The Board of University of Jyväskylä issues guidelines for strategic work and planning finances and operations
The main objective of the Rector’s term is for the University of Jyväskylä to be attractive, influential, and strong. The objectives include three starting points:
- An innovative and attractive university community that stands out in the field of higher education
- A capable university community which has an impact on society and science
- A forward-looking, well-resourced, and competitively strong university community.
In addition, Rector Ojala reviewed the science policies, the University’s positioning, and the financial prospects of the higher education sector.
The Board outlined that, at this stage, the focus of operational and economic planning is to map out proposals to balance the financial situation in consultation with the University community. The Board required creating a road map to balance the University’s finances to ensure an influential, attractive, and economically strong university for decades to come. In addition, the Board noted that the strategy work is progressing according to the schedule decided on in June.
The Board reviewed the implementation of student admissions in 2023 and discussed their success in relation to the objectives. In 2023, the number of study places and new students was 3,289, of which 83% were filled. The University’s study places were filled better than in 2022 while the number of students accepting a study place has remained stable.
Since 2021, the University of Jyväskylä, together with all other Finnish higher education institutions, has participated in the Digivisio 2030 project. The project’s aim is to strengthen Finland’s competitiveness by raising the level of competence nationally. A digital service platform will be built in the project. The platform enables the learner to develop their skills more flexibly as well as facilitates and increases cooperation between higher education institutions.
On 19 June 2023, the general meeting of the Digivisio 2030 project decided to recommend to the boards of higher education institutions the establishment of an in-house company to handle these tasks. The University of Jyväskylä was given a presentation about the planned HigherEd Hub Finland Ltd and decided to postpone the decision on the membership to the October meeting. The services developed in the Digivisio 2030 project are linked to the strategy and digital development of the University of Jyväskylä.
The Board authorised the Rector to continue Opinkivi’s rental agreement until 31 May 2026. In addition, the investment strategy of Unifund Jyväskylä Ltd was presented at the meeting, performance data related to education and research was discussed, the preliminary results of the research evaluation were heard. The meeting also included discussing the principles guiding the design of the annual clock for 2024.
Further information:
Rector Jari Ojala
jari.ojala@jyu.fi
Director of Legal Affairs Sanna Anttilainen
sanna.anttilainen@jyu.fi
