Come join us
VYY warmly recommends being an active member of the Student Union and the various student organizations that operate within VYY. Organization activities offer opportunities to learn new things, to gain memorable experiences and to make lifelong friendships. There are many different ways to participate in Student Union and student organization activities, so there is something to match everyone’s interests.
The Student Union offers many opportunities to enter positions of trust and to learn about organizing and carrying out various events and projects. The Student Union is also a versatile and inspiring place to work, where you can learn new skills and develop yourself.
The Student Union has new positions opening up throughout the year, please follow this webpage and our social media!
We are recruiting: student representative for Executive Board of the University of Vaasa
In this application process, we are seeking student representative for the Executive Board of the University of Vaasa: 1 member
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for a student representative for the EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VAASA for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking 1 member for the board.
The University Board is a legally mandated body and the highest decision-making authority of the University of Vaasa. The University Board always includes a representative from the staff, a student representative, and other external representatives determined by the University Collegium.
The tasks of the University Board include:
- Deciding on the central objectives, strategy, and guidance principles of the university's operations and finances
- Approving the university's operational and financial plans as well as the budget
- Approving significant or fundamental agreements related to the university's operations and providing opinions on matters of fundamental importance concerning the university
- Approving the performance agreement with the Ministry of Education on behalf of the university
- Selecting the rector or rectors, determining their division of work, and dismissing the rector if there is an acceptable and justified reason based on the nature of the task
- Approving regulations and other similar provisions concerning general organization, as well as deciding on the university's organizational structure
- Making proposals to the Ministry of Education regarding changes to the university's educational responsibility
- Deciding on the number of students to be admitted to the university
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representatives for University Collegium
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for student representatives for the UNIVERSITY COLLEGIUM for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking five regular members and five deputy members for the collegium.
The University Collegium is a legally mandated body consisting of representatives from professors, other staff, and students.
The University Collegium decides on, among other things:
- The composition and size of the University Board
- Approving the university's financial statements and annual report
- Granting discharge to the rector and the University Board
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representatives for Education Council
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for student representatives for the EDUCATION COUNCIL for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking three regular members and three deputy members for the council.
The University's Education Council is a body defined in the regulations, responsible for overseeing the quality of education.
The Education Council's tasks include, among others:
- Deciding on the criteria for student selection
- Monitoring the realization of student selections and study objectives
- Overseeing the assessment of theses and deciding on the degree requirements for university programs
- Approving the structures of educational programs
- Handling questions related to students' legal protection and providing opinions on these matters
- Addressing appeals related to studies or students' legal protection
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representatives for Research Council
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for student representatives for the RESEARCH COUNCIL for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking one regular member and one deputy member for the council.
The University's Research Council is a body defined in the regulations, tasked with, among other things, advancing research development and quality assurance, promoting innovation activities, and developing research ethics and open science practices.
The Research Council deals with issues such as:
-
The implementation of open research principles
-
Questions related to research evaluation
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Questions related to the selection principles of researchers and tenure track programs
-
Matters related to the university's research activities in general
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representatives for Language Center Management Group
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for student representatives for the LANGUAGE CENTER MANAGEMENT GROUP for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking two regular members and two personal deputy members for the management group.
The University of Vaasa Language Center specializes in diverse language and communication education. The Language Center is in charge of providing students in all fields with the language and communication studies they need for both their studies and work lives. The Language Center's management group consists of representatives from the university's areas, language teachers, and students. The Vice Rector serves as the group's chair. Academic unit representatives are program coordinators, and language teachers represent different languages.
The management group's tasks include:
- Reviewing language and communication study curricula
- Advancing the development of language and communication studies in cooperation with academic units
- Discussing the action plan, including personnel planning and budget
- Making proposals and providing opinions on the development of practical language skills, communication skills, and cultural awareness education at the university
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representatives for School Management Groups
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for student representatives for the SCHOOL MANAGEMENT GROUPS for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
We are seeking three members and three deputy members for the following School management groups:
- School of Management
- School of Technology and Innovations
- School of Marketing and Communication
- School of Accounting and Finance
The School management groups are multi-member bodies that make decisions on matters related to their respective academic units. Each academic management group includes representatives from teaching staff, students, and other staff. As a member of the management group, you will have the opportunity to influence the academic unit's operations and ensure that the students' voice is heard.
Each academic unit has its own management group, and according to the University of Vaasa regulations, their tasks include:
- Monitoring the quality of the school's operations and making initiatives for its development
- Reviewing, at their discretion, the school's action plan, budget, and personnel plan
- Reviewing, at their discretion, the selection criteria for students in programs under the school's responsibility and the number of students to be admitted to the academic unit.
- Reviewing, at their discretion, the structures and curricula of programs under the school's responsibility.
When selecting student representatives for school management groups, only students who have the right to complete their studies in the respective school are eligible to apply.
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
We are recruiting: student representative for Vaasa Student Housing Foundation (VOAS)
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is searching for a student representative for the VOAS BOARD for the term of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. We are seeking one member. The Student Union of the University of Vaasa's student representative serves as the chair of the foundation's board.
The Student Housing Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that provides housing to students of educational institutions operating in the Vaasa area. The foundation board's tasks include, among others:
- Ensuring the proper organization of the foundation's operations
- Managing the foundation's resources in a secure and profitable manner
- Deciding on the purchase, sale, and encumbrance of real property
- Preparing the annual report, financial statements, action plan, and budget, and arranging the audit
Expectations from Student Representatives
The administration student representatives play a significant role in making decisions regarding student matters. Their task is to represent the students' perspectives in decision-making, while also considering the overall interests of the university's teaching and research. Responsibilities include not only decision making but also preparing and initiating discussions among the student union, subject associations, and students, as well as reporting and maintaining communication with these parties after decisions are made.
Student representatives represent the entire student union and all students, engaging in significant advocacy work on matters important to students. The decisions made by university governance bodies directly impact students in a concrete way.
To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a student at the university.
Previous experience as a student representative in administration, and involvement in student organization activities, especially student association activities, are considered advantageous.
The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The Student Union's Student Representative Selection Working Group is in charge of choosing student representatives, and the Representative Council of the Student Union makes the final decisions. Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.
Benefits of Being a Student Representative
Being a student representative offers several benefits, including:
- Earning credits for Contributing to the University Community (1-10 ECTS)
- Understanding the university's operations, societal role, and practices
- Building a network within the academic community
How to Apply to Become a Student Representative
By using this form, applications for student representatives are due on 8.10.2023. You can also apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application deadline, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or attend an interview. If required, interview times will be scheduled with each applicant individually after the application deadline.
For more information
Specialist in students interests
Elli Uusi-Kokko
044 324 8961
eva@vyy.fi
tg: VyyEdunvalvonta
Projects
VYY recruits new project workers every year to organize various student events. As a project worker, you get valuable event organization experience and new contacts.
The Contact recruitment fair is the biggest interdisciplinary recruitment fair in Ostrobothnia and it gathers the best employers and the most potential employees to the University of Vaasa Campus. The fair is open to all the higher education students in Vaasa.
The Boom City Appro is a student festival for all the students in the Vaasa area, where your mission is to collect stamps from official appro bars to your pub crawl passport, appropass.
The Student Union’s Anniversary ball is a distinguished academic celebration. Anniversary ball is distinguished academic party. During the anniversary ball, VYY distributes the traditional acknowledgement awards to individuals who have earned them through their work for the Student Union.
Representative council elections
In the next Representative Council election of 2023, 30 members of the Representative Council and deputy members are elected for a two-year term starting on 1.1.2024.
FAQ – what is the Representative Council?
What is the Representative Council?
The Representative Council (also known as edustajisto or edari) is a group of ordinary university students who decides on the most important matters that concern the Student Union and all its members. The VYY Representative Council has 30 members. The council is elected once every two years in an election where any VYY member may enter as a candidate and vote. All members also have the right to come and observe the council’s meetings, which are held about once a month from September to May.
What difference can I make in the Representative Council?
The Representative Council decides on a variety of things, ranging from the membership fee amount, Student Union rules, action plan and budget to the election of the Board and choosing a Secretary General. The annual action plan directs the activities of the Board and staff, determining what the Student Union will use their resources on.
Who can enter the election as a candidate?
All VYY members who have registered as attending at the University of Vaasa and paid the Student Union membership fee! You can either start your own electoral coalition, join an existing electoral coalition or run as a non-partisan candidate. The choice is yours.
How do I enter the election as a candidate and what election documents do I need to fill out?
To enter the election as a candidate you must fill out the Declaration of Candidacy form. All election documents are available at the Student Union service office. If you have any questions concerning how to fill out the Declaration of Candidacy or any other documents, do not hesitate to contact the proxy of your electoral coalition or the Student Union staff. In fact, if you have any questions at all concerning the election in general, you can come visit the Student Union service office or send email to the staff.
What is a council group?
The Representative Council has 30 members. A majority of the members belong in a council group. Groups are usually formed by people with a common cause, such as a field of study or a political stance.
Who can create an electoral coalition?
Any VYY member can create an electoral coalition.
Why should I vote in the election?
Because the Student Union decision making is all about you! It is important that members use their right to vote because that is how we make the Student Union do the things that you and other members want it to do. The Representative Council election of 2017 it was also the first time you can vote online, so even if you are not on campus or even in Vaasa during the election days you can still use your vote!
Follow the VYY social media channels and website, and stay informed of the election process in autumn 2023!
Positions of trust
The Student Union is a democratic organization and every other year its members elect its highest decision-making body, the Representative Council. For more information, see the Representative Council Election section below.
The Representative Council chooses the Executive Board for each calendar year. The application period for the board is opened each autumn.
In accordance with the University Act, students have representation in the university decision-making bodies. The administration student representatives (also referred to as HallOpEds) in the administrations of the University, VOAS and FSHS are elected every other year. We also occasionally have application periods for administration student representative positions mid-term, as student representatives are relieved of their duties for instance due to graduation.
You can join the committees without an application process by simply attending the meetings, which are open to all students. Information about the meetings is announced through the VYY communication channels.
All VYY members are welcome to all our events. Check out the events section for more information.
If you have any questions, ideas or feedback regarding the Student Union or its activities, please do not hesitate to contact members of the Representative Council, VYY Board members or Student Union staff!
More information about the institutions and student organizations:
Representative council
Executive board
Administration student representatives
Committees
Student Organizations within VYY