Student representatives in university administration are appointed by the Students’ Union to serve on the university’s governing bodies. In addition to representing themselves, they represent the entire Students’ Union. Any university student may apply through the open application process. Student representatives are full members of their respective bodies and have a genuine opportunity to influence the future of education and research at the university. Applicants are expected to commit to serving for the entire term of office.

Applications for the University of Lapland Student Representative Positions for 2026 are submitted through this form. The application period is currently open and closes on 18 September at 12:00 noon. If you are applying to more than one institution, please fill out the form again for each position. Late applications will not be considered. Selections will be made by the Representative Council during the autumn based on a proposal from the Selection Committee. If you wish to apply for more than one position, you must submit a separate application form for each position.

The scoring criteria used by the Selection Committee can be found here.

For positions currently open, the term of office begins next year.

University of Lapland Board

The University Board is responsible for, among other things, deciding on the university’s strategic direction and overseeing the university’s financial guidelines. The board is negotiating agreements with the Ministry of Education and Culture, including matters related to educational responsibilities and deciding student intake numbers. Also, they award honorary titles of professor and approve the university’s governing regulations and rules.

“The University Council has decided that, effective January 1, 2027, the term of office for student members of the University Board will be changed to two years; however, the term of office for the second student member joining the Board on January 1, 2027, will be limited to one year.”

Applications for regular student members of the University Board are being accepted as follows, with no alternate members:

• The term of office for the first student member is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027.
• The term of office for the second student member is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028.

Faculty Councils

Each faculty (Education, Law, Art and Design, and Social Sciences) has a Faculty Council. A Faculty Council consists of 9 to 12 members and an equal number of deputy members. Professors, other staff members, and students are represented on the council. Faculty Councils are responsible for strategic planning within the faculty and preparing proposals for the faculty budget. The Councils makes proposals to the University Board on student intake numbers for academic disciplines.

The office term for student members is one year (1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027).

Each Faculty Council seeks six student representatives: three full members and three deputy members.

More information can be found on the website of the respective faculty.

Appeals Board

The Appeals Board handles matters concerning loss of study rights and assessment of completed studies. The board recognizes prior learning and competencies acquired elsewhere. The Board consists of a Chair, a Vice Chair, four additional members, and an equal number of deputy members.

Th Appeals Board’s chair must be a professor from the Faculty of Law and vice-chair must also be a professor. In addition, there are two members and deputy members or teaching staff and students.

The student representatives serve a two-year term (1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028). The Board seeks two full student members and two deputy student members.

University of Lapland Teacher Training School Board

The Board consists of a Chair, nine additional members, and their personal deputy members. The Faculty of Education is represented by The Dean (with the Vice-Dean as deputy), a representative appointed by the Faculty Council and one class teacher education student and their deputy.

The Board’s responsibilities include monitoring, developing, and supporting educational activities. It is also supporting research, experimentation, and development work.  They facilitate teacher education and continuing education and promote cooperation between the Faculty of Education and the Teacher Training School. Also, the board promotes cooperation and communication between the school and municipal education authorities.

The Board also reviews the budget and performance agreement and the annual report. They confirm the curriculum, distribution of teaching hours, school rules, and annual work plan and decide on working periods and holiday schedules.

The term of office is one year (1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027).

The Board seeks two student representatives, one full member and one deputy member.

Please note: In accordance with the Teacher Training School regulations, only students of class teacher education are eligible to apply.

Domus Arctica Foundation Board

The Domus Arctica Foundation provides students with safe, comfortable, and affordable housing suited to different life situations. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is responsible for the Foundation’s administration and for ensuring that its operations are organized appropriately to fulfill its purpose. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the supervision of the foundation’s accounting and financial management is properly organized. The Board of the Domus Arctica Foundation also decides on the housing foundation’s strategic guidelines. The Board must manage the foundation’s affairs in accordance with the law and the foundation’s bylaws. The Board represents the foundation.

The student member of the Board serves a one-year term.

The Foundation Board is seeking one student member.

Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS/YTHS) Delegation

The Delegation consists of at least 24 and at most 30 members, appointed for two calendar years at a time. The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) appoints nine representatives, seven of whom are nominated by member student unions within the Foundation’s operating area. Representatives are selected by lottery while observing gender quotas.

The Delegation meets at least twice per year. Matters considered include annual reports, financial statements and budget and action plans. They also elect the Delegation’s Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. Election of certain members and, where necessary, the Chair, Vice Chair, and other members of the Board.

The Students’ Union of the University of Lapland (LYY) submits nominations to SYL. If selected, the term of office is two years (1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028).

The Delegation seeks one deputy member.

Please also see the LYY Regulations on Student Representatives in University Administration.

The working in these positions may require good Finnish skills.

Further Information

Krista Ulkuniemi

Adviser of Social and Educational Affairs

edunvalvonta@lyy.fi

+358 45 138 4190