Advocacy

Everyday Life of Students

Important themes in the social policy work of Aalto University Student Union include well-being, health, subsistence, housing and exercise.

AYY’s social policy advocacy includes participation in the work of the University’s Student Financial Aid Board, influencing the activities of the Finnish Student Health Service FSHS in the Helsinki metropolitan area, developing student housing and influencing the improvement of sports services.

On a national level, advocacy work is carried out in cooperation with, for example, the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and the Finnish Student Sports Federation (OLL).

Development of Teaching

The focus of education policy advocacy is on developing the quality and appreciation of teaching and presenting the perspective of students at Aalto. The aim is to increase interaction between students and staff, and to make sure that the entire academic community is working towards a common goal.

In addition to AYY, advocacy work is carried out by the student representatives in administration and several associations within the Student Union, such as the associations of different schools and the guilds of technical students.

Internationalisation

The goal of the Student Union is that Aalto offers its students diverse, effective and rewarding opportunities for internationalisation in Finland and abroad. Aalto is also home to a large number of international students whose interests are overseen by the Student Union. Internationality is not isolated from other activities but concerns all student-related issues.

Who Makes the Decisions?

The Student Union’s advocacy work is guided by the policy paper Policy of the Student Union approved by the Representative Council.

The policy paper defines how Aalto University Student Union views various issues concerning the university and society, such as teaching and course arrangements, the development of the Otaniemi campus, student subsistence and sustainable development.

Numerous student union volunteers are also involved in advocacy work.