The Together Towards a University Consortium event emphasised cooperation in the construction of Jyväskylä universities – watch the recording of the event
The panel discussion at the event was attended by Rectors Jari Ojala and Vesa Saarikoski, Vice Rectors Marja-Leena Laakso, Pasi Raiskinmäki, Minna-Maaria Hiekkataipale and Mika Karjalainen, staff representatives Matti Leppäniemi and Pia Piispanen, and student representatives Teemu Vasama and Ismo Puhakka. The topics of the panel discussion were selected based on questions from staff and students.
Jari Ojala, Rector of the University of Jyväskylä, outlined the motivation behind the formation of the university consortium: "The starting point for the establishment of the consortium is that we would be viable and strong in the coming decades as well, and that we would be able to produce a high level of expertise in Central Finland in the future. Together we are stronger than separately. However, we are not making a merger, but the consortium is based on a dual model, in which both higher education institutions will continue to carry out their own statutory duties."
"The target state of the university consortium can be found in the entities of education, RDI activities and services, where we aim to find synergy benefits. From these entities, we aim to identify the factors that distinguish us in the higher education field," says Vesa Saarikoski, Rector of Jamk University of Applied Sciences.
The panellists felt that the keys to change were empathy, interaction and an open attitude towards change. Cooperation was highlighted as the most important factor: cooperation between the higher education institutions in Jyväskylä has already taken place before, but the university consortium that is now being formed will further deepen the cooperation. The panellists highlighted how important it is for community members to actively seek new opportunities for cooperation and participate in the implementation of change. In addition, they emphasised that the change will be made carefully and calmly.
Watch the recording of the event (subtitled in English).
