|
20 ECONOMIC AUTONOMY OF STUDENT UNIONS
After the Great Fire of Turku in 1828 the Royal Academy
– the only university-level institution in Finland at that
time
– was moved to Helsinki. Along with the new statutes, the academy changed its name and became the
Imperial Alexander University of Finland.
In its first academic year the university had approximately 340 students, but by the 1870s this number was
closer to a thousand. The basis of the Students’ Association that originated in Turku maintained its form in
Helsinki, albeit in a slightly modified fashion. In the early years the students convened at the university or in
teachers’ homes, but a wish for a “free atmosphere” led them to start holding their meetings in rented premises.
Increasing rent costs then gave birth to the idea of a house that would be owned by the students themselves.
In its first meeting the student body, i.e. the Student Union, decided to build a student house. This would be
financed partly by donated and collected money and partly by loans. The Student House (today known as the
Old Student House) opened its doors on 26 November 1870. The students showed their ability to work as a
team and their spirit of unity by first acquiring the piece of land needed for the building and then successfully
completing the construction work. The Student Union, which was allowed complete freedom of assembly in 1880
and was now able to convene in its own building, developed into an organisation that united students
representing different students’ associations.
The income gathered from rent payments was first spent on the building and furnishing of the house, while
later on it covered the maintenance of the building. When there was a need for larger-scale repairs or
construction the Student Union took out loans against the property. The New Student House, which included
business premises and offices that could be rented out, was built to meet the needs of the increasing number of
students. The Student Union built its first business property in the 1950s, at which time it also successfully
began its business activities.
The autonomous position of the Student Union, later known as the Student Union of Finland, and since 1927
as the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), has always been defined by an act or decree. The
leadership of the university has supervised the HYY’s expediency but has not otherwise interfered in its activities.
For a long period of time decisions concerning the HYY were made in public student meetings, but in 1932 this
was transferred to an elected representative council. Officials, who were answerable to the HYY membership,
were hired to take care of the union’s essential administration.
The Universities Act defines the pu
rpose of a student union as follows: “The purpose of the student union
shall be to act as a liaison for its members and to promote their societal, social and intellectual aspirations and
their aspirations regarding studies and students’ status in society.”
This definition is clear but fairly broad. The autonomous, activity-oriented HYY defines and renews its current
and concrete tasks on a regular basis, either through the Representative Council or the Executive Board. The
Representative Council set out the tasks of the HYY in its strategic plan on 27 April 2005 as follows:
•
to unite all the students on the campuses and students’ associations in such a way that each student feels that
they belong to one united body of university students;
•
to provide its members with services that make student life easier;
•
to ensure that the organisations related to HYY have the means to function properly and to support the activities
of the student body in a sustainable manner;
• to lobby on behalf of the students in the university administration,
develop the university in
cooperation with other groups within the
university, and work for the benefit of the whole university;
•
to influence decision-
makers and public opinion in such a way that students’ interests are promoted in the fields
and forums that HYY considers important;
•
to cooperate with other student organisations on a national level, representing students’ interests;
•
to help develop society in a proactive and responsible way, according to the values and thinking of the university
students; and
•
to produce academic professionals who are aware as well as critical thinkers.
HYY manages its finances based on long-term planning and a responsible attitude. This work is built on
gradually acquired and well-maintained property, as well as business activities that have been developed in
small stages. HYY’s tireless work has provided its members – the students – with a variety of services and
benefits. As an autonomous association, it can independently decide what it wants to do with its assets and the
profit from its business activities.
Linnea Meder
– former financial director,
Student Union of the University of Helsinki
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |
