What on earth is LTKY?
LTKY, or more commonly “lytky,” is the student union of LUT University, and our position is defined by law so as long as the university exists, so do we. All degree students are automatically our members, which means we have around 8,000 members in Lappeenranta, Lahti, as well as Mikkeli and Kouvola.
So what do we actually do in practice?
In short: we make sure the student community functions as well as possible.
We act as a link between students and the university. One of our most important tasks is advocacy. Our educational policy sector (kopo) looks after our members’ interests in study-related matters as well as in national higher education policy issues. The kopo sector also manages, among other things, the exam archive, the annual teaching quality survey, issues related to courses, and the development of education together with LUT. The kopo sector works closely with guild representatives and student representatives in university administration.
Another key task is to promote culture and a sense of community. In this role, LTKY serves as the highest authority in student culture in Lappeenranta and Lahti. We aim to ensure that the unique culture of different fields of study is visible on our campuses while respecting traditions. One of our main responsibilities is organizing freshman (fuksi) activities together with the guilds, for example through the fresher slips of technology freshmen, as well as regularly updating the technology students’ songbook, Punamusta.
In addition to education policy and culture, we are also actively engaged in social policy. Our goal is to promote the overall wellbeing of students both mental and physical. We organize wellbeing weeks twice a year, in the autumn and spring, in both Lappeenranta and Lahti. We also collaborate closely with Moveo and YTHS to support student wellbeing. Throughout the academic year, we host Mental Health Monday events several times. In addition to promoting wellbeing, we actively advocate on issues related to student housing. Our social policy sector also organizes harassment contact person trainings and is able to act as a mediator if needed.
Our most visible effort is organizing the “Longest Wappu in Finland” in Lappeenranta, which typically lasts around 30 days and includes over 70 events. In Lahti, Wappu traditions are growing rapidly and now last around three weeks. In addition, we provide financial and educational support to guilds and hobby associations.
So who actually does all this work?
LTKY has a nine-member board that changes annually, with seven members working in Lappeenranta and two in Lahti. The board exercises administrative and executive power as defined by the representative council. Its role is to lead the day-to-day operations of the student union in line with the policies set by the council.
In addition to the board, LTKY has seven employees whose task is to carry out the duties assigned by the board. The staff is led by the Executive Director, who is responsible for the student union’s finances, office operations, and administration. Employees work either in Lappeenranta or Lahti, but handle matters concerning both campuses. The student union also offers project-based positions that are filled annually.
Finally, the Representative Council is the highest decision-making body of the student union and meets about once a month. The council elects the board, appoints student representatives, and decides on major policy directions when LTKY forms its positions. The members elect a 27-member council every two years in elections.
You can find more information about LTKY’s activities on our website at ltky.fi/en or by asking any board member or staff member. You are always welcome to visit our office for coffee and good company!