Strategic steering group establishes common direction for the university consortium’s preparation process

The strategic steering group for the consortium preparation of the University of Jyväskylä and Jamk University of Applied Sciences met for the first time on 10 November 2025. The meeting focused on the organisation of joint preparation and operating principles to ensure systematic and open progress in the development of the Jyväskylä University Consortium. The steering group is chaired alternately by Rectors Jari Ojala and Vesa Saarikoski, and a work schedule has been established for it through the end of 2026.
Published
18.11.2025

In addition to the rectors, the steering group includes Vice Rector Marja-Leena Laakso, Vice Rector Pasi Raiskinmäki, and Finance and Service Director Päivi Seppä from the University of Jyväskylä, as well as Vice Rector Minna-Maaria Hiekkataipale, Vice Rector Mika Karjalainen, and Director of Administration Mikko R. Salminen from Jamk.

In addition, Piia Honkanen and Jarkko Pirkkalainen from the coordination group and Communications Directors Heli Toivola and Anna-Kaisa Säkkinen will participate in the meetings as preparers.

Matters for the steering group are prepared through the coordination group, and, if necessary, preparers from different themes and units of the higher education institutions are invited to the meetings.

The task of the steering group is to guide the change and provide recommendations on the most significant development areas for the rectors’ decision-making.

The meeting also addressed, among other things, the principles of consortium preparation, cooperation, research supporting the consortium preparation, and the joint development of continuous learning.

  • The importance of communication was emphasised, and the principles of communication were approved at the meeting to support the transparent implementation of the consortium’s preparations.
  • It was noted at the meeting that it is important for higher education employers, in cooperation with the consortium-level cooperation group of chief shop stewards, to agree on good practices to ensure effective joint dialogue.
  • The rectors decided on the launch of a research project, led by the Finnish Institute for Educational Research, related to the consortium's preparation. The study aims to provide up-to-date information to support the change and to enable subsequent impact assessment.
  • The steering group noted that higher education institutions have identified good concrete initiatives as common development targets. The coordination group was tasked with structuring the proposals and preparing a budget proposal for 2026 for the next meeting.
  • At the meeting, it was decided to examine the entirety of continuing education, with the aim of building a strong Jyväskylä model supporting continuous learning in national and international markets, in line with the plan prepared in the spring.

Important timelines were also reviewed during the meeting: the signing of the deed of sale is scheduled for 22 December, and a joint staff and student panel will be held on 30 January 2026.

The next meeting will be held on 5 December.

More information:
Development Manager Piia Honkanen
Development Director Jarkko Pirkkalainen