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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
Do you want a unique insight into how Åbo Akademi’s decision-making bodies are formed? Now is your chance to make an impact!
As a student representative in the Election Committee at Åbo Akademi, you will take part in organizing the elections of professors, researchers, teachers, other staff, and students to the University Collegium, the Board, and the Faculty Councils. The available position is as a deputy member.
Why apply for the Election Committee?
- You gain insight into how the teaching staff is selected.
- You learn a lot!
- You can enhance your CV and build valuable connections with Åbo Akademi’s staff.
The position is compensated, meaning the student representative receives a fee for each meeting they attend.
Are you even a little bit curious?
Submit your application here by February xx at 11.59 p.m. Note that the committee’s official language is Swedish, so you need to be able to communicate in Swedish. If you have any questions, you can contact the student’s rights expert. Contact details can be found here.
Pictured (from left to right): Svea Välimäki, Niko Sandberg, Emilia Melén, Kevin Hede, Melina Lindholm, Erik Malmström, Angelica Loo and Emma Soini.
Press release
29 November 2024
For immediate release
The Student Union Council of Åbo Akademi Student Union (ÅAS) held its meeting on Thursday, November 28, 2024, where it elected the board and presidium for the 2025 term. The 2025 board consists of the chairperson and six board members, five of whom are based in Åbo and one in Vasa. At the meeting, a chair and a member for ÅAS’s financial board were also elected.
Emilia Melén has been appointed as Chair of the Board for 2025. Melén is studying sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Business, Economics and Law at Åbo Akademi. She served on the student union board in 2024, being in charge of student culture and has been active in several student associations across campus. As chairperson, Melén aims to strengthen advocacy efforts and make ÅAS membership even more relevant and meaningful:
“I want to ensure that students’ voices are better heard in our advocacy, that our activities are current and relevant, and that membership feels meaningful,” says Melén.
Niko Sandberg was elected Vice Chair of the Board, and Jennifer Lindgren, Svea Välimäki, Melina Lindholm, Sofie Lehtovaara, and Emma Soini were elected as board members.
New Chair of the Student Union Council to Strengthen Representation and Voter Turnout
Kevin Hede (FNT list) was elected as Chair of the Student Union Council. Hede has previously been active in the council and student life, including serving as Chair of Kemistklubben rf in 2024. As Chair of the Student Union Council, he plans to ensure that all perspectives are considered in decision-making and to increase member engagement:
“As Chair of the Representative Council, I want to ensure that all perspectives are heard and that decisions are well-founded. I also aim to boost voter turnout in the student council elections,” says Hede.
The rest of the Presidium includes First Vice Chair Angelica Loo (Gemensamma Vasa) and Second Vice Chair Erik Malmström (FNT-list).
At the meeting, a chair and a member for the ÅAS Financial Board were also elected. Hamish Simpson was chosen as Chair, and Rasmus Piippo as a member. The Financial Board manages the Student Union’s properties and investments.
With its new board and presidium, Åbo Akademi Student Union looks forward to a year where student interests and engagement remain at the center of its activities.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Sandra Österlund
Secretary General,
02 215 4652,
gs@studentkaren.fi