Rector of the University of Turku Jukka Kola, Vice Rector of Åbo Akademi University Gunilla Widén, and Chair of the Student Union of the University of Turku Executive Board Akseli Tiitta, and Vice Chair of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University Executive Board Kajsa Viitamäki received the petition in support of the student demonstration.
The support petition was handed to the representatives of the universities and the student unions in Aurum on Monday, 9 October 2023. The petition was published online and signed by approximately 700 people. The petition was handed by Doctoral Researcher Otto Tarkka.
The petition is titled “University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University employees against cuts – petition in support of the student occupation". Students participating in the demonstration oppose the Finnish Government's planned cuts to student benefits and their immigration policy. The students are demanding that the management of both universities also stand in support of the students' demands.
Rector Kola and Vice Rector Widén thanked the students participating in the demonstration and those who signed the petition for their activism and for standing up for important issues.
“Students' well-being and their opportunity to focus on their studies are essential for universities. The support system must be such that students can concentrate on their studies and graduate in target time. Universities and student unions emphasise the importance of Finnish and international expertise for the success of the entire Finland," says Rector Jukka Kola.
“The message from the students participating in the demonstration is important. They have provided us with valuable insights into the challenges of student well-being. This can help universities further develop their support services related to well-being and progress of studies," says Vice Rector of Åbo Akademi University Gunilla Widén.
Students began their demonstration in Aurum, a joint building of the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, on 20 September 2023. At that time, both Rector Kola and Rector Mikael Lindfelt of Åbo Akademi University expressed their support for the demonstration and gave the students permission to demonstrate peacefully and to stay overnight in the building. The universities have organised several discussion sessions for the students participating in the demonstration, where issues raised by the students have been discussed.
From left to right: Kajsa Viitamäki, Gunilla Widén, Akseli Tiitta, Jukka Kola and Otto Tarkka.
> Rector Jukka Kola: Students' message is important – UNIFI shares the concern about student income (27 September 2023)
> University supports organisation of the demonstration in Aurum and organises discussion events (25 September 2023)