The application period for OYY’s Board is now open – apply by 30.11. to be a member of the board
Application period for the OYY Board for 2027 is now open. The application period for the position of Chair of the Board is October 19–November 11, and for Board members, the application period is October 19–November 30. In this article, we focus on working as a Board member. To see more info about working as the Chair of the Board, please visit this article.
The OYY Board offers a wide variety of roles, guided not only by the action plan approved by the Student Council but also by the interests and skills of its members.
The Student Union Board is a working board, with weekly meetings and discussions forming the core of its activities. Board members work at the Student Union office several days a week. While it is possible to pursue studies during the board term, the role requires commitment to weekly work at the office. Internal meetings are held during office hours, but representative duties, events, and stakeholder communications may also take place in the evenings and on weekends. Board members receive a monthly compensation.
In addition to collaborative work, each board member is responsible for a specific sector, which they develop throughout the year in cooperation with experts. Responsibilities may also include acting as a kummi for student organisations or leading a project from the action plan.
The most frequently recurring annual responsibilities are set out below. When applying, you can mention in the application if you’re particularly interested in one or more areas. However, roles will be assigned only after the board is elected, during the organisational meeting. Every year is different, and board roles may vary slightly.
The board member responsible for events works closely with the Event Producer. The highlight of the year is the opening event Hurmos, which requires preparation throughout the year and peaks in early autumn. The board member responsible for events also organises smaller events and collaborates with student organisations.
The board member responsible for academic affairs and the board member responsible for social affairs work in the advocacy section alongside the education and social policy specialists. The board member responsible for academic affairs collaborates with organisation representatives and helps find solutions to study-related issues. The board member responsible for social affairs student wellbeing through themes such as equality, community, and local advocacy.
The board member responsible for international affairs works with the Community Specialist and cooperates extensively with the university and international partners. The international sector covers matters related to incoming exchange and degree students, as well as supporting Finnish students in internationalisation. It’s a versatile mix of advocacy, organisational cooperation, and events.
The board member responsible for communications gets to explore all sectors and support others in their communications. This role involves working closely with the Communications Specialist, as well as other specialists and board members. The communications sector includes planning and producing content for the Student Union’s channels about services, events, and everyday life.
The board member responsible for the societies naturally works with student organisations within the Student Union’s sphere, focusing on collaboration, guidance, and events targeted at organisations. This role involves close cooperation with the Community Specialist.
How to apply
OYY operates bilingually, so proficiency in both Finnish and English is considered an asset. However, you are welcome to apply if you only speak English! Previous experience in student organisations, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are also beneficial. All members of OYY are eligible to apply.
Send your informal application and CV as a PDF to hakemukset@oyy.fi by 30 November 23:59.
All applicants will introduce themselves to the Student Council at their meeting. If possible, attend the meeting in person. If you’re unable to join, you can submit your introduction as a video or in writing. More information about the Student Council meeting will be published later.
For more information about the application process or board responsibilities, feel free to contact Chair of the Board Jonne Haapala (hpj@oyy.fi) or Secretary General Eetu Leinonen (paasihteeri@oyy.fi).