Student Representatives
Xamk has about 30 working groups with student representatives. Student Union Kaakko selects a student representative for each group, who acts as an equal member of the group. Student representatives are elected in the autumn, and their terms of office usually last for the calendar year. If necessary, there will also be a call for replacements.
The role of student representatives is to make students’ views heard and to represent all students in the decision-making process of the university of applied sciences. They are the voice of the students and the main channel for communicating directly with Xamk’s decision-makers.
Being a student representative
Xamk has 1-2 student representatives in its working groups, who act as full members of the working group, just like staff members. In addition to themselves, the student representatives represent all students in the decision-making process of the UAS. The student representatives are supported by the Kaakko advocacy team throughout their term of office.
Before meetings, student representatives must familiarize themselves with the meeting materials, and after the meetings, they must prepare a brief report to inform other student representatives about the discussed topics. Student representatives are expected to commit to the group’s activities for the entire calendar year.
Student Representatives
33
Number of working groups
The Student Union of Kaakko collaborates closely with the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, which is evident in its strong representation in various working groups.
60+
Number of student representatives
Student Union Kaako has more than 60 student representatives in various bodies and working groups.
“For me, the closest student representative is a student-elected member of the UAS Board. Six of the board members are from the owner cities, one is elected by the students and one is elected by the staff. This is also the structure required by law, and the law is not enacted in vain. An informed, objective and influential student can, in many cases, improve the decision-making process of the Board with his or her own input – after all, compared to most of the members, he or she is familiar with the everyday life of our UAS community and its largest group, the students. It is impossible for a full-time outside person to have the same level of understanding and expertise.”
Heikki Saastamoinen
Rector/CEO