The Higher Education Group is being built together with students
During the spring of 2026, we have been in the orientation phase of building the Higher Education Group. The implementation of the Universities Group will be implemented through six development programmes in 2026–2030. The development programmes have started their operations at the beginning of the year, and during the orientation phase, the plans have been specified together with the students and staff. Read more about the schedule, phasing and development programmes of the Universities Group in the student news.
Students closely involved in the work of the university group
The student representatives of both universities have been closely involved in the preparation of the university group. Both JYY and JAMKO are represented in two of the most important development programs for students: Capable and thriving university community and Internationally attractive, impactful and innovative educationdevelopment program. The aim of the education development programme is to achieve internationally attractive, renewing and impactful education and an attractive package of degree programmes in which higher education institutions complement each other and offer clear pathways from bachelor's degrees to master's degrees, also for international students. The goal of the : Capable and thriving university community development programme is a well-being higher education community with many opportunities, where up-to-date competence and learning, continuous development and communal well-being support each other. From the student's point of view, the most important aspects of the work of this development programme are topics related to student well-being, such as student services, tutoring, club activities and, above all, a sense of community. In addition, students have been asked to represent and make their voices heard in various working groups and workshops.
"A student is an expert in being a student. When planning a student's future at Jyväskylä's higher education institutions, it is important to ask today's students to join us! They are at the center of this group", say the Chair of the Board of JYY Aukusti Heilakka and the Chair of the Board of JAMKO Charles Silvennoinen.
The Higher Education Group is involved in JAMKO's and JYY's policy papers
JAMKO and JYY have created a common subsection on the higher education group in their political policy papers. The policy papers define the organisations' positions on the surrounding society and outline the objectives of advocacy. The section has been approved by JYY's Representative Council on 22 April and in JAMKO's Representative Council on 12 May. The paper formulates the Student Union's shared expectations and intentions for the Group's development work, such as the dual model, cross-institutional studies and educational paths, student rights, facilities, and guidance and support services.
"In the future, we would like to see both subject associations and educational sector organisations involved in the curriculum work brought about by the Group. These actors would provide an excellent perspective on the development and discussion of individual fields and degrees, in particular. For the most part, the group is still unknown and invisible to students. It is not (yet) a part of everyday student life. However, we want to convey the message from the preparatory work that we are involved!" say Heilakka and Silvennoinen.
