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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, Jennifer here! <3
A year ago, when I applied to the Board, I knew that Social Policy was the area of responsibility I wanted. I knew that social policy involves a lot of questions about wellbeing, which is something that I am passionate about. However, I was a bit unsure of what exactly the role would include if I were elected. That is why I want to write this blog post, to share the information I wish I’d had when I was considering applying to the Board.
Social Policy This Year
To begin with, it is good to know that next year, the position as the Member of the Board responsible for Social Policy will not be tied to a specific city. This means that you can be responsible for Social Policy whether you study in Åbo or Vasa. As the Member of the Board responsible for Social Policy, your main focus is the overall wellbeing of students. This also includes topics such as students’ finances and equality — important issues that have a major impact on students’ everyday lives. The Board’s work can vary a lot from year to year, but to make it a bit more concrete, I want to share some examples of what I have been working on this year.
In the spring, for instance, I organised an election panel to prepare for the county and municipal election, helped arrange the blood donation event at Åbo Svenska Teater, and compiled a members’ survey that the Student Union sends out to all students at ÅAU every other year. In the autumn, I organised a wellbeing week and put together a report based on the members’ survey responses. Throughout the year, I have also taken part in meetings with the Student Health Service (FSHS), as well as in our internal weekly meetings. For example, we have an advocacy meeting once a week with the other Board Members responsible for advocacy work. I have also participated in a few interviews on topics relevant to my position. Alongside all of this, I have helped out with other projects that the Board has been working on. You never have to work alone at the Student Union. The Board Members collaborate and support each other, and there is also a lot of help available from our knowledgeable Staff.
You’ll do great, so apply!
Many of the things I have mentioned as examples are things that would have felt a bit intimidating to me a year ago. But my time on the Student Union Board has been extremely educational, and I have had the chance to try so many new things. I have challenged myself, and now that almost a year has passed, I can really see how much I have learned and grown. If you want to help improve everyday life for your fellow students and you are interested in wellbeing issues in general, I strongly recommend applying to the Student Union Board. You will do great!
Jennifer Lindgren
Responsible for Social Policy
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.
Hey, hey, it’s Sofie here! <3
This year, I have been responsible for International Affairs in both Åbo and Vasa, and the description for my position this year has been: International affairs at ÅAU in Åbo and Vasa, international higher education policy issues, and CHARM-EU.
International affairs had not been its own area of responsibility within the Board until 2025. Before that, the Member of the Board responsible for communications also handled international affairs. This year has therefore been about finding ways forward and identifying what needs to be developed within the international sector. Among other things, I have personally worked on ways to better include international students in the student culture here at Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU).
How does the area of responsibility look like next year?
Next year, the composition of the Board will change so that international affairs and higher education policy become a joint area of responsibility, where the Board can work together with a focus on including an international perspective in advocacy work as a natural part of the operations. This is something I have also worked on extensively this year – that the continuity and development of international affairs as an area of responsibility is maintained within ÅAS in the future, as well as how different networks, working methods, and ways to increase inclusion can be developed.
But what does the person responsible for international affairs actually do?
To make it as concrete as possible, it mostly involves advocating for international students at ÅAU by maintaining contact with the students themselves, as well as with the staff at ÅAU responsible for international affairs. Maintaining these contacts is the most important part, as it is where advocacy and influence work are most effective. In addition, the role also involves representing students and maintaining contact with CHARM-EU’s student representatives.
As the person responsible for international affairs, you also work closely with the rest of the advocacy sector at the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) on issues regarding education at ÅAU, as well as students’ well-being and finances. What is especially important in this area of responsibility is to keep track of the international perspective.
Everyday work involves a lot of writing, including emails and other texts. This year, for example, I have worked on an International Guide about student life at ÅAU and about the Student Union for international students, as well as a survey to help map how we can better advocate for international students.
The role also involves attending many meetings and connecting with both ÅAU staff and other actors in EU matters. A fun experience this year has been participating in a panel discussion at Europaforum, where we talked about sustainable education, had interesting guests and a full audience of people interested in EU.
Sofie Lehtovaara
Responsible for International Affairs
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.
Hello, it’s Melina here!
This year I have been the Member of the Board responsible for Student Culture in Åbo. The description of Student Culture for this year has been: events & ÅAS’ associations, development and securing of student life, inclusion.
But what does this mean and what tasks do I do during the day as the Member of the Board responsible for Student Culture? The Member of the Board responsible for Student Culture’s main task is to care of the student life. This includes developing student traditions, creating opportunities for engagement and belonging, as well as maintaining contact with various associations. This is done by being responsible for our student traditions, developing student life, and by actively maintaining contact with the student associations.
Traditions create continuity
Student traditions that the Member of the Board responsible for Student Culture keeps track of and organise are Fastlaskiainen, May Day at Vårdberget, May Day Eve’s dinner party, Lilla Wappen, Freshers’ Fair, Associations’ Fair, as well as all the flag processions. The traditional, annually recurring student traditions have a solid foundation and there are clear procedures for how to get started with organising them.
The traditions are constantly evolving and you get to think of and come up with ways to develop them, by, for example, making traditions more inclusive and accessible. Sometimes it may feel like there are too many rules you have to follow and that you can’t influence your job in the way you would like, so it pays to be creative where you can!
We’re working with inclusion through practical measures
This year, a big focus regarding inclusion in student culture has been to include more English in song and program sheets during ÅAS’ events. I have written descriptions for some of the snaps songs and looked up English verses for the snaps songs we sang during the May Day Eve’s dinner party and Lilla Wappen. By gradually introducing other languages into student life, we are making it more inclusive and accessible for international students to take part in the traditions.
The longest project of the year – but also the most fun
The student tradition May Day at Vårdberget is the tradition that takes the longest to complete. The work for May Day starts as early as February, so that everything can be finished on time. There is a lot that needs to be fixed and applied for, including making a rescue plan, noticing the police, making a waste plan, making sure there are enough garbage cans, and much more.
There have also been a lot of practical and fun tasks. I like to be creative, so anything that has to do with crafts and fixing photo walls has suited me well. May Day at Vårdberget turned 100 this year, which I wanted to make more visible by showing how May Day has been celebrated over the years. It was fun to read and look back on how May Day has been celebrated over the years, and to come up with ways of how to best share it with others.
Independent work doesn’t mean working alone
Everyday life consists largely of writing emails, attending meetings, planning and thinking about events or other current affairs. In student culture, you work very independently, so it is important to remember to ask for help when needed, and at events, make sure you know where you need help. Being able to stay organised is a big advantage as there is a lot to keep track of at the same time.
A sentence that has stuck with me, and helped me, during the year is “everything will work out one way or another”. The work is stressful at times, especially before events, but at the same time it is so incredibly fun and rewarding. You get to be creative, come up with new solutions and learn a lot of new things!
Melina Lindholm
Responsible for Student Culture
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
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
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
As most of you already know, there is a new position within the Student Union of ÅAU (ÅAS) Executive Board, namely International Affairs. International Affairs as an area of responsibility has been included in another board position prior to 2025, meaning that the work is not new. However, the Student Union Council decided in 2024 to have a separate position for International Affairs, as the number of international students at ÅAU is continuously increasing, and a position focusing only on their interests was necessary.
Much has already been done in the past regarding international affairs, but now the Board is working on developing the position into a meaningful part of the organisation as an independent area of responsibility. The focus is primarily on advocating for our international members, ensuring their well-being, and making sure their voices are heard.
External Responsibilities
The work also involves various other matters related to international affairs. The Europe Forum in Åbo has a seat on its board that belongs to the Student Union of ÅAU International Affairs, where the voice of students can also be heard. The European Forum in Åbo is organised every year, with programs for three days, featuring discussions, panels, and presentations on Finland’s position in Europe and the European Union. The board also includes experts and professors from The University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University.
In addition, an important task within this position is to represent the students in the university alliance CHARM-EU. This is an alliance between nine universities from EU countries and Åbo Akademi University is one of them. Our representative is a part of CHARM-EU’s Student Council, so that the students’ voices can be heard when decisions are made within the alliance. We work closely together with the staff from ÅAU that are responsible for the alliance from the university’s side.
During the year 2025, the position is being developed into something meaningful for the organisation, but also for the members of the Student Union. It is being developed by the Board Members, hopefully with the help of international students themselves.
Sofie Lehtovaara
Executive Board Member, International affairs
The Student Union of ÅAU
Honored Count Per Brahe,
and dear students,
Studere non debet valetudinem consumer – To study should not come at the expense of health.
The well-being of students is a topic that is constantly under discussion. By now, it almost feels like an overused subject – one with more of a political significance than one that truly matters to the students themselves.
Everyone should have the opportunity to study without having to compromise their well-being or at the cost of their health. Yet, many seem to accept this as part of student life. Cuts to students’ social security seem to argue the same point: this is just how it is, you should manage, you’re privileged to study, so study.
We do not need to, and should not, accept a high level of stress, anxiety, or low mood just because we are studying – it shouldn’t be that way. There should be sufficient preventive support and other support services so that we can take care of our wellbwing while we study. Studying should primarily be something enjoyable – we are here to learn, not to struggle through.
Often, when you hear others talk about their past student lives, they mostly remember the sense of community, student associations, and everything that came with them. That’s what I looked forward to during my studies – to experience all of that. Now, I believe that most people feel the weight of how students are struggling even before they start studying, more than they hear about all the fun that is supposed to come with student life and student culture.
The circumstances needs to change: studying should not mean feeling unwell. Studying should lead to well-being. When making decisions about higher education policy, this must be kept in mind. Especially now, as universities are focusing on high throughput and cost efficiency due to the new funding model for universities.
I wish and hope that everyone who has the privilege to decide on students’ futures truly understands the meaning of Studere non debet valetudinem consumere – To study should not come at the expense of health. Studies and student life should contribute to well-being. Make the decisions accordingly.
Emilia Melén
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
About two weeks ago Åbo Akademi University declared their intention to make the change from physical diplomas to electronic diplomas for graduates. Since the paper diploma and its accompanied red folder have a high cultural and traditional value, many students have been alarmed by the news. The Student Union has been in contact with the university throughout the year to discuss this change and argued for the physical diploma to remain. As the chair of the board, I have gathered some of the main points from these discussions and will present these in the text below. I also want to explain the Student Union’s opinions on this issue.
First, regarding the difference between the diploma and its folder; the diploma is an examination document that is legally binding and shows examination from the program, and grades from each course. The folder is handed out during the graduation ceremony, with the diploma in it.
Åbo Akademi University is the last university in Finland which still has the physical paper diploma. Removing this extra work from the university’s personnel would ease their labor and give them time to focus on other important tasks.
The university could use an electronic database as long term storage for the original copies. The signing process of the diploma would be significantly faster. It is also more convenient to apply for work when the diploma is given in an electronic format. To ensure that a diploma is not a copy, it would be easier and faster to go through an electronic database.
To be valid, the current diploma must be made of a special paper with a sigil, water stamp, and signed by hand. These diplomas are very beautiful, but the making of them requires a lot of work. I myself value the old diplomas but can see the benefit in electronic diplomas. Moving the juridically binding document to an electronic database is a good direction. This creates the opportunity to get electronic copies of the diploma, which students have been asking for.
So, what is the future of the physical diploma? We have many students who prefer a physical document over an electronic version. The Student Union has proposed that when asked, students would be able to get a physical diploma for free. The university has taken this wish into account and will give out physical copies of the diploma at graduation ceremonies. What will the diploma look like? The official diploma will be the digital and a physical copy will also be given. The Student Union wishes that a copy with the sigil and water stamp would still be available.
Back to the folder. The university has for a long time used a red folder with golden tassels and the ÅA logo in silver. This folder is beautiful especially when compared to the paper folders other universities use. We want to keep it for its traditional importance. The Student Union will lobby for keeping the folder for graduation ceremonies.
Jonne Kunnas
Chair of the Board