Student Representatives

Students’ viewpoints and opinions should be seen and heard at the University. Students’ perspectives can be forgotten in decision-making if the students are not there to tell about it. A student representative in administration is part of the representative democracy at the University and represents themselves and their fellow students in the University’s decision-making.

Finnish universities are based on the idea of an academic community, which is formed by the professors, the university staff and the students. These three groups representatively lead the university in different positioning elements. This way it is ensured that the academic community is using all of its know-how in decision-making.

As a student representative in administration, you get to familiarize yourself with the management of a large scientific institution. The task is intriguing and involving responsibility. In addition to meeting and negotiation skills, as a student representative in administration you can learn of different administrative matters and for example about quality management, personnel matters and development of teaching. The task also allows to broaden your own understanding of students’ rights. Meeting fee is also paid to the student representatives participating in the meetings.

Administrative bodies of the University

The student representative’s task is to represent all students affected by the decisions made by the body. Below you will find general descriptions of the tasks of each body. Further information in in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations.

University Board

The University Board is the highest decision-making body at the university. The university board’s tasks include deciding on the key objectives for the university’s operations and finances, as well as the number of students to be admitted to the university. The board also appoints the university rector.

University Collegium

The University Collegium decides, among other things, on the number of members of the University Board, their term of office, and their remuneration. In addition, the University Collegium appoints members from outside the university community to the University Board and approves the university’s financial statements.

Faculty Councils

The University of Jyväskylä has six faculties, whose highest decision-making authority is exercised by the faculty councils. Their tasks include steering the faculty’s activities and finances and developing education. In addition, the faculty council decides on the faculty’s curricula and makes proposals on the number of new students to be admitted to the faculty.

Boards of Independent Institutes and Services

The tasks of the board of independent institutions include evaluating and developing the institution’s activities. In addition, the board approves the institution’s operating and financial plan and makes a proposal for the appointment of the institution’s director. The following independent institutions have student representation on their boards:

The Appeal Committee of the University of Jyväskylä

The Appeals Committee is responsible for handling students’ appeals in accordance with the university’s degree regulations. Appeals may relate to matters such as student selection or the assessment of theses or coursework.

FORTHEM Student Council

The University of Jyväskylä is a member of the European FORTHEM university alliance. Its goal is to create cooperation between the universities belonging to the alliance in the fields of education, research, and social interaction. The FORTHEM Student Council is a representative body composed of students, whose task is to make the students’ voices heard in the university alliance.