SUPPLEMENTARY CALL FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VAASA

The Student Union of the University of Vaasa is seeking student representatives for the current term of office, 1 January 2026–31 December 2027.

We are seeking:

• One (1) deputy member for the University Collegium
• One (1) deputy member for the Management Group of the School of Marketing and Communication
• ​One (1) deputy member for the Management Group of the School of Technology and Innovation

University Collegium

The University Collegium is a decision-making body of the University of Vaasa, composed equally of representatives of professors, other staff, and students. Among other things, the University Collegium decides on:

• The composition and size of the University Board​
• Confirming the university's financial statements and annual report
• Granting discharge from liability to the Rector and the University Board

School management groups

The school management groups at the University of Vaasa are multi-member administrative bodies that make decisions regarding the affairs of their respective schools. The management group of a school includes representatives from the teaching staff, students, and other personnel. As a member of a steering group, you get to influence the operations of your academic unit and ensure the student voice is heard.

Each School has its own management group, and according to the regulations of the University of Vaasa, their duties include, among other things:

• Monitoring the quality of operations in the school and making initiatives for development;
• Discussing and, at their discretion, issuing statements on the school's action plan, budget, and staffing plan;
• Discussing and, at their discretion, issuing statements on the admission criteria for students in degree programs under the school's responsibility, as well as the intake quota of students to be admitted to the school;
• ​Discussing and, at their discretion, issuing statements on the structures and curricula of the degree programs under the school's responsibility.

When selecting student representatives for the school management group, only students who hold a valid right to complete a degree in the school in question are eligible to apply.

What is expected of a student representative?

To be eligible as a student representative, you must be a member of the student union and enrolled as a present student at the university.

Applicants are preferred to have knowledge of the university, previous experience as a student representative in administration, or other forms of university involvement, as well as experience in organizational activities, particularly within student organizations. The application should demonstrate motivation and commitment to the role of a student representative. The selection of student representatives is handled by the Student Union's selection committee for student representatives, and the final decision is made by the Student Union's Representative Council.

Student representatives are expected to be proactive and maintain close communication with the student union.

What are the benefits of being a student representative?

Serving as a student representative offers several benefits, including:

• Earning ECTS credits for the role (1-10 credits);
• Gaining an understanding of university operations, its societal role, and its procedures;
• Building networks within the academic community;
• ​Receiving training on university functions

How do I apply to become a student representative?

Applications for student representative positions must be submitted via this form by 8.9. You can apply for multiple bodies using the same application. After the application period, applicants may be asked to supplement their application and/or attend an interview. Possible interview dates will be arranged with the applicant after the application period has ended.

For more information:

Elli Uusi-Kokko
Advocacy Specialist
044 324 8961  
eva@vyy.fi

The National Union of University Students in Finland SYL is a student organization that represents approximately 150 000 students. Apply to be VYY’s candidate for the SYL Board 2027!

The SYL Board for 2027 is elected in the General Assembly on 13–14 November 2026. The Board consists of six members and the Chair. VYY’s delegates, or General Assembly representatives chosen by the Student Union, vote for board members at the General Assembly. 

Working in the board is full-time and requires residence in the capital region. Board members get a monthly compensation. Knowledge in Finnish is not required to work in the board, but understanding Finnish is an advantage. 

Important dates for interested applicants

• VYY’s Representative Council meeting 15 September at 4.15 pm.
• Short introduction of interested candidates at SYL’s autumn seminar 17–18 September.
• Candidates will introduce themselves on SYL’s Instagram story during October.
• Candidates’ written presentations are published on SYL’s website 3 November.
• A livestream candidates’ panel will be held during the week of the General Assembly.
• Election of the Board at the General Assembly 13–14 November.

If you are interested in applying for the SYL Board as VYY’s candidate, send a motivation letter or application to kirjaamo@vyy.fi or express your interest in the first Representative Council meeting of this fall on 15 September.

For more information about the application process and working in the SYL board, please ask VYY’s Secretary General Lauri Tuohiniemi via e-mail paasihteeri@vyy.fi. 

You can read more about SYL on the union’s website.

The Finnish Student Sports Federation OLL was founded in 1924. It is the national organization advocating for and organizing student sports.

The OLL Board for 2027 will be elected in the General Assembly on 4–5 November 2026. This year, the Board consists of the President, two Vice-Presidents, and two board members.

If you are interested in becoming VYY’s candidate for the OLL Board, you can send a motivation letter or application to kirjaamo@vyy.fi or express your interest in the first Representative Council meeting of this fall on 15 September at 4.15 pm. Council members may interview candidates.

For more information about the application process and about working in the OLL Board, please contact VYY’s Secretary General Lauri Tuohiniemi at paasihteeri@vyy.fi.  

You can find out more about the OLL Board on their website.

VYY-Alumni ry is the alumni association for the Student Union of the University of Vaasa. The association’s aim is to unite VYY actors from all time periods.

VYY-Alumni organizes annual events, company visits, and afterwork events that unite current and future alumni. The association was founded on 15 February 2013. It works in close cooperation with the student union and strives to support the student union through its network.

You are eligible to become a full member if you have actively worked for the benefit of the Student Union of the University of Vaasa. Any legal person who has advanced the Student Union’s aims can join as a supporting member.

The annual fee for individuals is 20 €/year or 100 €/lifetime membership. The supporting membership fee is 200 €/year.

You can join VYY-Alumni ry by filling out the membership application form and by paying the membership fee to the association’s bank account. As a member, you also support the Student Union through the alumnus association.