The Representative Council is a key body within the student union that decides on major strategic directions, operational priorities, and core objectives. Comprising 21 students from various fields of study, the Council plays a vital and highly valued role in the student union’s operations and governance.
Who can apply?
Any student at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) who is a member of HAMKO is eligible to apply for the Representative Council. Applicants must hold a valid HAMKO membership and have active student status at HAMK.
Your mode of study does not matter; you can apply regardless of whether you are a full-time, multiform, path, Master’s (YAMK), or bridging student.
If elected to the Representative Council, you must maintain active student status throughout 2027. Should you interrupt your studies or register as absent, you will lose your seat on the Council.
And a quick tip: there are no quotas reserved for specific campuses or degree programmes. If you want to ensure that the voice of your campus or field of study is heard in the decision-making process, now is the perfect time to get involved.
What does the Representative Council actually do?
The Representative Council generally meets about once a month, except during the summer season. Meetings cover decisions such as the student union’s budget, action plan, membership fees, and the selection of student representatives. The Council also elects the student union’s Board.
However, the work involves more than just meetings. Council members have the opportunity to represent the student union at events and campus information stands. Members are also invited to participate in various functions and development projects organized by the higher education institution and its partners.
In addition, joint meetings and social evenings are organized throughout the year, offering a chance to get to know other active students from different campuses.
Meetings are primarily held at the Hämeenlinna University Centre, though some can be attended remotely. Travel expenses may be reimbursed for those coming from other campuses.
Why should you apply?
The Representative Council offers an accessible way to learn about advocacy, decision-making, and organizational work. At the same time, you gain experience that will benefit you in the future.
In the Representative Council, you will:
- network with students from various fields,
- have the opportunity to earn study credits for your participation,
- influence how the student union’s funds are used,
- gain valuable experience for your CV,
- learn about leadership, finance, and organizational operations,
- make a difference in students’ daily lives and study experiences.
- And as a bonus, you’ll also get a unique Representative Council overall patch. ⭐
A small effort can have a surprisingly big impact. The Representative Council offers an opportunity to grow, learn new things, and make the students’ voices heard.
How can I apply?
Stand as a candidate by the deadline by filling out this form.
You can also stand as a candidate with a group and form an electoral alliance! Gather a group of at least two and at most 21 people to form an alliance. All votes received by the alliance positively influence the comparative figures of its members; this affects—in addition to the individual vote count—whether or not a candidate is elected to the representative council.
How do the representative council elections proceed?
The election process is simple:
- Stand as a candidate no later than Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at 12:00.
- The Central Election Board confirms the candidacies and draws lots to assign candidate numbers.
- Enter your details into HAMKO’s candidate gallery (you will receive a link to your student email to do this).
- The candidate gallery is published on HAMKO’s website and social media channels.
- Campaign and tell other students why you want to make a difference.
- Voting takes place electronically. All HAMKO members eligible to vote will receive a voting link via their student email.
- Voting ends on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at 16:00.
- Results are published no later than the following day.
- Those elected will be contacted personally.
If you are not elected as a full member, you will become a deputy member. Substitute members may step up as full members—in the order determined by the election results—if seats become vacant during the term of office.
What if I don’t have any experience?
Don’t worry; no prior experience is required.
The first meeting of the new representative council is an organizational meeting where the chairperson and vice-chairperson are elected. Afterward, all members receive an orientation for their roles.
The orientation covers topics such as meeting procedures, decision-making, and the council’s operations. You will receive the information and support needed to succeed in the role.
Change starts with a single student, and that next student could be you. ✨