The Student Union of the University of Lapland met with the rector of the University of Lapland Antti Syväjärvi on Friday 23.10.2020 to discuss about equality and the students’ position as a decision maker in the University of Lapland. LYY brought up the need for this discussion beforehand by making a statement to the University’s administration.

A Comment from The Chair of the Executive Board Esa-Pekka Tuppi: “This discussion confirmed that the University and the Student Union are working towards the same goal. It is important that us students have the necessary channels through which we can have the discussions and make an impact.”

The discussion was positive and thorough on how the University could improve its stance on equality and how the community can be involved in this work. In the meeting both parties agreed about the need for a new equality report to be held at the University. The report would also be used as a base for the next University of Lapland’s Equality and Equal Opportunities Plan. The previous equality report is from 2016.

Rector of the University of Lapland, Antti Syväjärvi Comments: “The University will continue to improve equality in various ways and sees this as a common task for all. An important issue that must be reflected in the daily life of our community and, for example, in the administration system that will be updated in due time.”

In the meeting Syväjärvi proposed a new administrative system and how it is forming. It was unanimously agreed that the community’s voice needs to be strongly heard in the decision-making process at the University. Discussions about establishing a stronger place for the Student Union and the students’ role in the University will be continuing.

Antti Eteläaho, Adviser of Educational and Social Affairs, says: “We trust that after this meeting our wishes about developing the administrative system have been heard and made known to the rector and that in due time changes will be made. This is a good place to keep working on this together.”

The Student Union of the University of Lapland continues its work on upholding the sense of community in the University of Lapland.

For more information contact:
Esa-Pekka Tuppi, The Chair of the Executive Board, puheenjohtaja(at)lyy.fi
Antti Eteläaho, Adviser of Educational and Social Affairs, edunvalvonta(at)lyy.fi