The Academic Affairs sector of the Student Union of the University of Turku, in collaboration with the university, conducted a survey for the student organisations operating within the university as support for updating the university's strategy. The survey aimed to gather student organisations' views on studies, university operations, and sustainable development. A total of 55 organisations responded to the survey, representing a significant majority of the student organisations.
What do you like the most about the University of Turku and your own subject?
Positive aspects highlighted about the university particularly include the sense of community, shown in collaboration across different faculties and in the compactness and location of the campus. The versatile and pleasant facilities provide excellent opportunities for interactions among students as well as with the knowledgeable staff, whose positive attitude towards student culture also garnered positive feedback. Students value the opportunity to influence decision-making at the university, faculty, and subject levels, and it is crucial to maintain transparency in decision-making processes. Flexibility and academic freedom are valued in studies, along with motivated, approachable, and accessible teaching staff, and above all, high-quality education. The support provided by the university for studying and academic success is of significant importance. Internationalisation opportunities and collaboration with neighboring higher education institutions were also highlighted as positive factors; they enhance the diversity and comprehensiveness of the already extensive range of studies offered.
"Which factors support the well-being of your students at the University of Turku?"
The university supports the well-being of students most effectively by supporting the student community. Providing facilities for active student organisation activities and a functional community, along with comprehensive well-being services such as Campussport, student restaurants, and the "On my mind" project contribute to students' well-being. Additionally, support in the early stages of studies and the accessibility and inclusivity of services are considered crucial.
"How accessible are the well-being services provided by the university?"
There is room for improvement in the accessibility of the university's well-being services, especially in communication and reaching out to students. Many students feel that they lack information about the services, and using intranet is perceived as challenging. There are differences between campuses and faculties in the accessibility of study counseling, for example. Pop-up style study counseling sessions held in some faculties have been found effective. Unlike other services, the “On my mind” project has succeeded in reaching students. Tutoring is also seen as functional, important, and easily approachable.
The students were asked to prioritise key elements related to studying, teaching and the university on a scale of 1 (most important) to 6 (least important).
In the responses, the presence of fellow students was considered the most important or second most important element in a large portion of organisations. Additionally, prioritisation also reflected the importance of interactions with teachers and the personal guidance received from them, as highlighted in the responses. The opportunity for studying in university facilities also ranked high.
What kind of connections to the working life should there be during studies?
Students emphasise the diverse presentation of career opportunities, for example through company visits and guest lectures. Courses conducted in collaboration with companies link the topics covered in studies to the working life and may open up opportunities for the future. Integrating the thesis with the working life and the possibility to include internships in the degree structure the transition from studies to career path. University-organised career services and events, such as recruitment events and CV clinics, are perceived as useful. Flexibility in studies is of paramount importance from the perspective of transitioning to the working life.
How should sustainable development show in the teaching of your degree program?
The significance of sustainable development is recognised in degree programs, and it should continue to be evident in studies. Teaching should adhere to the principles of sustainable development, and sustainability should be seen as a whole, encompassing environmental issues as well as social and cultural dimensions.
How should sustainability be reflected in the operations and campus of the University of Turku?
Sustainability should be considered in all decision-making processes as a cross-cutting theme in the university's operations and campus. It should be visible concretely, for example, by having recycling bins on campus, parking spaces for bicycles, unisex restrooms, and accessible facilities. Monitoring the university's carbon footprint and supporting the development of organisations' activities towards sustainability should also be prioritised.
What change would your organisation like to see at the university over the next five years?
Over the next five years, students hope to see the university providing quality education that takes into account the diversity of fields, faculties, and campuses. The university supports students' study abilities comprehensively and invests in service development while actively considering internationalisation. The university offers spaces for around-the-clock for studying, leisure, and research for those to whom it belongs: university students and staff. The facilities promote both community and individual student engagement. It is hoped that the university's decision-making will be long-term, stable, and student-centered.