The City of Jyväskylä and the University of Jyväskylä will launch a study to explore the changes in the ownership base of the Jamk University of Applied Sciences when the City Council decided to approve the letter of intent at its meeting on 17 March. The University’s Board decided accordingly at its meeting on 14 February. JYY and JAMKO want to give the students’ views to the study and consider the possible higher education group to be important for the vitality of Jyväskylä and Central Finland.
In this arrangement the University of Jyväskylä would become the owner of the Jamk University of Applied Sciences with a gradually increasing share. From the students’ point of view, the change of ownership offers opportunities, for example in terms of cross-institutional studies and support services. However, JYY and JAMKO wish to emphasise that possible deeper cooperation must not lead to a weakening of student services and that sufficient personnel resources must be maintained, even if the forms of service provision change.
“Student services are an essential part of students’ daily lives and the support network they need. Possible changes must therefore be viewed from a student-centered perspective,” says Otso Miettunen, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of JAMK University of Applied Sciences.
For JYY and JAMKO, it is important that the development of the higher education group takes place in peace and with sufficient resources. The process should take into account the strengths of both the university and the university of applied sciences, and both should be developed as equal and independent organisations. It is essential for the success of the changes that students and staff from both universities are closely involved in the cooperation from the very beginning of the study.
“The students have a lot to contribute to the study, and the expertise of the student organisations is needed for its success,” says Venla Suosalo, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä.
Possible decisions based on the preparatory work to be carried out starting now are expected at the end of year. In accordance with the law, the basic tasks of higher education institutions will remain the same regardless of the possible higher education group. JYY and JAMKO are working together for better higher education for students.
More information:
Otso Miettunen
Chair of the Board, JAMKO
puheenjohtaja@jamko.fi
+358 44 3211 500
Venla Suosalo
Chair of the Board, JYY
hpj@jyy.fi
+358 45 137 1964