa. In practice, this position is very much about keeping track of what’s happening in Vasa. I also contribute by creating, among other things, social media content for the Vasa section.

Another important part of the communications role is maintaining contact with the City of Vasa. This has involved meeting with representatives from the city and from Vasek to discuss what matters most to students in Vasa, and how to encourage them to stay in the city after completing their studies. In other words, how to make Vasa a more attractive city.

The Member of the Board responsible for Communication also works closely with the person responsible for Student Culture at various events organised by ÅAS in Vasa. Examples of these events include Fastlaskiainen (Shrove Tuesday event) and the hatting ceremony during May Day celebrations. This work often involves communicating information about the event and taking photos during the event for future social media use on ÅAS’ account.

Another important task that the person responsible for Communications has had is to work with the people responsible for student advocacy. A practical example of this is organising meetings with the Dean and maintaining contact with the advocacy team in Åbo.

What will the position look like next year?

Because of the Board’s restructuring next year, Communications and City Relations will no longer exist in the same form. These responsibilities will be divided among those Members of the Board whose area of responsibility will be Student Culture or advocacy. However, it’s important to remember to maintain contact with, among others, the city and to continue promoting Vasa’s perspective.

Board work is fun and rewarding – and now you have the chance to apply for next year’s Board!

Working on the Board has been both fun and rewarding. A practical example is that you get to learn what a job within an organisation looks like in reality. One of my favourite memories from the Board’s work was handing out roses to ÅAU Staff, which is something the Board does every year. The purpose of giving out roses is to show appreciation for people who are important to the students. Being able to hand out the flowers and see the reactions of those people was both very enjoyable and deeply meaningful.

In summary, I can highly recommend applying for the Student Union Board in Vasa next year! It is a role where you can be creative, make contacts and influence how ÅAS is seen and heard in Vasa.

Noomi Talvio
Member of the Board responsible for Communications and City Relations (Vasa)
The Student Union of ÅAU

As we are now looking for a new Board for 2026, this year’s Board will write short blog posts about their areas of responsibility and tell you a little more about what working in the Board entails.

Hi, it’s Emilia!

I have been Chair of the Board this year and would therefore like to share a little about what it has been like for me. It has truly been an eventful and educational year!

The main task of the Chair of the Board is to plan and lead the work of the Board. This includes delegating tasks, following up and, when necessary, assisting the other Members of the Board in their work. The Chair also acts as the manager of the ÅAS secretary general, who in turn is the Head of the ÅAS’ Staff.

The Chair oversees and coordinates the Board’s activities

The Board works together within its various sectors, and they work closely with the staff. The sectors we currently have at the Student Union are advocacy of interests, student culture, corporate cooperation and communication.

The Board has ongoing tasks within the sectors that recur every year, but each Board also works on the basis of an action plan that contains projects and focus areas specific to that particular year. The action plan specifies the goals and guidelines that govern the Board’s work. This year, for example, we have worked with local elections, meaningful membership, a member survey and the renewal of ÅAS’ strategy, which is something I myself have worked a lot on. Much of the planning, delegation, and follow-up for which the Chair is responsible therefore revolves around the strategy and ongoing activities.

Meetings provide structure in everyday life

A key task for the Chair is to plan ahead and create structure in the Board’s work. This includes preparing and leading various meetings. The Board has board meetings every other week, where the focus is on financial decisions, follow-up of activities, project planning, and the selection of people for various assignments.

In addition to the board meetings, other meetings are also held during the week. The week usually begins with a joint meeting with the entire student union office, where we discuss current issues, and ends with a recap meeting for the Board. The Board also holds sector-specific meetings during the week together with Staff, in which the Chair usually participates. On weeks when we do not have board meetings, we usually hold workshops with the Board on current issues – such as statements, division of responsibilities or ongoing projects.

A broad network is important for advocacy work

As Chair, one of the most important tasks is to maintain a network of contacts with various actors who influence students’ everyday lives. This involves collaborating with other student unions, politicians, partners and many others.

One of the most important contacts you maintain as Chair is with Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU). A large part of the job is to ensure that the Student Union’s advocacy at the university is carried out in close cooperation with the ÅAU’s management. You have regular meetings with the Rector, Vice-rectors, Deans and Heads of Department, where you have the opportunity to raise and discuss current issues affecting students. You also meet regularly with the Head of Educational Services, as this unit is responsible for many functions that affect students’ everyday lives.

This year, in my role, I have also had a lot of contact with the Communications Unit at ÅAU. This has involved communication with students, coordination of information sessions, discussion sessions, and answering questions in connection with the restructuring. In my opinion, this has been one of the most important things I have done this year. Students have the right to know what is happening at their university, and their voices should be heard!

Student traditions come with festive duties

As Chair of the Board, you will also give speeches at various traditional events and academic ceremonies, which are usually fun and memorable. For example, as Chair, you will give speeches during the ÅAS’ cap ceremony on May Day Eve and at the enrolment ceremonies in Åbo and Vasa.

Being Chair of the Board is a fun and incredibly rewarding assignment where you get to learn a lot and help influence the everyday student life of students.

Emilia Melén
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of ÅAU

The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) is now looking for its Board for 2026. The Board is the Student Union’s executive body and works daily to advocate for students’ interests. The new Board will be elected by the Student Union Council on 27 November, 2025.

To apply for a position in the Board you need to know Swedish quite well. The administrative language of the Student Union is Swedish.

Why join the Board?

Do you want to make sure students’ voices are heard both at the university and on a national level? Do you want to improve students’ everyday life? Would you like to take on a leading role in a larger organisation and gain valuable experience for your future career? If you care about student life and want to learn new things, apply for the Board! All it takes is curiosity and a genuine interest in supporting other students.

Board members receive a compensation for their work, and the compensation will be increased for the 2026 term. In 2026, the Chair of the Board will receive 1,000€ per month for 11 months, and Board members will receive 800€ per month for 9 months.

Members of the Board are expected to be available during office hours and to take part in evening and weekend events. The Board works in cooperation with the Student Union staff.

Please note that ÅAS uses Swedish as its working language. Applicants should have a good knowledge of Swedish; other language skills will be seen as a strength.

Composition of the Board in 2026

• One Chair of the Board, elected in Vasa or Åbo.
• Seven Members of the Board, one of whom also serves as Vice Chair.
• One Member of the Board responsible for Social Policy (elected regardless of campus).
  • Social Policy (National and international social policy matters, student finances, sustainability within ÅAS and student life, student wellbeing, and equality among students.)

Three Members of the Board in Åbo with the following areas of responsibility

• Higher Education Policy & International Affairs (national higher education policy, study-related matters within Åbo Akademi University (ÅA), international affairs at ÅA)
• Communications (the Board’s communications, corporate collaboration, city relations)
• Student Culture (development and safeguarding of student life, student traditions in Åbo, ÅAS’ associations, inclusion)

Three Members of the Board in Vasa with the following areas of responsibility

• Student Culture (development and safeguarding of student life, student traditions in Vasa, ÅAS’ associations, inclusion, city relations)
• Higher Education Policy & International Affairs (national higher education policy, study-related matters within Åbo Akademi University (ÅA), international affairs at ÅA)

Hur kommer ansvarsområdena att delas upp?

The Board distributes its areas of responsibility internally at its constitutive meeting, except for the Chair, the Vice Chair, and the Member responsible for Social Policy, these positions are elected directly by the Student Union Council on November 27.

Blog series from the 2025 Board

The 2025 Board will publish blog posts with a closer look at the different areas of responsibility and what they mean in practice. Links to these posts will be added here as they are published.

• Chair of the Board Emilia
• Responsible for International Affairs, Sofie
• Responsible for Social Policy, Jennifer
• Responsible for Student Culture, Melina

Information for applicants

If this sounds like something for you, send a freely written expression of interest by email to Angelica Loo or Emilia Melén.

All applications received by Monday 24 November, will be published on our website the following day. You can still apply after 24 November, but your application will not be published online.

To be interviewed, your application must be submitted no later than 26 November.
However, it is still possible to stand as a candidate until the start of the Student Union Council’s meeting on 27 November.

Your application should preferably include:

• Name
• Photo
• A short description of yourself
• Why you are applying
• Which areas of responsibility you are interested in

How does the election work?

• The Representative Council elects the ÅAS Board 2026 at its meeting on 27 November.
• All candidates are interviewed at the Council’s evening session on 26 November.
• Candidates for Chair will answer seven questions, five of which will be published on the website on 25 November. Board member candidates will answer six questions, four of which will also be published in advance on 25 November.

Do you have questions? Contact us!

We’re happy to answer any questions and look forward to receiving your application! You’re also very welcome to drop by the Student Union office in Havtornen or Kåren. The 2025 Members of the Board are also happy to share their experiences of working in the Student Union.

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Contact person in Vasa
Angelica Loo
angelica.loo@abo.fi

Contact person in Åbo
Emilia Melén
so@studentkaren.fi

Don’t know who to vote for? Don’t panic – the election compass is here!

The National Union of University Students in Finland (FSF) has published an election compass for all the student unions that will organise student union council elections this year.

With the help of the election compass you can get to know the candidates for ÅAS’ Student Union Council Elections. Answer questions about things that are important for students, and after you answer all the questions, the compass will tell you whose opinions are closest to your own.

The Student Union of ÅAU (ÅAS) is looking for a project coordinator to organise the Fastlaskiainen event in Åbo. Fastlaskiainen is a traditional student event held annually on Shrove Tuesday on Vårdberget in Åbo in the form of a sledding competition between various student associations.

To organise the event in the best possible way, ÅAS will hire a coordinator responsible for the arrangements. The coordinator works closely with the ÅAS’ Board, especially with the Board Member responsible for student culture. The project coordinator receives a remuneration of 500 euros, and ÅAS’ Secretary General acts as the coordinator’s supervisor.

The work as project coordinator comes with various tasks

• Coordinating and organizing the entire event
• Program planning and handling registrations
• Planning communication and marketing
• Applying for permits (land lease, notice of a public event to the police and security planning), recruiting supervisors (security, first aid)
• Booking spaces, procuring sound systems
• Arranging cleaning after the event
• Event development and final reporting
• Other tasks as agreed

The role requires initiative, teamwork skills, organszational ability, and stress tolerance. You should proactively contact ÅAS’ Board and staff if you need assistance with your tasks. Previous experience in organising events and knowledge of Finnish, Swedish and English are considered advantages. If you have questions about the tasks, contact Member of the Board Melina Lindholm via evenemang-abo@studentkaren.fi.

Freely formulated applications should be submitted via email by 10 November 2025, at 11.59 p.m. to evenemang-abo@studentkaren.fi. The decision will be made by the Student Union Board at their meeting following 10 November, and the work will begin immediately after the coordinator has been elected.

Press release 14 October 2025
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
For immediate release

A new Student Union Council, set to lead the Student Union of ÅAU (ÅAS) during the 2026–2027 term, will be elected in the upcoming Student Union Council Elections. The Election Committee has at its meeting on 10 October verified the candidates in the Student Union Council Election 2025 and drawn candidate numbers. Eight election associations have set a total of 107 candidates in the election. The number of candidates is the highest in twenty years.

“The Election Committee is happy that the interest in running in the election is this large. It is essential that the Student Union has active members who are committed to working for the best interests of their fellow students. We hope that students are active and use their right to vote in November,” says Amanda Byskata, Chair of the Election Committee.

More information on the Student Union Council Election, the election associations, and candidates is available on ÅAS’ website. Voting in the Council Election is done digitally between 3 and 6 November 2025. The list of all candidates running in the election can be found on ÅAS’ website.

For more information, please contact
Veera Gustafsson
Secretary General, The Student Union of ÅAU
gs@studentkaren.fi
tel. 02 215 4652

Press release
26 August 2025
For immediate release

To highlight the role of education in a changing Europe, the student unions at the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University are participating in this year’s Europe Forum.

The theme of the discussion is sustainable education in Europe, and our panel participants will consider how we can work together to organise high-quality, sustainable education that reduces inequality.

In addition to MEP and former Minister of Education Li Andersson, the panel will also include the voices of students and universities.

Education is a cornerstone of the development of a sustainable society, both nationally and internationally. In a free Europe, we can work together to combat inequality and promote democracy and a sustainable society through education.

As student unions, we want to highlight this discussion so that decision-makers, universities and students can work together towards a Europe where everyone has equal opportunities to support the cornerstone of society – education.

The student unions’ discussion will be held in English on Thursday 28 August at 1.30–2.15 p.m. on the Sopukka stage.

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For more information, contact
Ellen Ijäs
Students’ Rights Expert, The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
hs_karen@abo.fi , 02 215 4655