ÅAS Board thank you for this year

ÅAS Executive Board would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to actively work for the benefit of students, something for which we are immensely grateful.

Within student culture, many positive developments have taken place. During the autumn, the new association guide was launched, and we also produced English descriptions of student songs to make our traditions more accessible. We had the honour of organizing Vappen 100 at Vårdberget and have continuously worked together with the student associations to ensure that the light-hearted and joyful aspects of student life continue to thrive.

In terms of advocacy, a major focus has been on facilities and students’ need for suitable spaces for both studying and student life. We also organized a Wellbeing Week with the aim of highlighting the university’s wellbeing contacts. In the spring, we launched a membership survey and actively worked to draw attention to the municipal and county elections, both through social media and by organizing an election panel. Throughout the year, we have also maintained regular contact with ÅAU, with discussions largely focusing on the importance of effective communication and ensuring that students’ voices are heard within the university.

During the year, a new position was also introduced within the Board: International Affairs. This has allowed us to place greater focus on how we can improve advocacy for international students. The work has taken many forms, including the concept of “International Week,” a survey aimed at international students, and the launch of an international handbook that guides students through their studies and student life at ÅAU. We have also strengthened our contacts both within and outside the university. Collaboration with the CHARM-EU network and the work on a panel at Europe Forum have broadened our international network, not only within Finland but across Europe, and have been highly educational.

Overall, we have seen how students at ÅAU have actively made their voices heard and influenced their university. This year’s student council elections attracted a record number of candidates, and there was great interest in the new student representative positions in the spring. These developments clearly demonstrate how strongly students wish to make an impact and how significant that impact can be.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all students who have followed our work throughout the year and been part of this journey. We now hope that you all find time for rest and recovery. Take care of yourselves and enjoy the holidays.

The ÅAS Board of 2025 thanks you and warmly wishes the Board of 2026 the best of luck!

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. 

My name is Svea, and this year I’ve had the chance to be Vice Chair of ÅAS, as well as being responsible for Communication and Business Collaboration in Åbo. When I applied to the Board, I knew I wanted to do work that was both creative and varied, which is exactly what this opportunity has given me!

What does it mean to be Vice Chair?

The Vice Chair is a subsidiary position that is elected at the same time as the rest of the Board. The role can be held by any of the regular Members of the Board, either in Åbo or Vasa. As Vice Chair, I’ve worked to support the Chair in various tasks and stepped in whenever the Chair has been absent. For me, the work has mainly involved keeping a good overview of what the Chair is doing, so I can seamlessly take over if needed. The position therefore requires the ability to work under time pressure, take responsibility, and provide leadership when necessary.

What does it mean to be responsible for Communication and Business Collaboration?

As the person in charge of communication in Åbo, I’ve had overall responsibility for ÅAS’ external communication for the Board. I work closely with ÅAS’ Communications Specialist and the Communications Board Member in Vasa; together, we plan and produce material for ÅAS’ social media channels.

A large part of my work this year has involved creating different social media campaigns. During the spring, for example, these included ÅAS’ campaign for Wappen 100 (May Day 100 years) and content for social media ahead of the municipal and county elections, aimed at increasing student voter turnout. In the autumn, my main responsibility has been the “Meaningful Membership” campaign, which aims to clarify and explain what ÅAS actually does, so that the student union members know what their student union fee goes toward.

This is a constantly evolving position, influenced by what’s happening in student life and in the world around us. Much of the work is done in Canva, so it’s helpful if you’re somewhat familiar with the program, but it’s not a requirement. The most important thing is that you enjoy creating, planning, and working creatively! Being responsible for ÅAS’ communication means expressing yourself both visually and in writing, while also thinking about how ÅAS can best reach its members.

In addition to communication, I’ve also been responsible for business collaboration. This mainly involves maintaining contact with ÅAS’ various partners and working to expand our collaborations. Over the year, I’ve focused on updating our collaboration packages so that ÅAS can more easily establish new partnerships in the future.

Business Collaboration, as part of my role, has allowed me to use both my social and creative sides, while gaining insight into how collaborations work within larger organisations. It’s a perfect area for anyone interested in communication and networking, who also enjoys taking initiative and starting new projects.

Why apply? 

Serving on the Board has been challenging, but above all, incredibly rewarding. If you’re interested in media, communication, or marketing, and want to gain hands-on experience for your future career, this is the perfect position for you! 

Take the chance and apply! <3 

Svea Välimäki 
Vice Chair – Responsible for Communication and Business Collaboration 
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University

Autumn is here, campus is filling with students again, and for ÅAS the same questions arise year after year: What exactly is the student union? What do we do? And why do we pay the student union fee? 

Student unions around the country have long tried to formulate concrete answers to these questions. The simple, but broader answer is, that the student union exists to improve students’ everyday life and to carry their voice forward. More formally, the student union is a so-called public-law association; a legal definition for an organisation established for the public good. 

We are included in Finland’s Universities Act, which clearly states that every university must have a student union. This bureaucratic explanation may tell you why we exist but still does not clarify what the student union means for you as a student. Behind the complicated definition lies something simple, which all student unions want to emphasize:

We are an organisation by students, for students! 

At ÅAS, the student union consists mainly of an executive board and a student council, both elected by students and both tasked with working for the best interests of students, together with employed staff. But the work of the student union is made possible by you, the members. When you pay the student union fee with the enrolment fee, you, together with about 5500 other students at Åbo Akademi, make the student union’s work possible. That is why we like to say that students are our bosses. You have the power to influence what the student union does and which direction we take – much more than you might think. 

So, what kind of work do we do, and where can you influence it?

To answer these common questions more clearly, and to show what you as a student get for the student union fee, ÅAS is launching a campaign this September called “Meaningful Membership”. Throughout the month, a video series will be shared on our Instagram, explaining more about the student union’s work, the benefits of being a member, and how you can use your voice to make a difference. 

So, if I ask again, why does the student union exist?

The answer is simple: for you! Through your membership, you gain both practical advantages and a stronger voice in the issues that shape your everyday life as a student. Want to know more? Follow along on Instagram in September and see what really makes your student union membership meaningful!

Svea Välimäki
Vice Chair
The Student Union of ÅAU

It’s time to start celebrating, May Day is here! This year, May Day at Vårdberget celebrates 100 years. This has made May Day history an interesting subject. 100 years ago, students decided to move their May Day celebration from Kuppisparken to Vårdberget. Before that, people had only gathered at Vårdberget at dawn on the first of May to dance ring dances. What they couldn’t have known then was how this change would lay the foundation for a tradition that would last a century. Because in 1925, May Day at Vårdberget was also celebrated with singing, speeches and putting on student caps. 

Over the years, there have been different variations of May Day celebrations, but a strong core of Vårdberget, speeches and choir singing has always been central. Although the biggest traditions have looked pretty much the same for several years, you can see that there has been, and still is, room for change, development and, most importantly, room for the present in the centennial celebration. 

Regardless of how the celebration has looked throughout the years, one thing has remained constant: people coming together in joy and community. This is the spirit I hope we can carry with us this year too, regardless of whether you celebrate May Day at Vårdberget, in Vasa or somewhere else entirely. 

The tradition is carried forward over time and it’s all of you who make the celebration. Thank you for celebrating with us and at the same time keeping the tradition alive! 

Melina Lindholm
The Student Union of ÅAU

Record Number of Nominations for “Roses to the ÅAU staff” – Language Teachers Stand Out 

This year, the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University received a record 131 nominations for the traditional “Roses to the ÅAU staff” diplomas. The large number of nominations reflects the strong commitment, time, and energy that many members of Åbo Akademi’s staff devote to their teaching – something the students clearly wanted to recognize.

A particularly high number of this year’s nominations went to the university’s language teachers – a group that stands out for their ability to transform otherwise demanding subjects into something students genuinely look forward to. The nominations highlight not only their pedagogical skills, but also the way they create joy in learning through warmth, understanding, and presence. Their respectful and patient approach to each student has been a key reason why many of them were nominated.

Students had the opportunity to submit nominations along with a short motivation, which the ÅAS board carefully reviewed when selecting this year’s recipients. Common themes across the nominations included the teachers’ attentiveness, flexibility, and their deep understanding of students’ varying needs, both academic and personal. The ability to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment was repeatedly mentioned as a central reason for receiving a rose.

This year, ÅAS has chosen to award 15 roses, as a recognition of the meaningful contributions these individuals make to the student experience. This marks the 30th consecutive year that the Student Union has honored Åbo Akademi University’s staff members with roses.

From left to right: Melina Lindholm, Svea Välimäki, Malin Johansson, Niko Sandberg, Katarina Ohls-Ahlskog, Emilia Melén, Sofie Lehtovaara.

This year’s recipients are:

Åbo:

Malin Johansson, University Teacher in German
Marjaana Laaksonen, University Teacher in Spanish
Katarina Ohls-Ahlskog, University Teacher in French
Harriet Klåvus, Head of International Affairs
Pia Roos-Mattjus, Senior University Lecturer in Molecular Biology
Martin Gustafsson, Professor of Philosophy
Lotta Collin, Senior University Lecturer in Swedish
Jenny Isaksson, University Lecturer in Biochemistry
Albert Weckman, Doctoral Researcher

Vasa:

Alex Mäkiharju, University Teacher in Education
Katie Fagerström, International Coordinator
Jonas Sandberg, Study Advisor
Christel Björkstrand, Lecturer in English

Other:

Mary Henriksson, Staff at Kårkafé Asa – for the idea behind the Ramen Bowl

Questions can be directed to:

Emilia Melén
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
+358 50 401 3524
so@studentkaren.fi

Sunday, April 13, is Election Day – and not just one election, but two! 

Both the municipal election and the county election will be held on the same day this year, meaning you have the opportunity to influence two important parts of your student city – at the same time. Understandably, this can feel confusing, so I have summarized the two elections below. 

The Municipal Election 

The municipal election is about your local environment. When we vote, we elect representatives to the municipal council, which governs the municipality’s activities and finances. They make decisions about everything from schools and libraries to public transport, roads, and sports facilities. If you care about how your city functions and develops, this is your chance to make a difference! 

The County Election 

The county election might feel a bit more abstract, but it is just as important. In this election, we elect representatives to the county council, which makes decisions about, among other things, healthcare centers, hospitals, elderly care, and fire services –  essential services that affect us all. 

How do you know who to vote for? 

Choosing a candidate can feel difficult, but there are great tools to help! I recommend YLE’s election compass. By filling it out, you can easily find out which candidates share your opinions. It’s quick, convenient, and gives you a good overview of where different candidates stand. 

In addition, ÅAS will host an election panel at Åbo Svenska Teater on March 25. By attending, you will hear what some of the candidates in Åbo have to say about issues that are particularly important to students. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the election and ask candidates your questions! 

If you cannot vote on Election Day, April 13, you can vote in advance between April 2 and 8 in Finland, or April 2 and 5 if you are abroad. You can find more information about where to vote and your voting rights here. 

Your vote shapes Åbo’s future 

Åbo is a student city full of life, ideas, and future decision-makers – meaning us, the students! Housing, public transport, healthcare, and study environments are just a few of the issues affected by these elections. By voting, we ensure that students’ needs are seen and heard in decision-making. Find out which candidates represent your values and make sure your voice is heard! 

Jennifer Lindgren
Executive Board Member, Social policy
The Student Union of ÅAU

ÅAS is looking for two people to complete the Executive Board for 2025. The two people we are looking for will be members of the Executive Board working from Vasa. The new Board members will be elected by the Student Union Council.

Have you thought about how you can work for a better student life? Would you like to organize events, create new student traditions, and maintain old ones? Do you want to influence what teaching will look like in the future, both within Åbo Akademi University and nationally? Do you have a graphic eye and are interested in creating content for social media? Or maybe you want to be involved in creating contacts with business and working life? But above all, do you want to have an extremely fun and educational year?

Then the union board is definitely something for you! The assignment provides a monthly renumeration of €650 for Board members. The Board is expected to be able to work during office hours and occasionally participate in evening and weekend events. The board works in close cooperation with ÅAS staff.

Please note that ÅAS uses Swedish as the working language. Applicants should have good knowledge of Swedish and other language skills are considered a merit.

Do something new and different – apply for the ÅAS Executive Board 2025!

The following positions and responsibilities are available:

Advocacy  

• Study-related matters within Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) Vasa (Advocacy regarding studies, campus development, Student representatives)
• Local social policy matters (Student finances in Vasa, Well-being of students in Vasa, Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS)

Communication

• Communication (Coordinate the board’s communication)
• Business cooperation (Cooperation agreements and non-contractual cooperation)
• Urban relations (Contact to the City of Vasa, Cooperation with other student unions in Vasa)

Student culture Vasa 

• Development and safeguarding of student life (Education for students and associations, Project funding)
• Events in Vasa
• Special associations (Special association funds)
• Inclusion (Safer Space Principles, Action Plan for a Safer Study Culture, Guidelines for Contact Persons)

The Board divides the various areas of responsibility internally.

Please note that the Executive Board for 2025 will have their inaugural meeting during 2024 and divide the areas of responsibility. The areas of responsibility available to the two new Board members is therefore dependent on what is decided during the Board meeting.

How does the board election work?

Send a free-form expression of interest by email to Chair of the Board Jonne Kunnas (so@studentkaren.fi). We must have received your application by 19.12 at 14.00 by the latest.

Your expression of interest should preferably include: 

• Name
• Image
• Brief description of yourself
• Why you’re running
• Which areas of responsibility you are interested in

The Student Council will elect the Student Union Executive Board 2025. 

If we recieve more than two applications, an evening school to interview the candidates will be organized, and the applicants will recieve more information.

The applicants for the Board will answer six questions, of which four are available on our webpage (in Swedish) and two will remain surprise questions.

Questions? Please contact us

We are happy to answer questions and we hope to see your application in our inboxes! You are also free to visit our office in Havtornen and Kåren.

We have now opened the application period for the Student Union’s Financial Board! 

For more information, read the news article in Swedish, or contact Jan (hopo-vasa@studentkaren.fi), Amanda (samarbete@studentkaren.fi) or Samuel (edo@studentkaren.fi) 

N.B. In order to apply, you need to be proficient in Swedish as the Student Union’s official language is Swedish. For the time being, ÅAS is unfortunately unable to translate all the operations to English. 

The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University is looking for a new Board for 2025, which exercises the administrative and executive powers of the Student Union, and the new Board will be elected by the Student Council on 28.11.2024.

Have you thought about how you can work for a better student life? Would you like to organize events, create new student traditions, and maintain old ones? Do you want to influence what teaching will look like in the future, both within Åbo Akademi University and nationally? Do you have a graphic eye and are interested in creating content for social media? Or maybe you want to be involved in creating contacts with business and working life? But above all, do you want to have an extremely fun and educational year?

Then the union board is definitely something for you! The assignment provides a monthly renumeration of €750 for the Chairperson of the Board and €650 for Board members. The Board is expected to be able to work during office hours and occasionally participate in evening and weekend events. The board works in close cooperation with ÅAS staff.

Please note that ÅAS uses Swedish as the working language. Applicants should have good knowledge of Swedish and other language skills are considered a merit.

Do something new and different – apply for the ÅAS Executive Board 2025!

Composition of the Executive Board for 2025

A Chairperson and eight members (one of whom also serves as Vice Chairperson)

Five Board Members in Åbo with the following positions and responsibilities:

Higher education policy

• National higher education policy matters (National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL), Ministry of Education and Culture (Ministry of Education and Culture))
• Study-related matters within Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) Åbo (Advocacy regarding studies, campus development, Student representatives)

Social policy

• National social policy matters (Student finances)
• Sustainability in ÅAS and student life
• Well-being of students (Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS))
• Equality between students

International affairs

• International affairs at ÅAU, Åbo&Vasa (Challenge-driven Accessible Research-Based and Mobile European University Alliance (CHARM-EU), International study programmes, International students, Exchange studies)
• International higher education policy affairs (University Alliances, European Union (EU))

Communication

• Communication (Coordinate the board’s communication)
• Business cooperation (Cooperation agreements and non-contractual cooperation)
• City Relations, Åbo (Contact to City of Turku, Study in Turku)

Student culture

• Development and safeguarding of student life (Education for students and associations, Project funding)
• Events in Åbo
• Special associations (Special association funds)
• Inclusion (Safer Space Principles, Action Plan for a Safer Study Culture, Guidelines for Contact Persons)

Three Board Members in Vasa with the following positions and responsibilities

Advocacy

• Study-related matters within Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) Vasa (Advocacy regarding studies, campus development, Student representatives)
• Local social policy matters (Student finances in Vasa, Well-being of students in Vasa, Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS))

Communication

• Communication (Coordinate the board’s communication)
• Business cooperation (Cooperation agreements and non-contractual cooperation)
• Urban relations (Contact to the City of Vasa, Cooperation with other student unions in Vasa)

Student culture Vasa

• Development and safeguarding of student life (Education for students and associations, Project funding)
• Events in Vasa
• Special associations (Special association funds)
• Inclusion (Safer Space Principles, Action Plan for a Safer Study Culture, Guidelines for Contact Persons)

The Board divides the various areas of responsibility internally at its inaugural meeting.

Information for candidates

Send a free-form expression of interest by email to Jan (hopo-vasa@studentkaren.fi) or Amanda (samarbete@studentkaren.fi). All applications received by Monday 25.11 will be published on our website on Tuesday 26.11. You can submit an expression of interest after 25.11, but then it will not be published on the website. In order to participate in the interview, your application must be submitted by 27.11. However, you can still stand until the start of the autumn meeting on 28.11. 

Your expression of interest should preferably include:

• Name
• Image
• Brief description of yourself
• Why you’re running
• Which areas of responsibility you are interested in

How does the board election work?

The Student Council will elect the Student Union Executive Board 2025 at its meeting on 28.11.

All candidates will be interviewed at the council’s evening school on 27.11.

During the interviews, the candidates for the chairperson will answer seven questions. We will publish five of the questions online in advance on 26.11.

The candidates for the Board Members will answer six questions, four of which will also be published in advance on our website on 26.11.

Questions? Please contact us

We are happy to answer questions and we hope to see your application in our inboxes! You are also free to visit our office in Havtornen and Kåren.

Contact person in Vasa

Jan Welroos, hopo-vasa@studentkaren.fi 

Contact person in Åbo

Amanda Byskata, samarbete@studentkaren.fi 

Today, 24 October, we celebrate the Day for Free Education. Education is for everyone, regardless of socio-economic background or other factors. This year we want to bring attention to this by asking the question “Would you be able to pay for your child’s education?”. 

It is not news that it has become much more expensive to study and live in Finland. For many, balancing studies, work and free time is a large economic burden and many worry about their finances daily. Many choose to work alongside their studies and/ or take loans to finance their everyday lives, but at the same time more and more people worry about if they will be able to pay back their loans. 

Imagine a future where you have barely managed to finance your own studies. You have a job but also must pay back your student loan. At the same time, you might be thinking of buying or renting a place to live and you also need to buy the things you need in everyday life. Aside from this, you might have other loans and expenses, such as a car and insurance. Would you then in addition be able to save tens of thousands of euros for your child’s education? 

This situation is already common in other countries. We have long been proud of our free education in Finland and have seen it as a sign of equality in society and an opportunity for social mobility. However, we are moving more and more towards a reality where education is not in fact free. The rounds of cuts and the introduction of tuition fees have been relevant this year and continue to be discussed.  

Not all careers are guaranteed job opportunities right after graduation and many are also not the highest paid. This creates a situation where you, already during your studies, are forced to consider your future and the possibility of creating a family and life. Today we have about 118 900 children in Finland that live in low-income families. What does it mean for equality in society and for social mobility if none of them have access to higher education due to financial reasons? 

We want to bring attention to the importance of competency in society and everyone’s right to study and work with what they are interested in. Studies and future working life must not depend on your parents’ finances. On the Day for Free Education, we therefore encourage everyone to take a moment and think about the role of higher education in Finland, and to rejoice in all that free education means. A strong society with economic growth and social security starts with having educated and competent citizens. It is therefore imperative that we continue to cherish our free education and all the good it means for our future.  

Amanda Byskata 

The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University