THE CHAIR OF THE STUDENT UNION LEADS THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

THE CHAIR OF THE STUDENT UNION LEADS THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

WHO ARE YOU?

My name is Jussi Nuortimo, and I act as the chair of the Student Union and thus also as the chair of the Representative Council. The chair does not take part in the council’s decision-making processes, they only act as a sort of collective force. My most important duty is to facilitate and support the decision-making processes.

WHY ARE THE OPERATIONS OF THE STUDENT UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL IMPORTANT TO ALL STUDENTS?

The Student Union’s operations constitute students’ self-governance. In Finland, students are in a position of privilege: we are able to govern our own status to quite a large extent outside the municipal and state structures. Students genuinely have power in society and at the University. The Student Union works to build a better tomorrow, and the Representative Council has a really central role in this.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE IN THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS?

Voting is always worth it in all elections. You do not lose anything by voting. And in the Representative Council elections, even a single vote can have a lot of influence on what kind of organisation HYY is, what issues are emphasised when influencing the University and the city and what is done with HYY’s assets.

WHAT CAN YOU GET OUT OF ACTING IN THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL? WHY SHOULD YOU RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN THE ELECTIONS?

At least personally, I have got so much out of it! Acting in the Student Union, you learn about themes such as politics, decision-making, money, the market economy, corporate activities and negotiation, with its agreements and disagreements. If you are at all interested in decision-making and our common issues, you should become a candidate. You will also form lasting friendships through the activities, which is at least as valuable an aspect to it, if not more so.

WHAT KIND OF GREETINGS DO YOU WISH TO SEND TO NEW FRESHERS?

As freshers, your position is truly enviable. When I got my own letter of acceptance to the University, I had no idea what to expect, but I saw a long road with interesting scenery opening up in front of me – and I was right! You can get very surprising things out of your studies, and you should enjoy that time of your life for as long as it feels good. Many of you probably have one of the best periods of your life in front of you – enjoy it!