University Board decides on student intake, occupational health service provider and amendments to Election Regulations as well as to guidelines on administrative and meeting procedures
The Board also decided to prepare for possible measures related to raising the level of education and skills and for other possible additions with a total of up to 300 study places, provided that separate funding will be allocated to these, and the relevant faculty councils support the increase. The number of students admitted to the University would, in this case, be a total of 4,298 students in 2026. The Rector will make a separate decision on the introduction of possible additional study places and their allocation.
Financial performance at budgeted level in the early part of the year
The Board received the financial report for January–April 2026. Revenue is in line with the budgeted total level, and the financial results are slightly better than anticipated due to lower operating costs. Compared to the previous year’s corresponding period, revenue has increased by 4.9 million euros and operating expenses by 1.8 million euros. The operating surplus is 1.9 million euros, which is 3 million euros better than the budgeted level (-1.1 million euros). The financial performance of operations has continued to improve as a result of responsible and controlled financial plans. The overall result is clearly positive due to the recognition of capital gains from investment activities.
The Board discussed financial scenarios for the coming years, which have been impacted by the Finnish Government’s mid-term review decisions to cut funding for higher education institutions, as well as by the new collective labour agreement. While the current index increases the University of Jyväskylä’s core funding, the framework decisions reduce it, resulting in only a minor net change. Positive revenue growth will increasingly depend on the growth of supplementary funding.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
The requirement for full coverage added to the Universities Act in 2024 requires that the universities’ revenue from annual tuition fees cover the costs of organising the education of students liable to pay tuition fees, including scholarships and other grants paid to students. The amendment will take effect on 1 August 2026. The University of Jyväskylä is reviewing its tuition fees in order to comply with the full cost coverage requirement. The Board overturned its 2016 decision and authorised the Rector to determine the amount of tuition fees charged under the Universities Act.
The Board approved the amendments to the Election Regulations and to the guidelines on administrative and meeting procedures
The University Board discussed the amendment needs for the Election Regulations in its meeting on 28 March 2025. A comment round was conducted in accordance with the guidance provided by the Board. The Board decided on the amendments to the Election Regulations, which are available in full in Dynasty service (in Finnish). The changes will take effect on 13 June 2025 and will therefore apply to the elections held in autumn 2025.
In 2024, the meeting procedures of the governing bodies were reviewed based on documentation. It was noted that the meeting procedure guidelines had not been consistently followed. In addition, a requirement to clarify the guidance was recognised. The University Board discussed the amendment needs in its meeting on 14 February 2025. A comment round was conducted in accordance with the guidance provided by the Board. The proposed amendments to the guidelines on administrative and meeting procedures were considered to enhance clarity and align with current practices. Therefore, it is justified to implement the changes as outlined in the attachment. The changes will take effect on 13 June 2025.
Occupational health and computer procurements are progressing
In accordance with the call for tenders for occupational health services, the Board decided to select Terveystalo to continue as the provider of these services. The University’s occupational health services have been more comprehensive than the statutory preventive level, including, for example, extensive medical care services. The Board was informed of the start of preparations for the tendering for the procurement of computers and authorised the Finance and Service Director to sign the call for tender for Hansel’s procurement system.
Board decides to invest capital in Unifund
The Board decided to make a capital investment of 0.5 million euros in Unifund Jyväskylä. The investment will be carried out according to a schedule appropriate for both the company and the University. Unifund’s ownership strategy specifies that, to enable the growth of new research-based businesses, the need for additional capital investment in the company is reviewed every two years. Unifund, which invests in companies that commercialize basic research from the University of Jyväskylä, currently has a portfolio of 11 companies. Unifund’s investment targets have created hundreds of new jobs in the Jyväskylä economic region.
In addition, the Board was informed about meetings with the owners of EduCluster Finland and the Startup Factory, as well as the initiation of the ownership strategy work of University Properties of Finland Ltd. The Board approved the revised shareholders’ agreement of Funidata.
The Board also received a progress update on the follow-up actions regarding the investigation report on strengthening research and education in well-being as well as in the social and health sectors.
Preparatory work by the higher education consortium is progressing
The Board noted the report on the progress of the preparatory work for the higher education consortium, discussed collaboration among the consortium higher education institutions as part of the vision process and provided guidance for further preparations.
At the request of the City of Jyväskylä, the University of Jyväskylä has appointed Rector Jari Ojala, Vice Rector Pasi Raiskinmäki, Director of Legal Affairs Sanna Anttilainen, Communications Director Anna-Kaisa Säkkinen, as well as Development Director Jarkko Pirkkalainen (as the rapporteur) to the steering group for the ownership expansion study of JAMK University of Applied Sciences.
Final decisions on possible changes to ownership arrangements will be made by the end of 2025.
