The University’s new academic year starts with celebrations and highlighting the significance of education

Teaching for the autumn semester at the University of Jyväskylä will start on 4 September. During the week of 28 August, new students will get to know their respective faculties, receive information about different services in orientation sessions and get grouped under the supervision of tutors.
Published
28.8.2023

The number of new JYU students this autumn is 2,660. Of these new students pursuing a basic degree, international students account for 6.3 percent. The median age of the new students is 21. This autumn, the number of new exchange students at JYU is 370.

Opening ceremonies mix tradition with a festive spirit

The traditional opening ceremony for the University’s 2023–2024 academic year will take place on Wednesday, 6 September at 1 p.m. A special highlight will be when the Chair of the University Board Antti Koivula presents the Rector’s chain to the new Rector.

The programme includes an opening speech by Rector Jari Ojala as well as greetings from the Student Union by Arttu Laaksonen, chair of the Council of Representatives. The programme also includes music by pianist Kaisa Polvi as well as a dance performance by Campuksen Koonto.

The opening ceremonies begin on Wednesday at noon in the Old Festival Hall in the Seminarium (S), with students and staff gathering for a traditional religious service.

There is also JYUnity Fest, a three-day campus festival for staff and students, taking place on 5–7 September 2023. The beginning of the new academic year is marked by happy gatherings, live music and a focus on wellbeing. The event is organised by the University of Jyväskylä and the Student Union.

This year, JYUnity Fest also coincides with Jyväskylä Pride Week and uMove’s open house week, so there will be plenty of activities for everyone.

In this year of celebration, education is a superpower

The roots of the University of Jyväskylä extend back to the year 1863 and the first Finnish-speaking Teacher Training Seminary. Our university is celebrating its 160-year history by highlighting the significance of education and equality, as the groundbreaking aims of Uno Cygnaeus, the founder of the Seminary, regarding educational equity remain relevant today.

Further information:

Tuula Maijanen, Senior Specialist, tuula.maijanen@jyu.fi, tel. 050 054 6003 (orientation programme)

Event Coordinator Jenna Minkkinen, tel. 050 466 3133, jenna.j.minkkinen@jyu.fi (Opening Ceremony)

Opening Ceremony: www.jyu.fi/avajaiset