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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.
The year is 2030, and you let out a sight of relief. You take a look at your bank account, and you see that your financial aid covers your monthly expenses once again. When you contacted the student healthcare services about seeing a psychologist, you got an appointment within a month. You read the news and see that the government has halted the loss of biodiversity. This could be the future if the National Union of University Students in Finland’s (SYL) campaign goals for the parliamentary election are reached.
The advance voting period for the parliamentary election has already started, and you are choosing a candidate to cast your vote for. What is important to you as a student?
Did you know…?
- Student financial aid has only been raised with 4 € since 1992. If you follow the index adjustment, it should be 143 € higher.
- Finland’s student financial aid is the weakest within the Nordic countries (Sweden 340 €/ month and Denmark 838 €/ month).
Why is the student financial aid so low?
- Study success – completed credits has decreased since 2017.
- Time spent on studies – on average, we study 3.5 hours less per week than in 2016 (perhaps because student financial aid is not enough, leading to many students being forced to work as well as study).
- Students’ well-being – there is no simple way to summarize this point.
- Generational debt – the share of student loans has more than doubled since 2017.
We must move the students away from the poverty line
We can state that most of it is crap, and something has to be done. Students live below the poverty line despite taking out student loans or working on the side of their studies. The purchasing power of the student financial aid has decreased by approximately 134 € since 2017. The cost of living is skyrocketing, interest rates are growing, and students are not doing well.
No other social group in Finland lives on as low an income as students do right now. SYL is lobbying to increase the student financial aid by 100 €. Such an increase would lead to students moving away from the poverty line (hence #abovethepovertyline). Students could study with a secured income – what an utopia!
How do we reach this goal? Well, by students voting. No one will pursue the interests of students unless we do it ourselves. The voting percentage in the last Parliamentary elections was 55 % among the youngest age group of 18 to 24. Although the percentage of young voters has increased in recent years, there is still a lot of work to do.
Do yourself a favor and vote in the general election (and bring a friend).
The parliamentary elections are approaching and so is the advance voting. In Finland, every Finnish citizen who turns 18 on election day at the latest has the right to vote. The right to vote is universal and equal, which in practice means that everyone has a vote that is equally valuable. Voting is a right and not an obligation.
Why should you vote, then? By voting, you influence the society. Your vote is important and makes a difference. In the upcoming parliamentary election, representatives who will work on issues that affect you and your everyday life daily, will be elected. By voting, you take a stand on major and minor issues. If you have an opinion, there is reason to vote, and without a vote there is no right to complain either.
It is common knowledge that voter turnout among young people tends to be relatively low. Voting is one of the cornerstones of a functioning democracy. If young people do not use their voice, there is also no one who can represent them in the framework of decision-making. Of course, the loss of a single vote is not catastrophic. The problem arises when many choose to refrain from voting, because then who will make our decisions?
It can be difficult to know how to vote and which party is pursuing a policy that is to one’s own advantage. This uncertainty can lead to abstaining from voting. The election compass is an excellent and simple aid. For the curious, The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University also organizes panel debates in both Åbo and Vasa during the spring. In Vasa, the panel debate will be held on 7 March, while in Åbo it will take place on 20 March. During each occasion, invited parliamentary election candidates discuss issues that affect students’ everyday life.
See you on the election day!
–
Vanessa Björklund
Member of the Board
The Student Union of ÅAU
Dear students, both younger and elder, now it is time to start the semester. For the first-year students, it is clear that the most things are new and exciting, but now we are in a situation where we don’t have just one but 4 grades that haven’t had the opportunity to experience a normal year of studies. That is a huge majority of all the students.
Do you not have any idea in which room your next lecture is, don’t worry, most of the others don’t probably know it either. Don’t be afraid to ask regardless of what it is about, that is the only way you will learn.
And you, dear older students, do you feel like you should know more than you know and do you feel like you missed out on the biggest part of your studies? You shouldn’t worry in that case either, now we just have to take back the time we have lost and make the best of it. Let’s live this semester like we all were first-year students again, meet lots of new people and accept the fact that sometimes all of us are a little bit lost. Take part in the different events organised by our associations, and ask your study mates from your course to join you at lunch or the sports event in the evening. There is something for everyone.
Now it is time to take back the time that we missed and experience a great start to the semester together. Let’s meet at campus and at events, and please contact us with a low threshold if you are wondering anything.
Veera Granroth
Chair of the Board, The Student Union of ÅAU
The Åbo Pride-week (22-28 August) has kicked off! Turku Pride continues the gay pride tradition and the LGBT human rights movement that started in 1969 at Stonewall Inn, New York. Turku Pride is a demonstration, a commemoration of Stonewall, a meeting point and a party!
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) will show its support for sexual diversity and gender variance. ÅAS will participate in the Åbo Pride-parade (27 August) in the Study in Turku-block together with ÅAU and other institutions of higher education. All students are welcome to march with us in the block! We will wear student overalls, but you can of course wear what you feel like.
Åbo Pride uses the safer space policy. This for example means that we may not assume anyone’s gender or sexuality, that harassment is not tolerated and that everyone has the right to be themselves and to feel safe. We are aware of our privileges, give each other space to be heard and respect each other’s boundaries. In case something goes wrong, it’s important to apologize and do better next time.
Support for students: ÅAS harassment contact persons
ÅAS offers support for students. Two Student Union employees who you can talk to in confidence to get help and support if you have been subject to inappropriate behaviour and jargon, bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment or violence. Harassment on digital platforms is as serious as any other form and a good reason to contact us. The Student Union’s harassment contact persons are Sandra Häggkvist and Petra Lindblad. You can contact them via trakasseri@studentkaren.fi.
Equality work at ÅAS
Everyone is welcome at the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University! You are unique, you are fully allowed to be your true self. ÅAS continually work on achieving equality and on combating different kinds of harassment. We have been involved in working on the new plan about equality, equal treatment and accessibility. We wish that Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) will implement these as soon as possible. In this plan we have formulated the central aims for working on trans people’s rights and wellbeing in study and work environments. It is important for ÅAS that everyone feels safe and well-treated on campus. Physical and digital accessibility shall be supported further for inclusion and equal possibility to participate in studies and student life. We wish that ÅAU will implement a safer space policy. The examples above are from Åbo Pride’s webpage and the National Union of University Students in Finland’s (SYL) document about these principles.
See you on Saturday, come as you are and celebrate love in all its shapes!
References and inspiration
SYL’s Safe Place Policy (.pdf)
Statement: The Student Union supports Trans Rights
Sexual harassment has been much discussed in Finland in the recent weeks, and now also related to Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU). The Student Union of ÅAU (ÅAS) is concerned that the decision made in the current case, and the way in which the case has been communicated, creates a feeling of insecurity among our members. The actions taken gives the impression that it is not worth reporting situations where you have been mistreated. Reporting harassment and inappropriate treatment must always feel safe and as something worth doing.
We demand more from Åbo Akademi University. We want ÅAU to not just on paper and in fine words, to enable an everyday life where everyone feels safe and where you can trust that every case of reported harassment is taken seriously and handled correctly. It is also extremely important that you know what happens after a report is done, who handles the investigation and what the measures will be.
ÅAU has chosen to interpret that the harassment in question does not require measures, as it took place outside the staff’s working hours. We at ÅAS are worried about what signal this gives to students. Would ÅAU also choose not to do anything in a situation where unreasonable treatment takes place between staff and students at an event in the evening? ÅAS believes that clear rules and an open discussion are required on how such situations are handled. It is valuable that students and staff, for example, can have a Christmas party together, this kind of community should not be lost.
ÅAS has two harassment contact persons who support in situations where you feel unreasonably treated. Everything a student tells the harassment contact persons is confidential, and it is up to the students who contact them to decide what type of help they need to resolve the situation. ÅAS has two contact persons at all events, you can notify them, also anonymously, if you feel uncomfortable with something in the events or with another participant’s behavior.
ÅAS continuously educates the associations in how to counteract harassment and resolve conflicts. ÅAS’s support material, for example a student life guide, helps the associations to make the activities as inclusive and welcoming as possible. ÅAS does not accept any forms of unfair treatment, harassment or discrimination. It is important for ÅAS that everyone feels comfortable at our, and the associations’ events. It should also feel safe for everyone to study and work at ÅAU. ÅAS demands that ÅAU now takes the students’ concerns seriously and communicates clearly before the start of the semester what rules apply, and how reported situations are investigated.
Organising events as big as the event planned for Shrove Tuesday begins several months before the event. The Board of the Student Union of ÅAU opened up the application for the assignment as Shrove Tuesday’s coordinator as early as November 2021. Unfortunately, the person who was accepted for the task later had to resign from it later.
The Shrove Tuesday event in Åbo is organised together with the Study in Turku network. This includes many actors, including the City of Åbo and several universities. When the event planning began, there was no clarity in how the Corona restrictions would develop in the spring. When we became aware of the timetable for easing the Corona restrictions, the timetable was already too tight for the practical arrangements such as notifications to the police and getting security guards to the event.
Due to the lack of the Shrove Tuesday coordinator and the overly tight timetable, it is not possible for the Student Union to arrange a traditional Shrove Tuesday event this year.
Well, why cannot Shrove Tuesday be arranged in Vasa even though it is not possible to arrange in Åbo?
The Board decided that it would be more fair for our students that the event would be arranged in the same way in both places. We are a student union with members in two cities and we thought it would be unfair if the arrangements were very different depending on the location. This in addition with the Corona restrictions at the time when the decision was made were the main reasons why the board made this decision. We are happy to receive feedback so that we know how you think we should do in the future.
Shrove Tuesday 2022 is arranged online, but we warmly encourage our associations to arrange events both before and after the online event, and with the new guidelines from Åbo Akademi University, it is also possible to finally arrange events on campus. Hopefully we will see you on Zoom, the 1 March in Åbo and the 8 March in Vasa!
Are you having difficulties with coping in your daily life and studies? Are there any issues you need a hand with, but you don’t know who to contact?
If things are feeling heavy right now, help and support is available. Here we have a list of questions and answers, contact information and other things to take into account.
Have you considered taking a year off from your studies?
National Union of University Students in Finland has written a blog text about things that are good to consider, so we recommend that you read it before making your decision!
Can I stop studying because of corona?
Yes, it is possible. Before you decide to cancel your studies, you should think about whether it is smartest to complete a certain course or whole. Check e.g., with a study advisor or your assigned teacher, which is the most important thing to finish if you ever decide to continue studying. It may also make sense to complete a certain number of credits so that your current major can be counted as a short or long minor in an upcoming degree.
We recommend contacting the study psychologist to discuss everyday student life and what you want to do in the long run.
If you are suffering from mental illness, we advise you to contact the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
Where can you get support for reading and writing difficulties?
Contact your faculty’s study advisor.
Is it possible to apply for support or a scholarship for non-study support due to forced closure of courses and internships?
If the university has not arranged courses due to the pandemic situation, it is an acceptable reason for a slower pace of study and KELA pays the student support as normally if you contact them about the matter.
How do I get sick leave for depression?
On KELA’s pages, there is information regarding support during illness.
Contact studinfo@abo.fi and ask what you need to do to pause your studies.
What can you do if you notice that there is too much work, e.g. halfway into the course?
It is good to start by contacting your lecturers about the situation and then the study advisor to decide what courses to complete in order to be able to move forward with your studies. During a pandemic, it is perfectly okay to check what is the absolute minimum to get through.
In what questions can you turn to the Student Union for help?
There is really no theme you could not turn to us with. We can help find the right person at ÅAU or elsewhere who can help you.
Does the Student Union have a representative who can help in cases where you need support in KELA issues or info on where to turn in disputes with KELA?
The Student Union’s Students’ Rights Expert Petra Lindblad is employed by the Student Union and can help students find the right support and information, she can also help with how to solve problems with KELA and everything you discuss is confidential.
Via studiestod@abo.fi you can reach the employees at ÅAU’s student services who can help sort out e.g. what information from ÅAU’s register that KELA needs.
Who can you contact about discrimination or harassment by lecturers?
The student union has two harassment contact persons who work with e.g. these issues. Their contact information can be found here.
ÅAU’s info for students who are discriminated against or harassed.
Who can you contact regarding excessive workload (more than what the course officially requires) and which is not remedied after discussion with the lecturer in question?
After discussions with the lecturer, it is recommended to contact the Head of the Subject. If the situation does not resolve, it is recommended to contact the Dean of the Faculty. The Student Union can also help you find the right person to contact with these issues.
Are you falling behind on your studies? Information about the project Nystart!
The project Nystart! wants to support students and prevent studies from being delayed or cancelled. There can be many reasons to why energy and motivation are lacking in daily life and the studies. Nystart! does outreach work for students who are in need of support. Here you can contact Nystart! They will help you and redirect you based on what your needs are. If you have any questions about Nystart!, contact project coordinator Kia Ikonen
Do you need tools and motivation to cope with the everyday study life? Information about the project VERNA
The project VERNA arranges webinars, courses, coffee breaks and student circles. The goal of the project is to strengthen students’ own resources and trust towards their own abilities in the student life. VERNA is a collaboration between Åbo Akademi University and Yrkeshögskolan Novia, as well as the student unions in each of the universities. For more information, contact project leader Dana Björkström-Jung.
Other information that can be good to have
- The association for students’ mental health Nyyti arranges chats in English and has very good material on its pages.
- Student health service and appointment booking. It is good to be in contact as soon as you feel that you need care, the queues are long for certain services.
- The study psychologists’ page contains many tips for studies.
- Financial support from the deacons at the local Evangelical Lutheran Congregations:
Everybody can ask for help from the deacons at the local congregation, you do not need to be a member. In a crisis, all people living in the city can get help from them, whether you are an atheist or belong to another religion. In addition to financial support, deacons can also give advice on other forms of support and help on how to maintain contact with various authorities.
In Åbo: On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9–11 a.m., you can call the number 040 341 7460, or email eija.grahn@evl.fi or carita.eklund@evl.fi anytime. In Vasa; check out this web page. - The deacons who are experts on social welfare work can also help with information about help you are eligible for elsewhere. There is, unfortunately, no information in English on the web. If you are unsure about where to ask for help you can always contact our Students’ Rights Expert Petra Lindblad
- The University Chaplains offer discussion support in difficult situations. More about the University Chaplains in Åbo can be found here. More about the Student Chaplain Hanna Jern in Vasa can be found here (text on the web page only in Swedish).
- Outreach youth work Åbo
- Outreach youth work Vasa