Descriptions of the Teams
Advocacy and Sustainability Team
The Advocacy and Sustainability Team consists of the Specialist in Academic Affairs, Specialist in Social Affairs, Specialist in International Affairs, and 2–3 members of the Executive Board. The team is responsible for:
Academic Affairs, including study and degree matters, teaching and its development, students’ legal protection, and student representation in university administration. The team also monitors national and international developments concerning higher education, such as discussions on tuition fees, university funding, and the role of universities of applied sciences in the education system.
Social Affairs, including matters related to students’ health, housing, livelihood, and well-being. The team follows national discussions on topics such as the student financial aid system, student housing production, and students’ mental health. In addition, it promotes equality, accessibility, and non-discrimination, highlights the diversity of students, and is responsible for tutor training.
International Affairs, covering multiculturalism, student exchange, and intercultural encounters. The team trains international tutors and monitors decision-making concerning international students both at the university and beyond Finland’s borders.
Municipal Affairs, including communication with the City of Turku’s decision-makers and officials and participation in the municipal policy cooperation of all university students in Turku through Group 40,000. The team promotes students’ interests in a city where a significant proportion of residents are higher education students.
Sustainability, including both TYY’s internal environmental work and cooperation with stakeholders on environmental matters. Responsibilities include providing environmental training for the office and member organisations, cooperating with the University, and supporting the Environmental Wing. The team also participates in Development Cooperation Wing meetings, oversees the 0.7% campaign, and contributes to the implementation of Sustainable Development Week.
Student Culture and Visibility Team
The Student Culture and Visibility Team consists of the Event Producer, Communications Specialist, Student Coordinator for Satakunta, and 2–3 members of the Executive Board. The team is responsible for:
Student Culture, including cultural advocacy and organising the traditions of the Student Union. TYY’s long-standing traditions include May Day events, Porthan’s Day, the Annual Ball, and the Independence Day Torchlight Procession.
Communications, including the development of TYY’s communications and matters related to the visibility of the Student Union.
Corporate Collaboration, including acquiring partnership agreements and membership benefits and implementing existing agreements.
Satakunta Campuses, ensuring that TYY takes the students of both Rauma and Pori into account in all of its activities.
Organisations and Membership Services Team
The Organisations and Membership Services Team consists of the Specialist in Student Organisations and Membership Services Coordinator, a part-time Facilities Assistant, and 1–2 members of the Executive Board. The team is responsible for:
Organisation Services, including improving the operating conditions of member organisations by arranging training sessions, informing organisations about TYY’s services, and helping solve challenges faced by organisations. The team also communicates about TYY’s organisations and the recreational opportunities they offer to members.
Membership Services, including the Student Union’s rentable facilities and equipment, as well as matters related to membership and student cards. The Membership Services Coordinator works at TYY’s service desk and manages student cards, TYY merchandise, and other service desk services during opening hours.
Volunteer Affairs, including cooperation between TYY’s volunteer groups, such as the Wings and Kinokopla, and the Executive Board. The team attends the groups’ meetings and supports the development of their activities.
Management and Support Services Team
The team consists of the Secretary General, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board and the Financial Secretary.
The Management and Support Services Team is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the Student Union run smoothly for both staff and the Executive Board. The team coordinates and supports the Student Union’s activities and ensures that decision-making and practical operations form a coherent whole. It is also responsible for ensuring that decisions are implemented effectively and that cooperation between different actors functions smoothly.