VYY Presents: Ten Measures to Smooth the Study Process and Support Graduation

At the request of the Rector of the University of Vaasa, the Student Union of the University of Vaasa (VYY) has compiled a ten-point action plan to support the smooth progress of students' studies and their graduation. Joint discussions regarding the proposals and measures have been held with the university leadership and key actors.

VYY considers open and reciprocal dialogue with the university to be extremely valuable in promoting student well-being and the smooth flow of studies.

“It is crucial for us to engage in a constructive and joint dialogue with the university on how we can best support our students throughout their entire study path. When we identify challenges and look for solutions together, we create a genuinely better and smoother daily student life,” states Heidi Elers, Chair of the Board of VYY.

In compiling the list of measures, surveys and guidelines from the student union’s stakeholders, as well as feedback received from student associations, were utilized. Because study experiences and graduation challenges can vary by field and university, VYY further proposes that a survey be conducted at the University of Vaasa regarding students' experiences of their study progress and its perceived importance.

Here are VYY’s ten recommendations for a smoother daily student life and graduation:

1. Strengthening Guidance and Structural Clarity Throughout the Study Path

• Roles and resources in order: Guidance structures and responsibilities must be clarified so that high-quality personal study plan (HOPS) guidance and other forms of support are available throughout the studies. Adequate resources and training must be allocated to study councillors (omaohjaaja). The goal is for the councillor to be reachable within one week of contact.
• Teacher tutor model: Pilot teacher tutors (omaopettaja) whom students can approach with a low threshold and who know how to direct students to the right support services.

2. Expanding Diverse Completion Methods and Flexibility

• Diversifying completion methods: Offer flexible completion methods (such as independent study) so that studies are not delayed due to mandatory courses organized only once a year.
• Language course capacity: The number of starting places for mandatory language courses (such as English) must be increased sufficiently so that students do not have to wait years to get into a course.
• Reconciling work and studies: Enable the smooth combination of work and studies through flexible study structures to secure livelihood.

3. Targeted Support for the Thesis Phase

• Comprehensive master’s thesis guidance: Recognize the psychological load and future considerations associated with the thesis phase. Create clear support models and communication for situations where uncertainty or content-related challenges slow down the thesis process.
• Connection to working life: Encourage collaboration with employers and completing theses as part of internships within thesis guidance.

4. Resourcing Mental Health and Well-being Services

• Study psychologists and low-threshold support: Guarantee sufficient study psychologist resources (at least one study psychologist per 2,000 starting students) and develop new low-threshold conversational support models for preventive support.
• Specialized pedagogical expertise: Develop the application process for individual study arrangements and utilize the expertise of special education teachers to support students.

5. Early Intervention and Student Health Conferences

• Establishing student health conferences: Increase awareness of student health conferences among both students and staff. Encourage holding these conferences when health or coping challenges prevent full-time study for an extended period (e.g., after a sick leave period exceeding 2 months).

6. Integrating Physical Activity and Energy Maintenance into Daily Student Life

• Active breaks: Encourage teachers to incorporate breaks into lecture teaching and use activating breaks to maintain focus and energy.
• University sports resources: Secure the prerequisites for university sports and support increasing physical activity during study days to reduce mental strain and support learning.

7. Promoting Community and Student Organization Activities

• Meeting places and facilities: Develop the campus’s physical and social spaces, such as group work and student rooms.
• Fostering community engagement: Strengthen the operating conditions of student organizations and enable low-threshold interaction between staff and students.

8. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Cross-Institutional Study

• Smooth credit transfer: Clarify RPL processes so that students do not have to complete duplicate studies when changing degree programs or higher education institutions.
• Cross-institutional study: Support students and degree programs in taking advantage of cross-institutional study services to build flexible study paths.

9. Legal Protection, Feedback Culture, and Assessment Efficiency

• Predictability and evaluation turnaround times: Ensure legal protection for students by consistently adhering to assessment timelines and retake practices across the entire university.
• Individual feedback: Encourage teachers to provide individual feedback that supports and motivates learning.

10. Clear Communication and Visibility of Working-Life Connections

• Communicating support services: Ensure that information regarding guidance, well-being services, and study structures is easily accessible to everyone.
• Articulating versatile skills: Support students in recognizing the diverse employment opportunities offered by their degree early in their studies.

The smooth flow of studies and supporting graduation are not merely individual measures; they are a matter of the entire university community’s operational culture. By investing in guidance, flexibility, and the holistic well-being of students, we build an environment where every student can succeed and shine on their own study path.

VYY looks forward to the next steps and tight collaboration with the university in bringing these proposals into practice – let’s build the best daily student life in Finland together!