kaakko, Author at Opiskelijakunta Kaakko Opiskelijakunta Kaakko on XAMK:n opiskelijoiden edunvalvoja ja olemme tukenasi opiskelumatkasi ajan. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:30:07 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Apply to Become a Student Representative for 2026 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/apply-to-become-a-student-representative-for-2026-2/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:00:36 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18570 Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made. Student representatives are students [...]

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Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made.
Student representatives are students of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and full members of their respective bodies. They attend meetings and express the student perspective on the matters being discussed.
Student representatives ensure that the student voice is heard in issues concerning students. Anyone can become a student representative – including you!
Read more about student representatives and the application process on our website.

Eligibility Requirements

All students enrolled in degree programs at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and registered as present are eligible to apply. The positions require fluent Finnish language skills.
A student representative must remain eligible throughout their term, and no one should be knowingly appointed if they are expected to lose eligibility during the term.
Persons employed full-time by the university of applied sciences are not eligible to serve as student representatives.
Applications must be submitted via the electronic application form within the application period.

Application Period and Process

The application opens on 9 February 2026 at 15:00 and closes on 23 February 2026 at 15:00.
Decisions on the selected representatives will be made at the Representative Council meeting on 5 March 2026.

Applications must be submitted via the application form.

Selection of Student Representatives

The selection of student representatives for the university administration at Xamk is governed by the specific guidelines on the selection of student representatives.

Available Position:

Board of Examiners

(Proficiency in the Finnish language is essential for participation in this management team.)

The responsibilities of the Board of Examiners include handling appeals related to:

  • Assessment of study attainments or decisions on credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
  • Study attainments include study modules, courses, and their components, including theses and internship periods.
  • The format of a course can vary, for example, a lecture course, an online course, a laboratory course, or an exam.
  • Decisions regarding student admission.
  • Decisions regarding the loss of the right to study.
  • The Board of Examiners cannot handle other types of dissatisfaction, such as a student’s dissatisfaction with the content of studies or the guidance provided by a teacher.

More Information

Nelli Kortelainen
President of the Representative Council

nelli.kortelainen(a)opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

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]]> Did you know that the price of your student card will increase starting on February 1, 2026? https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/did-you-know-that-the-price-of-your-student-card-will-increase-starting-on-february-1-2026/ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:14:11 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18545 We have good news for you! You still have time during January to renew your membership or join as a member at the old price. From February 1 onward, prices will increase, so now is a great time to act and renew your membership or become a member! 👉 From this link, you can [...]

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We have good news for you! You still have time during January to renew your membership or join as a member at the old price. From February 1 onward, prices will increase, so now is a great time to act and renew your membership or become a member!

👉 From this link, you can renew your membership or join as a member: https://member.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/

  • As a Kaakko member, you are also warmly welcome to participate in student union activities. Through our activities, you can make an impact and get to know other students. Feel free to ask for more information via social media, the chat on our website, or at the office.
  • You can find study tips and up-to-date information, such as our office opening hours, on our social media @opkukaakko – make sure to follow us!

Happy studying, and welcome to member 💙

Best regards,
Student Union Kaakko

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]]> Student Union Kaakko informs! https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/student-union-kaakko-informs/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:31:48 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18523 Regarding accessibility, we would like to inform you about the student union’s current staff shortage. Due to limited resources, the student union’s chat is temporarily closed, and offices may be exceptionally closed. As a result of the staff shortage, the processing of student card applications is taking longer than usual. However, all applications are [...]

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Regarding accessibility, we would like to inform you about the student union’s current staff shortage. Due to limited resources, the student union’s chat is temporarily closed, and offices may be exceptionally closed.

As a result of the staff shortage, the processing of student card applications is taking longer than usual. However, all applications are processed in the order they are received. There may also be delays in the delivery of plastic student cards to campuses, and the delivery time may take up to four weeks. If the card has been ordered by post, it will be mailed as usual once the cards arrive.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause and thank you for your patience.

For questions, please contact the Chair of the Student Union:
Nelli Kortelainen
+358 44 210 5100
nelli.kortelainen@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

For urgent matters related to student cards, please contact the Advocacy Specialist:
Anna Päivike
+358 50 591 6640
anna.paivike@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
toimisto@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

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]]> Student Card Orders for New Students – January 2026 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/student-card-orders-for-new-students-january-2026/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:25:50 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18504 Student Card Orders for Incoming Students Attention to those who have ordered or are planning to order a student card. Student card orders for students starting in January 2026 are currently on hold because the university’s system does not yet have their attendance information. This is completely normal for students starting in January 2026, [...]

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Student Card Orders for Incoming Students

Attention to those who have ordered or are planning to order a student card. Student card orders for students starting in January 2026 are currently on hold because the university’s system does not yet have their attendance information. This is completely normal for students starting in January 2026, and new members will begin to be approved no later than early January once attendance data becomes available.
After membership approval, the student will gain access to a mobile student card via Slice and/or Pivo. Printing a physical card takes a few weeks.

How do I order a student card?

You can order a student card from Kaakko’s website. Student cards are divided into two categories: degree students and open UAS students.

Degree Student and Master’s Degree Student (YAMK)

By joining Kaakko, a degree student is entitled to VR and Matkahuolto student discounts, Kela-subsidized meals, and thousands of student discounts across Finland. The student automatically receives a mobile student card (Slice and/or Pivo). A physical student card can be ordered for an additional fee. The physical card is usually delivered to the student union office, where the student can pick it up. If desired, the student can pay an extra postage fee to have the card delivered directly to their home address.

Order a degree student card here: ORDER HERE

Open UAS Student

By joining Kaakko, an open UAS student gains access to thousands of student discounts across Finland. Unlike the degree student card, the open UAS card does not provide VR/Matkahuolto discounts or Kela meal subsidies. The student automatically receives a mobile student card (Slice and/or Pivo). A physical student card can be ordered for an additional fee. The physical card is usually delivered to the student union office, where the student can pick it up. If desired, the student can pay an extra postage fee to have the card delivered directly to their home address.

Order an open UAS student card here: ORDER HERE

Where can I find my student number?

You can find your student number in Peppi (see image). For students starting in 2026, the student number format is “26xxxxx,” where the Xs represent the student’s personal number sequence.

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]]> Representative Council Autumn Meeting – Dec 18, 2025, 17:00 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/representative-council-autumn-meeting-dec-18-2025-1700/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:35:57 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18491 The Autumn Meeting of the Representative Council of Student Union Kaakko will be held on December 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will take place remotely via Teams. The autumn meeting held on 4 December 2025 was not quorate, which is why the meeting was postponed to Thursday, 18 December. The meeting agenda [...]

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The Autumn Meeting of the Representative Council of Student Union Kaakko will be held on December 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will take place remotely via Teams. The autumn meeting held on 4 December 2025 was not quorate, which is why the meeting was postponed to Thursday, 18 December.

The meeting agenda can be found HERE.

You can join the Representative Council meeting HERE.

During the Autumn Meeting, statutory matters will be decided, such as:

  • Budget for 2026
  • Action plan for 2026
  • Election of the auditor for 2026
  • Membership fee for 2026
  • Meeting fees and/or compensation for elected representatives in 2026

If you are a member of Student Union Kaakko, you have the right to speak and attend the meeting, but only members of the Representative Council have voting rights. The meeting will be conducted in Finnish.

Welcome to the meeting!

More information:

Veikko Kotajärvi
Chair of the Representative Council
veikko.kotajarvi@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

Sauli Sarjus
Executive Director
sauli.sarjus@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

The post Representative Council Autumn Meeting – Dec 18, 2025, 17:00 appeared first on Opiskelijakunta Kaakko.

]]> Apply to Become a Student Representative for 2026 – Application Period Extended https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/apply-to-become-a-student-representative-for-2026-application-period-extended/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:34:46 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/?p=18484 Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made. Student representatives are students [...]

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Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made.
Student representatives are students of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and full members of their respective bodies. They attend meetings and express the student perspective on the matters being discussed.
Student representatives ensure that the student voice is heard in issues concerning students. Anyone can become a student representative – including you!
Read more about student representatives and the application process on our website.

Eligibility Requirements

All students enrolled in degree programs at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and registered as present are eligible to apply. The positions require fluent Finnish language skills.
A student representative must remain eligible throughout their term, and no one should be knowingly appointed if they are expected to lose eligibility during the term.
Persons employed full-time by the university of applied sciences are not eligible to serve as student representatives.
Applications must be submitted via the electronic application form within the application period.

Application Period and Process

The application period opens on 5 December 2025 at 11:00 and closes on 16 December 2025 at 18:00.
Decisions on the selected representatives will be made at the council meeting on 18 December 2025.
Applications must be submitted via the application form.

Selection of Student Representatives

The selection of student representatives for the university administration at Xamk is governed by the specific guidelines on the selection of student representatives.

Available Positions

Pedagogical management team

1 regular member
1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

The Pedagogical management team is responsible for developing, planning, and guiding the common processes of teaching activities. The goal is to ensure quality, improve effectiveness, streamline processes and annual planning, and create clear guidelines. The student representative’s role is to bring teaching planning and implementation closer to students and make the planning more student-friendly.

RDI Management Team

1 regular member
1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

The RDI Management Team monitors and develops the results, quality, and impact of Xamk’s research, development, and innovation activities. Topics include decisions related to project applications, received funding decisions, initiating international project preparations, and other strategic and current RDI matters. As educational cooperation in RDI projects has increased, the student perspective is important in these meetings.

Ingenium Student Advisory Board

1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

ISAB acts as a student representative group within INGENIUM. Some ISAB members also serve as student representatives in the alliance’s committees: the Ingenium Alliance Committee (representatives are selected from ISAB members), the INGENIUM Steering Committee (representatives are selected from ISAB members), and the INGENIUM Academic Committee (each university’s ISAB representative has a responsibility to participate every other year, regardless of whether the same person remains an ISAB member). ISAB representatives also review student initiatives for INGENIUM. Additionally, ISAB members foster international student collaboration through projects and activities. ISAB brings together students from different universities to exchange views, convey the student voice in INGENIUM decision-making, and support networking and joint projects. The group promotes student-driven ideas, monitors their progress, and highlights student needs in the strategic development of the alliance.

More Information

Laura Laakso
President of the Board
laura.laakso(a)opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
044 4910 616

Sauli Sarjus
Executive Director
sauli.sarjus(a)opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
050 592 7482

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]]> Representative Council Autumn Meeting – Dec 4, 2025, 17:00 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/representative-council-autumn-meeting-dec-4-2025-1700/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:35:31 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18472 The Autumn Meeting of the Representative Council of Student Union Kaakko will be held on November 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will take place remotely via Teams. The meeting agenda can be found HERE. You can join the Representative Council meeting HERE. During the Autumn Meeting, statutory matters will be decided, such [...]

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The Autumn Meeting of the Representative Council of Student Union Kaakko will be held on November 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will take place remotely via Teams.

The meeting agenda can be found HERE.

You can join the Representative Council meeting HERE.

During the Autumn Meeting, statutory matters will be decided, such as:

  • Budget for 2026
  • Action plan for 2026
  • Election of the auditor for 2026
  • Membership fee for 2026
  • Meeting fees and/or compensation for elected representatives in 2026

If you are a member of Student Union Kaakko, you have the right to speak and attend the meeting, but only members of the Representative Council have voting rights. The meeting will be conducted in Finnish.

Welcome to the meeting!

More information:

Veikko Kotajärvi
Chair of the Representative Council
veikko.kotajarvi@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

Sauli Sarjus
Executive Director
sauli.sarjus@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi

The post Representative Council Autumn Meeting – Dec 4, 2025, 17:00 appeared first on Opiskelijakunta Kaakko.

]]> The Board and the Representative Council Presidium for 2026 Have Been Elected https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/the-board-and-the-representative-council-presidium-for-2026-have-been-elected/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:45:07 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18460 The Representative Council of the Student Union Kaakko convened on Thursday, November 27, 2025. During the meeting, the members of the 2026 Representative Council were confirmed, and the presidium of the council as well as the board members for the upcoming year were elected. Nelli Kortelainen, a hospitality management student from Kotka, was elected [...]

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The Representative Council of the Student Union Kaakko convened on Thursday, November 27, 2025. During the meeting, the members of the 2026 Representative Council were confirmed, and the presidium of the council as well as the board members for the upcoming year were elected.

Nelli Kortelainen, a hospitality management student from Kotka, was elected as President of the Representative Council. Emmi Syrjä, a community educator student from Mikkeli, was elected as Vice President.

I would like to thank the council and our members for their trust! In the coming year, it’s time to focus on the things the Student Union already has and refine them. We will build the year together with the board and local associations. – Nelli Kortelainen

Members of the Representative Council:

Johanna Jokinen (Kotkan Opiskelijat)
Katriina Janhunen (Kaakon Vihreät)
Anni Miettinen (Mikkelin Pamaus)
Niina Mäkelä (Kotkan Opiskelijat)
Taneli Arosara (Kaakon Vihreät)
Lilli Peltonen (Kotkan Opiskelijat)
Jussi Kukkurainen (Kouvolasta Kaakkoon)
Tiina Kannasvuo (Independent)
Janina Laakso (Independent)
Ville-Pekka Häkkinen (Mikkelin Pamaus)
Alphonsus Ehiabhi (Independent)
Miina Kunnasto (Independent)
Mikael Viik (Mikkelin Pamaus)
Julia Takialainen (Independent)
Sagar Kafle (Independent)

Board 2026

The council also elected the board members for 2026 during the meeting. Niko Heikkilä (Bachelor of Engineering, Developing Food Technology) from the Kouvola campus was elected as President of the Board.

The Vice Presidents of the Board are:

  • Mahmudul Ruju (Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology), Mikkeli campus
  • Taneli Mäkinen (Bachelor of Community Education), Mikkeli campus
  • Teemu Taivainen (Bachelor of Business Administration, Security), Savonlinna campus

The order of the Vice Presidents will be decided in the board’s organizational meeting.

Board members elected:

  • Channa Perera (Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology), Mikkeli
  • Matias Päivä (Bachelor of Business Administration, Public Administration and Law), Kouvola
  • Sehrish Aziz (Bachelor of Business Administration, Digital International Business), Kouvola
  • Muqadas Fatima (Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing), Savonlinna

The Representative Council and the Board will begin their duties on January 1, 2026, and their term will last until December 31, 2026.

More information:

Laura Laakso
President of the Board 2025
laura.laakso@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
+358 44 4910 616

Nelli Kortelainen
President of the Representative Council 2026
eneko007@edu.xamk.fi

Niko Heikkilä
President of the Board 2026
dnihe001@edu.xamk.fi

Sauli Sarjus
Executive Director
sauli.sarjus@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
+358 50 592 7482

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]]> Representative Council Constitutive Meeting – November 27 at 4:00 PM https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/representative-council-constitutive-meeting-november-27-at-400-pm/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:06:45 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18449 The constitutive meeting of the Representative Council for the year 2026 will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM. The meeting can be attended remotely via Teams. All members of the Kaakko Student Union are welcome to participate. At the constitutive meeting of the Representative Council: The composition of the [...]

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The constitutive meeting of the Representative Council for the year 2026 will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM. The meeting can be attended remotely via Teams. All members of the Kaakko Student Union are welcome to participate.
At the constitutive meeting of the Representative Council:

  • The composition of the Representative Council will be confirmed
  • A chairperson, vice-chairperson  will be elected from among the council members
  • The chairperson and vice-chairpersons of the Student Union Board will be elected
  • The Student Union Board will be elected

The meeting agenda can be found HERE.
You can join the constitutive meeting HERE.

More information:

Veikko Kotajärvi
veikko.kotajarvi@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
President of the Representative Council 2025

Sauli Sarjus
sauli.sarjus@opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
Executive Director

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]]> Apply to become a student representative for 2026 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/en/apply-to-become-a-student-representative-for-2026/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:20:59 +0000 https://www.opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi/?p=18419 Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made. Student representatives are students [...]

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Students have an important role in influencing decisions at the university of applied sciences. Opinions have more impact at the decision-making tables than in the campus corridors. At Xamk, student representatives speak for students in decision-making. As a student representative, you have the opportunity to influence where decisions are made.
Student representatives are students of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and full members of their respective bodies. They attend meetings and express the student perspective on the matters being discussed.
Student representatives ensure that the student voice is heard in issues concerning students. Anyone can become a student representative – including you!
Read more about student representatives and the application process on our website.

Eligibility Requirements

All students enrolled in degree programs at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and registered as present are eligible to apply. The positions require fluent Finnish language skills.
A student representative must remain eligible throughout their term, and no one should be knowingly appointed if they are expected to lose eligibility during the term.
Persons employed full-time by the university of applied sciences are not eligible to serve as student representatives.
Applications must be submitted via the electronic application form within the application period.

Application Period and Process

The application period opens on 19 November 2025 at 18:00 and closes on 3 December 2025 at 18:00.
Decisions on the selected representatives will be made at the council meeting on 4 December 2025.
Applications must be submitted via the application form.

Selection of Student Representatives

The selection of student representatives for the university administration at Xamk is governed by the specific guidelines on the selection of student representatives.

Available Positions

Teaching Management Team

1 regular member
1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

The Teaching Management Team is responsible for developing, planning, and guiding the common processes of teaching activities. The goal is to ensure quality, improve effectiveness, streamline processes and annual planning, and create clear guidelines. The student representative’s role is to bring teaching planning and implementation closer to students and make the planning more student-friendly.

RDI Management Team

1 regular member
1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

The RDI Management Team monitors and develops the results, quality, and impact of Xamk’s research, development, and innovation activities. Topics include decisions related to project applications, received funding decisions, initiating international project preparations, and other strategic and current RDI matters. As educational cooperation in RDI projects has increased, the student perspective is important in these meetings.

Ingenium Student Advisory Board

1 deputy member
Term: 2026 (1 year)

ISAB acts as a student representative group within INGENIUM. Some ISAB members also serve as student representatives in the alliance’s committees: the Ingenium Alliance Committee (representatives are selected from ISAB members), the INGENIUM Steering Committee (representatives are selected from ISAB members), and the INGENIUM Academic Committee (each university’s ISAB representative has a responsibility to participate every other year, regardless of whether the same person remains an ISAB member). ISAB representatives also review student initiatives for INGENIUM. Additionally, ISAB members foster international student collaboration through projects and activities. ISAB brings together students from different universities to exchange views, convey the student voice in INGENIUM decision-making, and support networking and joint projects. The group promotes student-driven ideas, monitors their progress, and highlights student needs in the strategic development of the alliance.

More Information

Laura Laakso
President of the Board
laura.laakso(a)opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
044 4910 616

Sauli Sarjus
Executive Director
sauli.sarjus(a)opiskelijakuntakaakko.fi
050 592 7482

The post Apply to become a student representative for 2026 appeared first on Opiskelijakunta Kaakko.

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