I have always been envious of superhumans: those that manage ten-hour working days, run half marathons, do voluntary work and are active in politics, have multiple hobbies and read. I am not envious of them only because their life seems so interesting but also because it feels that the present world is made just for their kind: the achieving superhumans.
We live in a society that glamorizes efficiency, and with nearly every action being measurable, there is always room for improvement. You can always do things more efficiently, faster, better. Briefly put: if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
The requirements for efficiency are also evident in the academic community. In our result-driven world, the researchers and the research units must prove themselves with their results: the number of publications and degrees must be met or else the funding will soon run dry.
The Ministry of Education and Culture is the one in control, as it regulates the funding model for higher education institutes in Finland. Now this model is changing again with emphasis even more towards finished degrees. In December, student organisations SYL and SAMOK (the National Union of University Students in Finland, and the Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, respectively) criticised the model that creativity, individual learning paths, and the quality of education are being crushed under the aim of manufacturing the most degrees.
One of the tools that enhances efficiency is modern technology that allows working wherever you are. With technology you are basically always available, so why not use your time to the fullest? You can read your email from your phone at any place, and you can make that one phone call from your holiday trip.
And those lovely tablets and laptops are so lightweight that it is very handy to pack one along for any occasion or trip!
Even though I relate critically to the gospel of efficiency, I have nevertheless digested its demands. I have noticed that every table can potentially be used for studying or working, and every idle moment my thoughts drift towards unfinished work issues.
I present the question: are efficiency and results the only way to measure success? And how long can the current model continue?
Nothing would ever improve if we lacked the courage to make changes, so I am not claiming that change is always a bad thing.
However, I do claim that by doing things more efficiently, with the same resources but just slightly faster and better, people will get tired. And what are we going to do with a world that is turned up to eleven, but it is inhabited by people that are totally fed up with living in it?
I am worried how the younger generation manages. According to recent research, students are more depressed and anxious than before. The Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare states that mental health problems and substance abuse are the major causes for students’ health issues, and they are also a risk factor in social exclusion and long-term disablements. These facts are quite incompatible with the requirement that students must be as efficient as possible. Credits must roll in at a certain rate or the student allowance will be cut short.
The exhaustion of the younger generation is something to be taken seriously. In the future we need those who are capable and have enough strength to fight the pivotal global challenges.
Translation: Kalle Parviainen.
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Anni Hyypiö
Oulun ylioppilaslehden entinen päätoimittaja. Twitter: @AnniHyypio
The University of Oulu has hundreds of exchange students, but have you ever stopped to think about how all of our education systems compare?
Lindsay Jamerson got the idea for this story after playing a round of card games with a group of exchange student friends. "We were all talking about our exchange and the ways it was different than we expected. First it started with the weather, the brave ones wishing it was colder and the romantics hoping for snow, but slowly, our conversation shifted gears and we drifted to the land of academia", she describes.
In this article, six students with different studies, backgrounds, and home countries answer a couple of questions about academics and how education in Finland stacks up against their own experiences and expectations.
Juan Judel Palazón, 22, Spain Home University: Universidad Complutense de Madrid Major: History
What does academic excellence mean to you?
That probably means getting the highest grades in a career, but I think that’s without taking in account whether you enjoy your studies or not, so it’s a superficial view focused on competition only. A University student shouldn’t only focus on getting the best grades but also getting competences and enjoying what he/she is doing.
What are some of the differences between your home institution and the University of Oulu?
There are differences. Here I have less assignments compared to my home University. In Spain we have more hours of lectures and practically I almost have no exams. This means for me a huge contrast between my life as a student here in Oulu and in Madrid. Also, I have noticed this University is more focused in sciences which is good, but maybe there could be more humanities related events or seminars. Another very positive aspect of the University of Oulu is the easy access to those who want to practice some sports. The infrastructure of this University is really good (like buildings, libraries), and of course the restaurants of the University with its special prices for students.
What about the University of Oulu was the most appealing to you?
In this case I would say the place, also some of the international history related subjects were interesting for me as in my home University we really focus only in Europe. But in this case a great part of my interest was in the country and the environment themselves. I have always been curious about the northern countries and I wanted to see what living here is like.
Cedric Freisenhausen, 24, Germany Home University: Ulm University Major: Molecular Medicine Double Degree (Ulm/Oulu)
Why did you choose to study abroad at the University of Oulu?
I was offered two Double Degree programs in cooperation with Padua (a university in Italy) and Oulu Universities. I wanted to be among the first students going to Oulu University, as Northern Finland seemed more interesting to me. I was excited about a real winter, scandinavian forests and northern lights. Also the first students going to Padua a year before me weren’t too happy about the teaching there.
What are some of the differences between your home institution and the University of Oulu? Specifically the classroom environment.
I have chosen a six week and a three week course and practical work. The six week course was really different from the teaching from my home university, as the teacher was adjusting the course’s contents according to our previous knowledge. Both courses were quite interactive and students were encouraged to ask questions and to discuss the content.
In my home university, I cannot do practical work for credits. I am really glad that I can do it here.
Another difference is the approachability of teachers. Here, they wanted to be called by their first names and you could see them in their office when the door is open. In Germany, you call the teachers Prof. and by their second name and seeing them can be quite difficult.
If you could change one thing about your academic experience here, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a lot in my experience here. There was a practical part of one course in which the instructions were rather bad, but apart from that, the experience here is wonderful.
Morgan Neering, 19, United States of America Home University: University of North Carolina at Greensboro Major: Elementary Education
Did Finland’s reputation in education influence your decision to study here? If not, has that changed after a quarter?
Yes, Finland’s reputation in education was the number one reason that I chose to study at the University of Oulu. As an education major in the U.S., I have constantly heard about the Finnish education system, and how they consistently score high in international tests, such as PISA. Many of my professors in America have talked about Finland as being a model of education, and have shown us documentaries about Finnish teachers and classrooms. Coming here has been an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge as a future teacher, and learn from the Finnish school system.
How different is Linnanmaa campus from your home University?
The Linnanmaa campus is very different from my home University. For one, everything is connected, which is so great. I’m not really a fan of the cold, so I really appreciate the layout of the Linnanmaa campus. At my home University, all of the buildings are separated. This is ok, since North Carolina doesn’t really get that cold, and the farthest you would have to walk is 10 minutes if you live on campus, so that’s not too bad.
Here in Oulu, there are a lot of cafes, and places for students to gather together on campus. This is something I really wish my home University had more of. I feel like it’s a great way to connect with people in your classes, as you can quickly grab a coffee or pastry with them after class. I also really enjoy the inexpensive coffee, that’s definitely a plus. At my home University we have a Starbucks on campus, where you’d pay anywhere from 2 to 5 euros for a coffee. So, the 30 cent coffee is great.
Another big difference between the two universities is the fact that there are no dorm buildings or student housing options on campus here in Oulu. There are also no athletic fields on campus.
Overall, many of the differences between the two campuses are purely aesthetic. Students in both countries spend a lot of time drinking coffee, studying in the library, and spending time in class. So, while there are differences, I’d say there are more similarities.
What modes of education from the University of Oulu would you like to see your university at home adopt?
One of my favorite things about the University of Oulu is the laid-back teaching style of the professors. You often call them by their first name, and have the chance to have meaningful conversations with them inside and outside of class. I have had amazing professors back home as well, but I think that the laissez-faire style of teaching is so great, and something I would like to take back home. I also wouldn’t mind if our classes started 15 minutes past the hour, that’s something I could get used to.
Clara Ducatillon, 21, France Home University: Ecole de Commerce à Paris et Lille Major: Business with a focus on Finance and Purchasing
What are some of the differences between your home institution and the University of Oulu? For example, are there any differences regarding the professors?
There is no particular differences regarding professors: they provide good feedback and are very available to support our personal learning. More based on personal and individual learning than face-to-face courses.
One thing that is different for me is that here, professors are really, really demanding regarding articles, reading and theoretical aspects of the learning. Here, there is no written exam, evaluation consists on learning diaries and group works only. The semester is split in two periods and we have different courses in which one. Courses planning is provided at the beginning if the year
How does your home curriculum differ from what you are studying in Oulu?
Well, I am interested in purchasing and finance. I chose my courses before coming so that it fit with my personal curriculum as well as the global goals I have. However, some courses here overlap with what I have already learned in my home university, which is fine, but it can be quite boring to review so much. Also, the University of Oulu’s business school doesn’t offer a lot of purchasing and negotiation courses and they are less abstract and more and analytical, mainly oriented on theory and highly demanding regarding theory. There are lots of articles to read.
What’s your opinion on the campus facilities?
There are a lot of positives about the Uni’s facilities. The campus is really nice and there are lots of restaurants with various cheap food options. ESN is one of the best aspects of campus life as they have affordable trips and events for exchange students. It has been really great to have a kummi student because she introduced me to all the hot spots on campus, the library facilities, and the city.
One thing that I haven’t enjoyed about campus is the sports center, I live in Tirolintie and if I want to do sports, I have to come to campus by walking or bike. Besides, I feel facilities offered there are not great and the courses of fitness are taught in and geared towards Finns, which is not really efficient for me, as an exchange student. I had to sign up at another gym.
Luiz “Dudu” Veriato da Silva Junior, 21, Brazil Home University: Pontifical Catholic University from São Paulo Major: International Relations
What does academic excellence mean to you?
For me, academic excellence means getting prepared enough to participate in the market. It doesn’t necessarily mean that I know a lot about my area but that I’m going to know enough to work well and to be a good professional. Additionally, the name of the institution that I choose will open some doors for me just for the fact that I studied at a prestigious university.
How has study abroad changed the way your interpret academic excellence, if at all?
It makes me realize that the university is not all about learning properly. It is more related to learning how to work. I was expecting that my study abroad courses would challenge me to think and that I would learn things and not just reproduce knowledge in tests, but I realize that all around the world, the exact meaning of academic excellence is about preparing us to participate in the market. They teach you the basics so you can just work and learn more when you are working.
What are some of the differences between your home institution and the University of Oulu? Specifically regarding the testing or finals.
There is few differences. For me, the learning methods (classes and texts) are the same. The length of the classes is different which is good. In Brazil we have 4 hours of class every day and tons of texts. Here is a little bit easier, which is really good to have more time to do other stuff.
The testing is more chill here and you write essays more than do tests, which is awesome. In Brazil we have tests as our finals in almost all the subjects. The structure of the university is great, which is the most impressing thing, and i loved the fact that the field trips are free. Besides that, everything is mostly the same.
Maithé Lievens, 20, Belgium Home University: University of Ghent Major: Linguistics & Literature: English-Swedish
What was the thing that shocked you most about the school system here?
The exams in the middle of the semester shocked me: it is so fundamentally different from what I am used to. We are used to having a designated time period in which we have nothing but exams, with a period of 2 weeks to a month between our courses and the exams. These big exams are also usually the only factor that makes up your final grade. This results in these exams being really hyped up and big, while in Finland, the opposite seems to be true. They are rather normal things that just happen in the middle of the week, on any time of the day. Most of them are only one small part of your final grade. It suffices to say that this really shocked me in the beginning: suddenly I had to focus more on tasks and assignments instead of the exams. It is such a completely different system that I really had to get used to.
What are some things you like or don’t like about your studies at Oulu?
I generally really like the school system here, since it divides up work/exam time very well. The tasks are great substitutes for exams, and I feel that they evaluate better than an actual exam. That said, I personally don’t like the how the semester fluctuates in how many courses you have and how every week’s schedule is so different. Maybe I just like a fixed schedule, but it makes for situations where one week you have nothing to do and another week you are drowning in work.
If you could change one thing about your academic experience here, what would it be?
I wish I had known something that many Finnish students have now told me about: the workload in the month of November (or just the middle of the semester in general). Since I am used to only having to study and meet deadlines at the very end of the semester, the amount of presentations and group works caught me off guard. I wish I had anticipated this, so I could balance it out better.
A 20-year-old exchange student studying Peace and Conflict Studies and History. She can be found blessing her friends with fun facts and random knowledge, and spreading the love with no-bake cookies. Live your best life, her common catch phrase and the panacea of all impossible questions, includes activities like baking, hugs, psychology, and Netflix.
Holidays are the perfect time to rest and recharge your batteries and, more importantly, get cool presents for your friends and family. Instead of getting them money or a pack of underwear, try one of these 5 present ideas that don’t suck.
Few things are quite as cherished as the ones that have been self-made. Whereas a store-bought sweater or mittens might make for a boring present, a self-made pair of mittens will fill your presentee with glee. If you prefer working with harder materials, you can build them something like a wine holder or a bottle opener. Let your imagination fly!
Just remember to make it tasteful so they won’t be forced to keep something around that looks like a Lovecraftian aberration, unless they’re into that sort of thing.
Something they need
If you know them well and you spend time with them often, there is a good chance you have heard them talk about something they need. Depending on their needs, it could be a set of tools, a portable speaker, a vacuum cleaner, a comfy office chair, a huge pepper mill, a gaming mouse, an expansion to their favourite game, or even a laptop if we’re talking about your spouse. The joy they will get by receiving it from you will be immeasurable.
Granted, these gifts may not be very glamorous, but as I always say: “If I can use it, then I love you. If I can’t use it, then you might as well have gotten me a rabid ferret”. If you don’t want to risk them before you give them the present, you can nonchalantly drop the hint that they might want to wait until after Christmas to purchase it.
Dig dig dig
Find out if your friend or family member has a hobby. Then, casually ask them about it. They will be sure to tell you more than you ever wanted to know, after which you can go to the good old internet to find an appropriate gift to suit their hobby. If they collect Muumi mugs, hunt down that rare mug they have been looking for. Why not get them some accessories for their climbing hobby, or a new hockey stick, or a nice yoga mat, or some pole dancing accessories like grips.
This is the riskiest of the ideas, as they may not want exactly what you get them. However, by doing your due diligence and digging a bit, you can find something that they will appreciate greatly, even if they don’t really need it. Alternatively, you can give them a gift card to their favourite shop, but only if you are absolutely sure they love this shop; otherwise your gift will appear lazy. On that note, a gift card might be your best choice if their hobby is particularly expensive, such as is the case with audiophiles.
The gift of experience
Perhaps your friend or family member does not like gifts. Maybe they have everything they require, and just maybe they are couch potatoes like yours truly with very few hobbies. Do not fret my dear reader, for you can always gift a great experience. Maybe your friend is very stressed and they desperately need a sports massage; plan a spa day. Take them out for a bar-hopping experience with the best company possible (you); but remember to drink responsibly. Alternatively, take them away from the city to a cottage or another city they haven’t been yet. They say travel gifts are better than physical gifts. I beg to differ, but I’m just a potatoe with a knack for writing, so what do I know.
Ask them
If you have gone through every possible list (including this one) and you have still not found something you want to gift to your loved one, you have a last resort: ask them. Their immediate reaction might be to say “nothing”, but just insist a bit more. You can ask them that if they were to write a letter to Santa, what would they write. If they bring something up like world peace or happiness for all, get new friends.
But in all due seriousness, if they really want nothing, you can always take them out to dinner. If physical presents are not their thing, a lovely meal will surely fill their hearts.
Whether you celebrate or don’t celebrate the holidays, may you have a pleasant end of the year surrounded by people you love. If you prefer the hermit way, then it’s the perfect time to binge watch all those series you hadn’t had time to watch. Happy holidays!
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Marcelo Goldmann
A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor."
Instagram: @marcelogman
Winter has arrived to Oulu. The snow is crunchy, the wind is chilly, and the nights are long. It is well known that the darkness can impact our moods negatively. It is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately shortened to SAD. SAD can cause you to feel fatigued, to overeat, and even to feel, well, sad.
But don’t worry, it’s not permanent and there are ways you can combat it. Here are five tips that can help you survive the gloomiest time of the year.
This might be the most obvious of the five tips. The lack of sunlight is said to be one of the causes for SAD, thus chasing that light will be the best treatment. If there are days with a little bit of sun, step out for a moment (for example, during your lunch break) and absorb some of those sun rays. If there is absolutely no sun or your activities prevent you from being in the sunlight, you might want to consider getting a light therapy box, which mimics sunlight. Just 15 minutes of exposure to this light could improve your mood.
Exercise
Exercise might be a no-brainer for many people, but for couch potatoes (such as yours truly), a little bit of exercise can make a huge difference in your mood. You can go jogging if the weather allows it, join an exercise class, sign up to a gym, or even workout from home. You only need 10–30 minutes of exercise per day to activate the endorphin centers in your brain that will give you a very needed mood boost.
Contact friends and family
Exercise is not the only way to activate the feel good -centers in your brain. Hanging out with your loved ones and having fun will also allow you to feel good. Go to that movie you want to see, ask a friend to join you for coffee, go out dancing, whatever activity fits you. Just try to keep the alcohol intake low or the hangover might compound with the darkness to make you feel miserable. Additionally, you can talk about your Winter Blues with your friends and family and realize you’re not alone; this will help you to feel less alone in this fight against darkness.
Consider taking vitamin D
We get vitamin D from the sun and during dark times, we get less of it. What we’re not sure of is how much benefit we actually get from ingested vitamin D. There are foods that naturally contain vitamin D, such as shrimp, egg yolks, and oily fish. Alternatively, you could try a multivitamin. Any of these might be what brings you back to your merry self, or they might only help marginally. However, there is no harm in eating healthy, i.e. eat your greens and some fruit. If you end up taking vitamin D supplements, don’t overdo it.
Sleep well
Sleeping well is something we all want under every circumstance, but not all of us achieve. During the months with lots of daylight, we can get away with having less than ideal sleeping patterns. However, during the darkest times of the year, this becomes one of the main reasons why we feel tired or unmotivated. Plan a healthy sleeping routine that you can follow every day. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and try to get around 8 hours of sleep per night. The best part is that once you have a habit of healthy sleeping, you will feel more energized not only during the dark months but also all year round.
If you find that your Winter Blues is very severe and nothing seems to help, you might want to consider talking to a doctor. As previously mentioned, it usually goes away on its own as the sun returns. However, if you feel you can’t handle it on your own, there is absolutely no shame in asking for help.
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Marcelo Goldmann
A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor."
Instagram: @marcelogman
OYY’s Student Council decided in 2015 to cease the print edition. Since 2017, the magazine has been published online, except for one printed freshman issue in the Autumn. The print issues’ comeback was made possible by support from the University of Oulu. However, the decision does not mean that from now on there will only be print content – the online magazine will also continue as usual.
The Student Council of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) decided that four printed issues of the Oulu Student Magazine shall be published in 2019. The decision was made in the Student Council meeting on December 3rd, during of the budget discussions.
The print edition ended because of a decision by OYY’s Student Council in 2015. Since 2017, the magazine has been published online, with the exception of one yearly print issue.
Financial support from the University of Oulu makes the comeback of the print issue possible.
“The university has promised to buy ad space from the print magazine for an agreed upon sum, and thus pay the extra expenses that are caused by printing four issues,” says Anni Hyypiö, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine.
Thus, the print issue will not cost the Student Union any extra, but instead the printed issues will make growing advertising revenue possible.
Print issue adds to campus development
The negotiations Jouko Niinimäki, the rector of the university, and Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö had during the Autumn are behind the print issues’ comeback.
“I remember Ylkkäri from when I was a student. It was an important medium and it was easy to grab an issue and read it in the office or while drinking coffee,” says Niinimäki.
”Printed magazine adds to campus development and well-being, especially as the University of Applied Sciences arrive here. One does not necessarily open and read the online version as often.”
Rector Niinimäki stresses that the university does not want to intervene in the magazine’s contents and journalistic choices of in any way.
“The magazine creates a connection between the students with the teachers. It is good to have a medium that follows the journalistic principles operating in the university community. It even has a certain watchdog journalism -feel, and one can read about the student’s side of things in the magazine. It helps with finding the right direction in developments.”
According to Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö, preserving the journalistic independence of the magazine has been a given to both parties from the get-go.
Print brings new opportunities
Editor-in-Chief Hyypiö is very pleased with the Student Council’s decision to bring back the print issues
“I see a lot of plus-sides and opportunities in the print issue. It will have a big impact on the visibility of the magazine. Although the online version has found its readership, some readers have expressed their hope for the return of the print issues. We want to serve all our readers as well as possible.”
“We see a lot of potential in the magazine. Where the last couple of years have seen cuts everywhere, this autumn there have been a lot of instances where the need for finding alternative sources of money has been expressed. This will be just that, as soon as we get the commercial cooperation up and running. Besides, a physical magazine is, well, physical. Even if the online news in the magazine can be found in, for example, Tuudo, it is a whole different experience to read a physical, printed magazine during e.g. a coffee break. Additionally, it has been a great joy to notice that this a force that brings the whole university community together, and it is not only read by the students but the members of the staff as well,” says Kalle Parviainen, the Chair of the Executive Board of OYY, commenting on the decision.
Publishing online will continue as usual alongside the print issue and the contents will support one another. Since the print version comes out only four times a year, its contents must withstand the wear of time.
“Naturally, you will be able to find quick news articles online, and the quality of both formats will remain high. The print issues are a great way to highlight the best stories even more and to reach as large a readership as possible,” says Hyypiö.
The plan is that the print issues will be distributed on the campuses, meaning that you will be able to get your hands on a magazine at Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas.
“The new print issues will be aesthetically pleasing magazines that are filled to the brim with sustainable and interesting journalistic content – so not just the familiar online magazine on paper,” says Hyypiö.
The preparation process for the print issues’ comeback began in earnest only after the Student Council’s decision was made, so many of the details will be made clearer only during the end of the year. However, Hyypiö dares to promise that the first print issue will come out in the beginning of next year.
Translation: Minna Pukari
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Juho Karjalainen
Oulun yliopiston alumni, joka on valmistunut tiedeviestinnästä filosofian maisteriksi.
The Faculty of Education relocates to new premises during the end of November and December. The students who are moving from the northern end of the campus to the vicinity of the center lobby are concerned about having to give up old seminar and lecture rooms, as well as about the quality of indoor air in the new facilities.
The relocation of the Faculty of Education, which has been on the agenda since 2016, is moving forward according to schedule.
If all goes according to plan, the move from the northern end of the campus to the vicinity of the center lobby to make room for the Oulu University of Applied Sciences is completed during December, and teaching in the new facilities starts in the beginning of the year 2019. The packing of moving boxes has already started, in preparation for vacating the teaching facilities.
“We will stop using the current teaching facilities on November 23rd. The last week of the month is reserved for packing and the first movers will arrive on December 3rd. The schedule for the relocations has been organised according to hallway sections. The last one to move is Lastu, the day-care centre, that stops operating on December 11th, on the very last day the moving company are working,” says Petteri Klintrup, the Academic Officer of Music Education, who is the person in charge of the move from the Faculty.
According to Klintrup, there have been some delays in getting the new facilities; the Faculty got into the new facilities – that were originally promised to be ready by the beginning of November – on Tuesday, November 20th.
The only uncertain factor in the new teaching facilities are the acquisition of audiovisual equipment, as the university is still waiting to receive offers on them.
“Whether or not we will get the delivery on time is uncertain, but there are plans for substitutive systems,” Klintrup states, and assures that there is no need to worry about problems with teaching.
Students unhappy with the information flow from the University
The relocation of the faculty has sparked a noticeable amount of criticism among the students of educational sciences, especially towards the information flow from the university. The lack of information can be seen especially when students wandering the hallways of educational sciences are asked for directions to the new facilities.
Tino Nissinen, fifth year Primary Teacher Education student who acts as a student representative in the moving committee of the Faculty of Education, says that from time to time students have been saddled with too much of the responsibility to keep people informed.
“The idea has been, that people in the moving committees inform other students, and that should be enough. Of course we have done a lot through the Facebook page that was set up to discuss this move, but the main responsibility to inform people about a process such as this should fall on the faculty or the university,” Nissinen says, commenting on the flow of information from the university to the students.
Nissinen finds problematic the fact that in the early stages most of the sharing of information was done through the Notio intranet service.
“University administration thinks that students read it, but actually it only reaches the most active students and students working with the Student Union.”
Nissinen mentions that student actives have updated information toHUTK:n ja KTK:n muutto -Facebook page. The University would have liked to utilise the platform to spread the information they have, but the administrators of the page did not want that.
“The idea was that if a couple of students could make that work so well, the university should be able to set up a similar page. Not that we wanted to just keep the page to ourselves, but we wanted to make clear that the channel was for information from student representatives,” Nissinen says.
The guild facilities of Student Societies and OLOhuone café will be located in what is called the “heart” of the new facilities of the Faculty of Education. Student society logos are featured on the glass wall.
Uncertainity about move
The most prominent change resulting from the relocation of the Faculty of Education will be the loss of seminar and lecture halls. In 2019, the university will probably be playing a sort of musical chairs with such facilities – when competing on who gets to use limited facilities the early bird catches the worm.
“Teaching that used to take place in our seminar and lecture halls will in the future be conducted in other campus facilities, which will introduce its own challenges as most facilities are already being used. The University’s projects to build new teaching facilities will be finished by the end of the year 2019”, Petteri Klintrup says, shedding light on the situation of the upcoming year.
Nissinen believes that the lack of space in 2019 will affect the work of the teachers more than the everyday grind of the students. There is nothing new about constantly changing classrooms to the students.
“We will find out whether or not there are enough teaching facilities when we’ll get there. That has been one of the factors that have increased uncertainty about the move. We are constantly assured that there will be enough space to study for everyone in the new facilities, and I trust that,” Nissinen says.
The quality of the indoor air in the old facilities of the Faculty of Education has especially been on the students’ minds. Tino Nissinen assures us, that the quality of indoor air have been high on the agenda.
”Each time people have contacted me personally I have said that the new facilities have been renovated as thoroughly as possible: they have been stripped down to bare concrete, cleaned, and dried, all the required measurements have been taken, and, all in all, the facilities have been reconstructed keeping the indoor air and general healthiness in mind as much as possible.”
Varying Facilities for Studying in December
The faculty’s new facilities lack only the finishing touches. Petteri Klintrup excitedly shows us the new “heart” of the faculty, where OLOhuone, the café of OLO ry will be relocated.
The new music education facilities also get praise from the person in charge of the move, although, not only praise.
“If I have to say something negative, they have been stingy with the square meters,” Klintrup states.
The new facilities of the faculty have been designed to answer the needs of today: some of the wall in the new classrooms can be opened, some are made of glass, the growing number of handheld electronics can be seen in the number of electric sockets that have been generously installed along the stairway leading to the guild room.
But before teaching can start in the new facilities, the Faculty is facing a challenge: a homeless December.
The old teaching facilities are to be vacated on November 23rd, but teaching is to continue like normal in December. Everyone must be prepared to special arrangements, Klintrup notes.
“Some of the lectures might be organised outside of teaching facilities. The faculty does not have a common action plan to apply to organising teaching, but instead the teachers have been given the responsibility to organise their own teaching.”
People have known about the December month of evacuation since spring so they have been able to prepare beforehand: some of the teaching is to happen in unoccupied facilities, and on some courses, lectures where students have to be present have been rescheduled from December to other months.
Tino Nissinen believes that it is possible to pull-off the special arrangements in December but thinks that the situation is especially challenging for teaching practical and art subjects.
Student Opinions Can be Seen in the End Result
When planning the new facilities, the faculty thought that it was important to get new up-to-today’s-standards teaching facilities, but to also get good guild facilities and to make sure that the OLOhuone café would remain in operation.
Tino Nissinen gives praise to the university’s manner of taking students’ wishes into account in both the preparation and the execution process of the facility project.
“We as students have had just as much power in the matter as the personnel. Our wishes have been taken seriously and even executed, which must be a result of having representatives from the faculty personnel as well as from the construction and the architect companies who execute the project on the moving committee”, Nissinen says, describing his experience the moving committee’s work.
In practice the students’ input can be seen, for example, in the student society logos that have been stuck to the glass wall of the guild facilities. The detail was executed as a result of a proposal put forward by Tino Nissinen.
Although students find space for improvement in the preparation process, Tino Nissinen sees one clear plus side in the new location.
“Previously we were located in the northern end and have had to walk long distances to get to the centre lobby if there was a lack of teaching facilities. The new facilities are located in the vicinity of the centre lobby, so distances will be shorter.”
Just before they leave, the Faculty of Education organises a night school to students of education sciences on Thursday, November 22nd. The day after the night school the doors to the old teaching facilities will be closed.
Last chance for flashlight tag and classroom discos – “Night school is our way of saying good-bye to our dear education sciences wing”
Before students of education sciences relocate, they will spend one night in the old familiar end of the campus. The event that has become a collective way of saying good-bye to the old studying facilities was born last spring as a wild whim of Karri Hurskainen of OLO ry.
“It is difficult to say, how I came up with the idea, but from the get-go it seemed like a cool, once-in-a-life-time thing. We knew that the faculty relocation was in the cards and that the facilities would be emptied out, so why not organise an event in the facilities that have served all people in this faculty for so long” says Hurskainen, a fifth-year student of Primary Teacher Education, recounting the reasons for organising a night school for education sciences.
According to Hurskainen, the night school theme is a perfect fit for education sciences students who are orienting to the school world. The idea resonated in the more than appropriate target group.
“Approval came first from the other student societies, then from the attendants and the head of security. Then the idea became an oportunity. After that, active members of each subject society have been planning and pitching ideas on how to make this work,” says Emma Määttä, a third-year student of Primary Teacher Education, shedding light on how the idea became reality.
The organisers of the night school wanted to bring an elementary school feel to the night, which is why they have promised to organise traditional activities related to night schools and childhood. One of the classrooms is transformed into a disco for the night and spin-the-bottle and flashlight tag are also promised to be on the agenda.
“I think the most exciting part is that we get to stay and make and evening out of hanging-out with other students who have also studied there. I mean, that was always the most exciting part of the night schools in elementary school,” says Inka Lohiniva, a third-year student of Early Childhood Education, describing her expectations of the night school organised during the night between Thursday and Friday.
“Night school is our way of saying good-bye to our dear education sciences wing. We are celebrating in our common facilities for the last time before relocating to the middle of the university to study. The event is also a great way of bringing together all the subject organisations operating in the faculty,” Emma Määttä sums up.
We asked: What are your expectations regarding the new facilities of the Faculty of Education?
Iina Järvinen, in the last stages of her master’s degree in Primary Teacher Education
“I do not know when they are ready. The information we have received has been confusing and the graduation for my class has been pushed back, as courses have been moved around and no-one has known whether it is possible to do the courses at another time. The past autumn has been full-blown chaos, because the time tables have been constantly changing.”
Sanni Päkkilä, in the last stages of her master’s degree in Primary Teacher Education
“There has been confusion in the air and the information flow has been a bit lacking. The organising has also been lacking, and no-one seems to have really known, what is going on. If you were to ask me, how to get to the new facilities, I would not know.”
Samuli Rysä, first-year student of Music Education
“There has been a lot of talk about it. The biggest concern is the quality of indoor air and that everyone can be there. I was worried about rehearsal spaces, but now I have heard that they are going to be great.”
Translation: Minna Pukari.
Edited 13.10.2023: Samuli Rysä’s picture removed by request.
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Mirko Siikaluoma
Oululainen toimittaja, joka nukkuu liian usein liian vähän ja bongaa kirpputoreilta korneja levynkansia.
