The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä is concerned about the communications regarding the healthcare fee for higher level educational students.
The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä thinks that information regarding Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) fee has not reached students as promised. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, has not sent students message in its e-service, contrary to what is stated in Kela’s press release. Some students have, however, received a traditional letter on subject.
As of 1st of January 2021 the administrative responsibility of FSHS changed from the Student Unions to Kela. This means student now need to make the health care payment directly to Kela. The payment for spring term is due 31st of January.
Kela has not communicated the change to students through official channels, but the responsibility for communication has been transferred to universities and student unions. Kela has communicated matter in social media, among other things.
Communicating change needs to be consistent and reach students
Kela should use official channels in its communication and ensure that all students are reached. Outsourcing communication to universities and student unions makes it impossible to reach all students equally.
Social media is a good communication channel but relying too much on social media is problematic from equality perspective. Kela’s student communications should not primarily depend on social media, universities and student associations. Kela should make use of their e-service in order to reach as many students as possible.
More information
Petri Laaksonen
hpj@jyy.fi
Chair of the Student Union