The Board of Tampere University promised in its meeting in November 2019 that the Board will organise a discussion event about the rules of procedure in March connected to its meeting. Although it was not possible to arrange the event due to the current state of emergency, we want to remind that it is crucial to promote discussion on the rules of procedure already during this spring.
We, Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers and the Student Union of Tampere University, appeal to the Board of Tampere University that it would start a reform of administration system and the rules of procedure. Redrafting the rules of procedure in an inclusive and thorough process would build trust and ensure that the voice of the university community is heard by the leadership.
Our university has existed more than a year and is functioning well. Despite the state of emergency we can now look into the future together and start redrafting the rules of procedure. The process of drafting the current rules of procedure was done in a hurry and due to the procedures in the period of transition, the process was not transparent and inclusive enough. This has caused mistrust towards the leadership among the university community. Now we have an opportunity to create new rules of procedure together.
We can fix the mistakes made in the period of transition and build trust within our community by reforming the rules of procedure without prejudices and starting from the needs of the community. The process must be transparent and inclusive. Enough time must be reserved for the work in order to ensure that our community has a real opportunity to influence the rules of procedure.
Our university may thrive only if there is mutual trust within the community and the whole community feels that their views are taken into account and valued. To create a confidential atmosphere, the university community needs the rules of procedure that represent its views on the good leadership and that are created by listening to the community.
At the moment we do not know how long the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our lives. However, it is not justifiable to prolong organising the discussion event for the university community. We appeal to the leadership of the university that they would organise a hearing on the administration system and rules of procedure as a remote event. It is time to create the administration system and rules of procedure that resemble our university community.
Annika Nevanpää, Chair of the Board
Student Union of Tampere University
Venla Monter, Secretary General
Student Union of Tampere University
Sanni Tiitinen, Chair of the Board
Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers
Liisa Ahlava, Member of the Board
Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers
More information:
Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers, Liisa Ahlava, tel. 040 190 97 36, liisa.ahlava@tuni.fi
Student Union of Tampere University, Jenny Vaara, tel. 050 361 2847, jenny.vaara@trey.fi