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If a student needs to see a gynecologist, how is the appointment booked?
That depends on what type of help or treatment you need, how old you are, if you are an exchange student or a degree student, and in what municipality you are registered.
The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) is available for all degree students (i.e. not exchange students). The FSHS does not employ specialist doctors like gynecologists but via them you get a referral to see the type of specialist you need.
The FSHS booking of appointments is done via an assessment of the need for treatment. You contact a healthcare provider who asks you questions via phone or chat. More info here.
The assessment of the need for treatment can lead to you getting an appointment with a general practitioner if your symptoms or need for help doesn’t require a specialist. You always have the right to see a female doctor if you are not comfortable getting treatment from a male doctor.
A referral to a gynecologist means that you get an appointment at the Wellbeing Services for the County (Varha in Åbo and the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobotnia in Vasa). The queue for gynecologist appointments is generally not longer than 2-3 months.
Sometimes the FSHS has long queues, but it is your right as a degree student to get service there. We encourage you to be in contact as soon as you experience a need for treatment.
If you need help regarding contraception, are under 25 years old and are registered as living in Vasa or Åbo, the municipality will offer you free contraceptives via the municipality’s contraception counselling service.
If you are registered as living in another city, check the local information. In Åbo the contraception services are also free if you are under 25 or it’s under two years since you had a baby.
Exchange students get health care via the County Wellbeing Services and your local Health Station.
This text is an attempt to describe the services and your right to treatment as simply as possible. If you have more questions, or have experienced that this does not work, please be in contact with our employee Students’ Rights Expert Petra Lindblad, at petra@studentkaren.fi
April is getting closer; the sun is shining over the student city. April is getting closer; the birds sing louder and the electric kickboards are flying faster by. April is getting closer and so is the reduction of the housing allowance.
The economic situation for students is becoming tougher when Orpo’s government has taken the decision to cut down Finland’s budget. The decision the government made, will have a big impact on the students’ economy. According to statistics published by the National Union Of University Students in Finland (SYL), an average student will have €76 less money after the cut. At the same time, the government wants to see more people graduate at a faster pace. The students of today are already in a difficult position economically. Rents that have risen, student allowances that have not been index adjusted and electricity prices that have flung around. How are the students going to make ends meet? More loans? Part-time jobs? Full-time jobs?
The fact is that not everyone can work at the same time as you’re studying. I for example have during my years as a student had such courses that have required so much time and effort, that a big part of my free time have been sacrificed for schoolwork. There is no chance that I’d been working at the same time. Now however, I and many other students might have to rethink. Finding a job is not that easy as well. I would then also have to slow down the pace.
Not only does this change bring economic difficulties, but also mental difficulties. The pandemic’s been “over” for a while and people have been allowed to meet each other freely during a few years already, but that doesn’t have to mean people are feeling well again. Our big neighbor in the east has been warmongering for a few years and the queues to mental health services haven’t become shorter. What’s going to happen now that students aren’t doing that well mentally and at the same time, we’re given less money? What do you do when you don’t have enough money to pay rent, food, and other necessities? More loans again?
The state puts the burden on students to balance the state budget. Instead of giving students higher housing allowance and student aid, students might soon have to strongly consider taking the student loan which was formerly called the “free loan”. Many of the people graduating will struggle paying off the now elevated debt as well as the incredibly high interest rates.
All this can in the long run lead to the government fighting against their own program. How are you supposed to graduate fast from uni if you are working while studying?
So dear government, cut somewhere else, you’ll otherwise have people sleeping on streets. Dear fellow students, take care of each other and count every penny.
Oscar Björkell
Member of the Board, Social Policy
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
The Orpo government is at it again. This time, it is the universities’ funding model that is reviewed and possibly changed.
Universities in Finland have autonomy over their operations and finances, but money is always something that universities need. Some of the funding comes from external factors, such as donations or corporate cooperation, but most of the funding by far, comes from the state. Funding from the state is also the easiest for universities to predict and rely on in the annual budget. Small changes to the funding model can therefore have a major impact, and tens of millions of euros are paid to the country’s universities. Funding is therefore the strongest policy instrument the state can use to influence the activities of universities.
The Ministry of Education and Culture has asked for comments on its proposal to change the way universities receive funding from the state, and the Student Union has issued a statement. I would like to highlight two of the most important changes proposed, as well as our comments.
More money for a degree completed within the target time.
Currently, if you as a student complete your degree within the target time, the university will receive €17,096, which is 1.5 times more than if your degree is completed 12 months after the target time deadline. The Ministry for Education and Culture proposes that the coefficient for a degree completed within the set time limit would be raised from 1.5 to 1.8.
The Student Union opposes an increase in the coefficient for a degree completed within the target time. The Government’s reforms so far have already made students’ everyday lives more difficult, and more and more people are forced to work alongside their studies as other sources of income are tightened. In addition to being forced to work while studying full-time, there is also greater pressure on you to graduate on time. Not all students are able to complete their studies on time due to family situations, learning difficulties or disabilities, for example.
Raising the coefficient would also put more pressure on universities to get students to complete their studies on time. This, in turn, tightens the already limited resources universities have to support their students. Instead of the state providing more money for on-time graduations, could it be invested in supporting students?
More money for admitted first-time applicants
At present, the university does not receive money for first-time applicants who are admitted. The proposal here is to introduce a proportion of money that would go to universities based on how many first-time applicants are admitted. ÅAS strongly opposes this proposal as well.
This would mean that universities would have to increase their quotas for first-time applicants, and if you at some point in your life have accepted a study place, it would be more difficult to continue your education or to change your studies to another subject. Quite simply, it means that universities are penalized financially by admitting students who have already at some point accepted a study place.
Another change related to this, is the proposal to lower the coefficient of a second degree from 0.7 to 0.5. This means that if you have another bachelor’s degree, universities would receive more than € 10,000 less compared to a first-time applicant who graduates on time. This change would also penalize universities and lead to poor incentives for admissions.
Especially now that universities are suffering from major financial problems and the state is proposing changes to the funding model, it is important to look at and debate what effects the changes may lead to. The picture we see from the changes is that the students’ everyday lives are under additional pressure to finish on time, and that the university management is forced to think about how this puzzle can even be put together.
Niko Sandberg
Member of the Executive Board, Higher Education Policy
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
The Orpo government is proposing increased tuition fees for students coming from countries outside of the EU and EEA, reintroduce an application fee, and that students who are working alongside their studies no longer be eligable to obtain a residence permit for work, but must be registered as students. All to attract more international students.
For a long time, education in Finland has been considered to be of high quality, and Finland has been praised by the rest of the world for investing in education. What is the reason for this or what is Finland doing right? Admittedly, there are many reasons, but one of the main ones is that we have invested in making education accessible and, above all, free of charge. Everyone should have access to education, it is a right not a privilege. However, this is not the reality for everyone.
The Orpo government has recently presented a proposal proposing amendments to the Universities Act and the Universities of Applied Sciences Act. The essence of the proposal is that it intends to increase tuition fees for students coming from outside the EU and EEA countries, to reintroduce an application fee, and to “prevent evasion of tuition fees” by ensuring that students who work alongside their studies cannot obtain a residence permit for work but must be registered as students.
The reasoning behind this is that the key economic policy objective of the Government Programme is to achieve sustainable growth. The purpose of the increase in tuition fees is to secure the finances of universities and to secure the financing of studies of Finnish students in higher education institutions. Tuition fees will be increased to cover all costs arising from students from outside the EU and EEA. The Government Programme also aims to increase the number of international students in Finnish higher education institutions, and to increase the number of international students in higher education institutions further, the incentives to stay in Finland after graduation will be increased.
This raises a lot of questions; How will these changes achieve the objectives of the Government Programme? How can higher tuition fees lead to more international students? How will the change in residence permits make working in Finland after graduation attractive? What does “tuition fees covering all costs of students from outside EU and EEA countries” mean? Above all, it raises the question: Which of these changes will increase the incentive to come to Finland to study and then want to stay and work after graduation?
Finland’s main way of attracting international students has been its reputation as a country with high-quality education. This is still an important attraction factor, but how long can we live on a reputation alone? Reality quickly sets in, and reputation is no longer enough. We know that living in Finland is becoming more and more expensive, while at the same time benefits are being cut. We also know that not everyone feels welcome or safe in Finland, something the government could perhaps consider in its proposal. Given how phrases such as “prevent evasion of tuition fees” do not give the most welcoming impression, for example. When considering the discussions that took place in the summer of 2023, it does not get a better tone either. If we neither can afford nor want to take on international students, why do we?
Higher education in Finland must be genuinely free of charge, financially accessible to all, and opportunities for education must not depend on a person’s socio-economic background. Tuition fees that contribute to inequality in education must not occur and, if tuition fees exist, they should be kept to a minimum. Admissions should be fair, not differentiate between different groups, and all parts of the admissions process should be free of charge. Higher education must be possible at all stages of life, even if you are working at the same time. We should encourage contact with working life and work experience already during studies.
Funding for universities must be predictable and adequate. Central government funding to higher education institutions should not be dependent on income from tuition fees, open university course fees or contract education fees. National special tasks must also be considered in the funding of universities, and funding systems must support university autonomy and the long-term development of education and research. Adequate funding for universities is important to ensure sufficient resources for teaching and research.
If the Orpo Government really wants to implement the objectives of the Government Programme, it should rethink and realise that there are more effective ways. If we want educated people with high levels of skills, increase the number of international university students, attract labour to Finland and balance the state budget, what is proposed is downright counterproductive.
Amanda Byskata
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
The application for the Student Union of ÅAU’s (ÅAS) Board of 2024 is now open and we have put together a small annual clock to give you an oversight of what the Board’s work entails and what we do during a year at ÅAS. What we have listed below is an overview of major events from the various areas of responsibility within the Board.
January
The new Board gathers in Åbo for the Board training and to get to know each other and the staff. The Board meets with deans, rectors and other members of staff at ÅAU, as well as try to be visible on campus so that students also get to know the new Board members. The Board will also arrange training for the student associations at ÅAU.
February
The Student Union traditionally organizes Shrove Tuesday, meaning Fastlaskiainen in both Vasa and Åbo, the Student Union’s Annual Ball and the Associations’ Fair at both locations. In addition, the Board participates in the seminar days, organized by the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for all the Student Unions in Finland.
March
The Board allocates association and project funds. The Board prepares for and trains tutors for the upcoming academic year, and starts planning the search for sponsors for the next Student Union Calendar for the academic year, “Kårkalender”.
April
The Board hands out roses to a few chosen ones within the ÅAU faculties who have done an excellent job. In April it is also time for one of the spring’s major events in Åbo, the May Day eve celebration at Vårdberget on 30 April. In Vasa, students meet for the traditional event where the Topelius statue receives its graduation cap on May Day eve.
May
The Board eventually begins to wrap up the spring semester and starts to plan the upcoming fall events. While most of the Board goes on summer vacation halfway through the month, the Chair of the Board stays a couple of weeks to continue planning for the autumn together with the Student Union’s staff.
June/July
Summer vacation (or summer job)
August
The autumn starts with the Board getting together for a week to make plans for the autumn semester with the staff. In addition, the Board meets tutors, exchange students and freshers, while at the same time planning for the incoming semester.
September
The Board participates in various events for freshers in both Åbo and Vasa. In Vasa the sitz for exchange students is organized in cooperation with other universities. The Lilla Wappen-sitz takes place in Åbo the last Saturday in September, and in both locations Freshers’ Fair is arranged – this is a fair aimed to all new (and old) students where associations and companies can introduce themselves to students and sell merchandise and memberships. The Board also participates in the SYL autumn seminar.
October
In October, you barely have time to take a breather after a wonderful start to the semester before it is time for the rest of autumn’s events. This month a lot is going on in Vasa, the Board organizes a trip for exchange students and international master students together with ÅAU Sports, the pyjama-sitz for freshers together with SSHV from Hanken School of Economics, and of course Halloween Run together with other universities in Vasa. What about Åbo? There the Board arranges blood donations at Kåren where all the associations can participate and try to win the “Droppen”-cup.
November
The Board can relax a little bit, but only every other year, because in November (every odd year) the Student Union Council Election takes place. SYL also organizes General Assembly in November, where delegates from all the student unions in Finland elect a new SYL Board for the upcoming year. The Board also prepares the election for a new Board of our own as well as training for the spring’s tutors for the incoming exchange students.
December
The finish line is in sight for the Board, and the new Board will be elected in December. However, there is still a few events before the year is all wrapped up. On Independence Day, the traditional flag processions are held in both Åbo and Vasa. The Board also plans training for the new student association boards for January, and the annual Christmas party at Kåren to celebrate the year with the staff one last time before it is time for the old Board to step down from ÅAS.
Advocacy work and student associations are an important part of the Board’s work
In addition to all the things above, we still want to mention some important things that the Board does. Every month we have meetings with both the principals and the deans to raise attention to current matters. We sit in various work groups within and without ÅAU and are invited to events where people want to hear students’ thoughts and opinions. We also meet with politicians to raise our voice on national level and lastly; once a month, we meet with the Student Union Council, which decides what the Board should work on.
During our year on the Board, we have continual contact with our associations to discuss current matters, organize events, and to hear if they have ideas to improve ÅAU. Finally, we represent ÅAS at a lot of annual balls organized by our associations and other Student Unions around the country.
A year in the Board is much more than just a job
When we now summarize a year, this can perhaps feel intense, and it is. But a Board year at ÅAS is so much more than just a job. It is a community within the Board, opportunities to sit with people in rooms you would otherwise never have access to, and create unforgettable memories for both yourself, your Board, the staff and of course, for all the students at ÅAU.
The Board 2023
The Student Union of ÅAU
Banners and candidate posters decorate both campuses and posts on various social media tell us of what is to come: the Student Union Council Elections are approaching, and I hope no one has missed it!
During my second year of studies, I was contacted by an older student from the same study programme, and was asked if I was interested in running for the Student Union Council Election. At the time I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I signed up after all with the idea that at best it would be a good experience and at worst a funny story for the future. The whole thing resulted in a substitute seat in the Student Union Council.
Since then, I have gone from a substitute to regular member and am now also a member of the Student Union Council Election Committee, which gives me the honor of being involved in organizing the Council Election this year. Thanks to these experiences, I can finally say that I understand what the Student Union Council is and why it is important. Better late than never, you might say.
When I talk to my friends, I notice that they have just as good a knowledge as I did two years ago. Unfortunately, most students do not have a good knowledge of what the Student Union Council is and what their vote means practically. That’s why I thought I’d quickly go over what the Student Union Council Election is and why it’s important to vote.
What is the Student Union Council Election?
The Student Union Council Election is organized every two years. The Student Union Council is the highest decision-making body within the Student Union and can make decisions about, for example, guidelines and budget, as well as annually appointing an Executive Board and monitoring its work.
Why should I vote?
”If you don’t vote, you shouldn’t complain” is a phrase that, despite its negative tone, is very true. By voting in the Student Union Council Election, you have the opportunity to vote for a candidate that works for the things you think are important. This might relate to improve study rooms, extend the length of the lunch break or work for a greener Student Union.
Unfortunately, the voting percentage has often been low in the Student Union Council Election. The record for voter turnout was set in 2017 when 32.04 % of the Student Union members voted. In 2021, only 21.35 % voted. This means that merely a fifth of those entitled to vote made the decision for the rest of the Student Union members. Coronavirus can be partly seen as the culprit in the drama, but this does not change the fact that the record meant that only a third of those eligible to vote voted.
The dream would of course be that more than 50 % would vote in the Student Union Council Election in the future, but maybe we could reach 30 % this year?
Use your vote in the Student Union Council Election to promote what you think is important!
– Tanja Holmlund
The Student Union Council Election Committee
Gender minorities are exposed to a lot of uncertainty and discrimination in many aspects of their everyday life, and the student registers are no exception to this rule.
Trans students are at risk of being misgendered or outed because of the information that is available in our student register Peppi. For example: your chosen name can only be picked between your legal names, which means that a trans person who has not done a legal name change can be forced to use an email address and username that uses their deadname, meaning their birth name. While it is understandable that the information in Peppi must reflect the information in the Population Information System, it is also unfortunate that students at our university can be misgendered or deadnamed because of a register that is meant to be a helpful tool.
The Student Union signed a statement against the student register’s discrimination of gender minorities during this past summer. The initiative came from the Student Union of Aalto University and was signed along with the Student Unions from the University of Helsinki, Hanken School of Economics, the University of Oulu and the University of Lapland, as well as the National Union of University Students in Finland.
The problem with Peppi is that the information is bound to the Population Information System, which takes information about gender from the social security number. This system is binary, but it explains the categories that Peppi has for gender – man, woman, and unknown. This system only reflects the gender one is assigned at birth or if that information is not available, for example an exchange student who does not have a complete Finnish social security number. This system is unfortunate, it is outdated, and it needs lobbying on a national level towards the Personal Information System.
The Student service desk is on the side of trans students
The Student Union has discussed with the Student service desk at ÅAU, which is the closest contact for trans students who might want to correct or change information about themselves in the register. There is a lot that cannot be done because of limitations from Peppi as a program and the Population Information System, but the situation is not helpless. The staff at the Student service desk want students to feel safe enough to ask for help and support when there are discrepancies in Peppi, and to help with this, a page for trans students specifically has been posted to the ÅAU intranet. It is not yet available in English but can be read in Swedish here.
The Student Union has also worked to get this issue into the National Union of University Student’s policy papers for the upcoming year to aid in the lobbying efforts.
The Student Union advocates for equality on campus and in the social sphere of ÅAU, and this means the consideration and inclusion of gender minorities and a strengthening of everyone’s right to be accepted and safe on campus. Many of us take our identities for granted in these registers, but it is no sure thing.
Further reading:
The page for trans students from ÅAU’s intranet (in Swedish), Transperson i studierna
Ida Parkkinen, Student register discriminates gender minorities – we demand actions from universities
The Student Union supports Trans Rights
Being Trans in the EU — Comparative analysis of the EU LGBT survey data
Welcome freshers!
When the fall is right around the corner it is once again time for a new wave of students to embark on a new chapter in their lives. During the following years you will get a lot of happy memories and a lot of new friends. Many look back at their time at university with fondness and it is our wish you will be able to do the same in the future.
The Student Union offers versatile services for their members
When you enrolled, you paid the student union fee. Both new and older students might not know where this money goes to, therefore we wanted to explain what you get in return. As a student at Åbo Akademi University you are automatically a member of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS), therefore, ÅAS has 5000 members. Once you have paid the fee, you will get access to a whole lot of services:
- Discounted prices when you rent our spaces in Kåren in Åbo, and Havtornen in Vasa. ÅAS does also own Tavasthem in Åbo where you can rent a student apartment for reasonable prices.
- Our service points offer a helping hand with a multitude of topics, even when you do not know who to turn to. Our Service Expert in Åbo is Sandra and in Vasa you will get assistance from Amanda. You can also get our student calendar Kårkalender from our service points, free of charge!
- ÅAS also has harassment contact persons that you always can reach out to if you feel that you have been unfairly or mistreated on campus or at a student event. Petra and Sandra are there to listen and support you.
- The Student Union also owns the student restaurants Kårkaféerna in Åbo, so when you eat at some of their establishments you support ÅAS and indirectly yourselves as a member of the Student Union. Unfortunately, we do not have a student union café in Vasa, but we are hopeful for the future.
The main job for ÅAS is advocacy work, but what does that mean?
ÅAS works for a better every-day life for all students at the university. Every month, we meet with rectors, deans, and other personnel at ÅAU to bring forth students’ opinions. If you have anything you would want to improve at the university, you can contact us, and we will bring it up with the University. All the management and staff that we have met during the year have been very approachable with our wishes, but unfortunately not everything can be changed. The personnel at the university do want to hear the students out and want them to have as good time as possible for the students.
The Student Union Council Elections
You have the right to vote in the election of the Student Union Council as a member of ÅAS. The elections are held every other year and the next one is later this fall. ÅAS consists of the Board and the Council – representatives of which is elected during this fall. The Student Union Council then elects the Board members each year and decides, for example, how the student union fee is used, what ÅAS is working towards. You can find more information about the elections on our website and more information is yet to come. So, keep an eye out on our social media platforms and on our webpage.
Student representatives develop the university and works for the good of all students
It is very appreciated to be a student representative at ÅAU since the personnel appreciates the students’ opinions. There are student representatives in most branches of ÅAU, and therefore a lot of students are involved and can influence what happens at the university. Anyone can apply for the different student representative seats, and if any open position happens to interest you, why not get involved?
The Student Union makes your voice heard – both locally and nationally
The Student Union does not just strive to make life at ÅAU better, but also on a local and national level. Åbo City and Vasa City want to meet the student unions regularly to hear how they can improve life for students in general, for example through events, internships, or other services that the students might need.
On a national level, we want to raise the quality of life for all students in Finland. We can do this foremost through our umbrella organisation: National Union of University Students in Finland. They work to ensure that students have affordable housing and enough money to live. We at ÅAS also work to influence on a national level by personally meeting ministers where we present our viewpoints and thoughts. Ministers are also curious to hear students’ opinions on things.
Events – the golden edge on the student’s everyday life
ÅAS celebrates 104 years of operation this year. Therefore, ÅAS has far-reaching student traditions that involve Students’ Independence Day’s Procession of the Flags, and ”capping” (putting on the examination caps) on May Day to name a few. There are newer traditions as well that have been created over the years, for example Fastlaskiainen (a sledge competition for student associations) is a very appreciated event.
As I mentioned earlier, ÅAS is turning 104 years old, so please come and celebrate with us at our annual celebration on 23 September in Vasa!
Student associations livens up the student life
Last, but certainly not least, we have our student associations. It is these associations that will be visible and be a big part of your life during your studies. Without these associations and volunteers, we would not have as good student life as we get. Therefore, ÅAS tries to support the associations as much as possible, so that they can continue to create a social context for all the students at ÅAU.
Enjoy your study time and time at university
As a few closing words, I would like to encourage all new students to make the most of your time as a student. Student life consists of much more than just studying, so be sure to make the most of everything that student life has to offer! Time passes by faster than you think, so make sure to enjoy yourself during your time at university. Go on events even if it feels a little bit uncomfortable and unfamiliar, it is often more fun than you could have imagined!
Students vs. the lunch line, and the line is winning
The lunch break is one of the best elements of the day. This is when we take the time to care for ourselves by eating well, spending time with friends and relaxing. Personally, the lunch break is the most important aspect of my university day, as everything is planned around it. When I was in my first year of studying the lunch break was a whole hour and a half long, which made many parts of the day run smoother. An hour and a half gives time to both socialize and work on projects, meet with teachers or association boards. During our current 45 minutes it is not as simple.
How do student’s feel about the lunch break, then?
30 January the Student Union sent out a survey to map what students think of the lunch break. The survey got 177 replies, of which most were of the mind that the break is too short. Many replies point out that the queueing time is too long, but generally the replies were thoughtful and made it clear that the lunch break play a vital part in the student’s day. Below are some of the English survey answers:
“I do think it is short, and because everybody wants to eat at the same time, there’s people queueing which makes us have to rush more to eat or we cannot even get food and eat. In addition, if we want to buy a takeaway-portion you can’t pay student price for the lunch anymore, which makes it more difficult for us.”
“Personally I haven’t had problems with the length of the lunch break, as I don’t have any lectures back-to-back. However, the lines are very long, so the concern is understandable.”
“The lunch should be more than 45 minutes.”
From all the freeform survey answers we can see that currently the lunch break is not up to the needs of students.
What has the Student Union done with the survey results?
During the Student Union’s lunch with vice-rector Gunilla Widén and Director of University Services Heidi Backman we discussed the survey and its results. It is worth noting that the shortened lunch break was implemented right before the pandemic, which means it has not had a lot of time on campus to be correctly evaluated as either suitable or not. During the pandemic it was of less importance to move between campus buildings, but now it is clear that the allocated time for lunch is not enough. The problem is obvious in both Vasa and Åbo.
Kårkaféerna are aware of the queueing problem, and they want to remind everyone of efficient queueing. Making sure to have your student discount card and payment ready in time makes everything run smoother, but a longer lunch break would solve the problem.
Change is coming, or at least discussion of it
The Student Union has learned after the discussion with Widén and Backman that the issue of the lunch break is going to be presented to the Strategic Council for Education to be prepared for the Rector’s Executive Group where we have student representatives. Hopefully we can see a change in scheduling in 2024–2025, and with that a longer lunch break. We are very pleased and grateful for the positive dialogue we had with the university!
The Faculty Councils for the next two academic years are elected this spring. Students elected for the posts need to know Swedish quite well, as the administrative language of Åbo Akademi University is Swedish.
Benina Uotinen recommends the Faculty Council for anyone interested in impacting the Faculties future
”As a member of the Faculty Council you represent the students’ voice within decision-making when it comes to the Faculty’s mission such as budget proposals, the operational plan, recruitment of staff and development of the educational programs at FSEJ. Being a member of the Faculty Council is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the Faculty and grasp the function of FSEJ as a whole, with a relatively moderate time commitment. Meetings are held once a month and it’s possible to participate both on-site as well as remotely. I recommend applying for the Faculty Council if you want to make an impact in the Faculty as the voice of FSEJ students!”
Emelie Berglund has found it useful to have other students to exchange thoughts with
”Don’t be afraid to speak your mind – we students are members in different teams and bodies to make the students’ opinion heard.
You will never be alone as a student representative in the Faculty Council. Instead there will be 5 other students to exchange ideas with. It is important that when such topics that affect the students’ everyday life are discussed, there are also students present to express their thoughts about the topic, so that the Faculty can continue to develop in the best possible way. It has been fun and informative to be a part of the Council and make a difference. I have also had the pleasure to get to know the personnel at the Faculty.”
Students elected for the posts need to know Swedish quite well, as the administrative language of Åbo Akademi University is Swedish.
Apply for the Faculty Council no later than Monday 3 April 11.59 p.m. You can find more information and the application form on halloped.fi.