Student newsletter Omnis 3/2024

Dear students,

In the last weeks of spring, much more happens at Omnia than just studying. TeamOmnia is currently participating in SAKUstars cultural competitions for students in Ikaalinen, and in May our team will travel to Kuopio to Taitaja, the Finnish Championships of Professional Skills.

The European election panel and the anti-bullying panel organised by the student board have been able to discuss topical issues that concern us all.  As we get closer to the summer, there will also be some lighter programme on campuses, which is also needed.

Cuts in education funding

Omnia's operations have been subject to significant funding cuts at the beginning of this year. During the spring, employees and employers have negotiated how the savings will be implemented. Savings will be made in property costs and purchases, but personnel will also have to be reduced.   
 

Although savings will be made, the aim is to ensure full study weeks and sufficient contact teaching, guidance and support especially for students within the scope of compulsory education. Adults and those changing careers will be targeted more at supplementary education and studying alongside work. This change is also important because the adult education allowance will be abolished in the autumn.
Last week, new education cuts were reported nationwide. We were also told that students over the age of 18 would no longer be entitled to free education. At Omnia, we are actively monitoring the situation and striving to ensure that the impact of the new cuts on students is as minimal and equal as possible.

Omnia's management and the students' umbrella board meet regularly to discuss current issues. You students can influence Omnia's operations also through the student board: opiskelijahallitus@omnia.fi.

The studies will continue for a few more weeks, before the spring and graduation celebrations. 
Strength, courage and the joy of learning for everyone at the end of the school year!

Maija Aaltola, Lead Principal 

The graduation ceremonies take place between 24th of May and 31st of May.

Graduation is one of life's important milestones, and it should be celebrated big and spectacularly. The celebrations are the crowning of a long period of studying and achievements, and you can already look to the future with pride, excitement and perhaps a little wistfulness. 

The invitations will be sent out by the 10th of May. You may bring two guests to the celebration.

Let's cheer together for those who have completed their studies!

The European election panel, organised by Omnia's student board, discussed safety, mental health, the future of the EU and some national politics.

The initiative to organise the panel came from the students themselves. The members of the umbrella board contacted the candidates and planned the panel's questions. It was possible to follow the panel on site in the Lehtimäentie auditorium or remotely.

"We also want young people to become more interested in political themes and decision-making. Many decisions are taken in the European Union that affect students and young people. EU policy influences national policies and is therefore an import 

The event was organised smoothly in cooperation with Omnia's Marketing and Communications Services and those responsible for student activities.

"Getting candidates for the panel was a bit challenging, and they were asked until the last minute. In the end, there were four candidates, so there could have been more, but on the other hand, this gave the candidates more speaking time and the discussion could be more rewarding and interesting from that point of view," Söderholm says.

The panel was attended by Miro Ilvonen (The Greens), Jessi Jokelainen (Left Alliance), Henriina Rantala (National Coalition Party) and Petri Roininen (Centre Party).

The situation of student activities at Omnia changed significantly at the end of March, when the temporary employment of three student activities supervisors ended. The student activity supervisors organized a variety of activities at Omnia's campuses, which will be seen clearly less in the future. The instructors organised, among other things, group activities for new students, exercise, kept the office gyms open, arranged break activities, planned a theme day and helped tutors, among many other things.

Meetings and appointments

• Meetings of the student board 13.3., 26.3. and 11.4.
  The board has been heard and been able to influence, among other things, online pedagogy, study guidance and the use of artificial intelligence in teaching.
• Management breakfast meetings 19.3. and 16.4.
  Topics included the effects of the co-operation negotiations process on students and the establishment of an influencer forum in Omnia.
• Student care steering group meeting 2.4.
  A discussion about the state of student care and the well-being of students at Omnia, as well as the students' opinions in this regard.
• Federation meeting of the Finnish Association of Professional Students 13.-14.4.
  There were two representatives of the student council at the union meeting, chairman Vili Olkkonen and secretary Arabell Rand. Both were elected to SAKKI's federal board for the 2024-2025 season.
• Meeting with common studies education manager 9.4.
  The meeting discussed, for example, the implementation of common studies and opportunities to improve community spirit.
• Working groups
  During the past month, the representatives of the student board have participated in planning and working on the culture week, anti-discrimination and equality plan, and the students' idea competition.

Proposals and initiatives 

• Influencer Forum
  The student board has proposed the establishment of an influential forum at Omnia. This would be an operating model in which students and staff would be involved together to consider the decisions and plans to be made at Omnia whenever necessary.
• Student's guide
  The student board has proposed compiling a student's guide. In practice, this would mean a structured and a concise guide, which would contain the information and contact persons important for the studies.
• Heating the hall on Kirkkokatu during matriculation exams
  The student board has proposed that the temperature of the Kirkkokatu hall could be raised to the temperature of other indoor spaces during the yo writings.
  
  If you want to ask something related to the above topics or want to get in touch with the student board for some other reason, the best way to contact us is by e-mail at opiskelijahallitus@omnia.fi. You can send us message for all griavances or wishes regarding the school's everyday life and activities.

Vili Olkkonen, chairman

Omnia's student board organised a panel discussion on bullying and loneliness on Wednesday 24.4. There were about 25 people present in the Lehtimäentie auditorium. In addition, the discussion was followed via a live stream.

The speakers included Panu Janhunen from Helsinki Missio, media student Meri Ruokonen from Omnia's student board, Miguel Reyes from Mieli ry, Janne Mäkelä from CP association and students from Stadin ammattiopisto. 

The panelists highlighted the diversity of loneliness and its effects on the individual. There can be many things behind loneliness, and loneliness is not always visible on the surface. The experience of not being seen can also lead to attention seeking through bullying. The bully may also have been bullied himself or herself and has not received help for bullying.

It was pointed out in the discussion that there is no reason to justify bullying. Bullying or not bullying is always a conscious decision and everyone has the opportunity to choose to be kind. The responsibility for intervening in bullying lies with adults. Bullying is a reflection of the society that adults create. Adults need to create an environment where loneliness can be prevented.

The panelists were asked what they would like adults to do in schools. Adults were expected to be genuinely present and approachable. In addition, schools should offer easily accessible meeting places and events where young people can freely be themselves and get to know each other.