BULLETIN
7.11.2016
For immediate publication
The Council of the Aalto University Student Union (AYY) elected the former of the Board and the Chair of the Council for the 2017 year in its meeting on Friday, 4.11.
Joona Orpana, a fourth-year accounting student, was elected the former of the Board. This year, Orpana has worked on the Board of AYY with responsibilities including housing issues, planning of the student centre and the direction of the Student Union strategy work. Previously, he has served actively amongst the Aalto University economics students in roles including the college and cultural committees.
”The selection as the former brings with it one of the most challenging tasks that I’ve ever set out on – it’s just great! Under my lead, the Board of the Student Union would aim for large but realistic objectives. We have a lot to do, for example to change images, so that everyone will be able to feel that the Student Union is theirs,” ponders Orpana. ”I need enthusiastic Board members to help me, who solve problems by different methods, in a relaxed but serious way. Apply to join! I guarantee that this challenge will reward everyone who approaches it without fear.”
The former of the Board will make a proposal regarding the Board of the Student Union for next year to the Council, who will select the new Board in their meeting on Thursday, 24.11.2016.
Ilkka Särkiö, a student of operations research, was elected the Chair of the Council. This year, he has been responsible for corporate cooperation and association matters on the board of AYY.
”Next year, I’ll develop the possibilities of the Council to have influence together with the people of the Council and the central office, as well as making sure that the voting percentage of the Council elections rises. The flow of information between the Council and the Board and different forms of operation also need looking at, and indeed we’ll try out new communications channels, for example, as well as committee work and question sessions between the Council and the Board,” promises Särkiö. ”As the Chair, I’ll make sure that the various voices of our community are heard equally when discussing Aalto identity, the AYY brand or the student centre, for example. I know that through good cooperation, we’ll get even more out of this community next year.”
AYY, the Student Union of Aalto University, is a service and advocacy organisation of around 15,000 students of Aalto University. AYY acts as the advocate of the interests of its members particularly in education policy and study social matters. The Council is AYY’s highest decision-making body, which selects the Board of the Student Union and decides on the budget, amongst other things.
Further information:
Joona Orpana, the former of the Board 2017, joona.orpana@ayy.fi, 040 755 9071
Ilkka Särkiö, the Chair of the Council 2017, ilkka.sarkio@ayy.fi, 050 520 9424
General Secretary Niko Ferm, niko.ferm@ayy.fi, 050 520 9415