What is it like to be Chair of the Board?

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