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Rules

CENTRAL RULE

 

CHAPTER 1: The student union and its purpose 

 

Section 1: Name, address, and official language

 

The name of the student union in Finnish is LUT-yliopiston ylioppilaskunta, or LTKY for short. The unofficial English term “Student Union of LUT University” may also be used. The address of the student union is the same as that of LUT University. The official language of the Student Union is Finnish.

 

Section 2: The purpose of the student union

 

The student union is an independent public law body as defined in the Universities Act (558/2009) and the Government Decree on Universities (770/2009).

 

According to Section 46 of the Universities Act, the purpose of a student union liaises with and on behalf of its members and promotes their societal, social, and intellectual aspirations and those relating to studies and the status of students in society. The student union also participates in the implementation of the educational mission of the university, referred to in section 2, by preparing students for an active, informed, and critical citizenship. In addition, student unions have the following duties, as mentioned in Section 46 of the Universities Act.

 

To fulfil their duties, student unions are entitled to obtain rights in their own name, undertake commitments, pursue business activities, own immovable property, receive testaments and donations, gather funds under proper authorisation as well as pursue and defend litigation in court.

 

Section 3: Decision-making power 

 

The decision-making power of the student union is vested in a representative council, which is elected by a proportional and secret vote by the student union members. The administrative and executive power of the student union is vested in a Board elected by the representative council.



CHAPTER 2: Members of the student union 

 

Section 4: Members

 

All university students who have been admitted to programmes leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with the exception of students in commissioned education, belong to the student union. The student union may also accept other LUT University students as members. A person’s membership in the student union ends when their right to study ends.




Section 5: Honorary membership

 

The student union may invite former members or persons who have performed exemplary deeds for the purposes of the student union as honorary technology or economics students. The decision to send an invitation as an honorary technology or economics student is made by the representative council of the student union. The proposal is approved if it is supported by two-thirds of the council members.



CHAPTER 3: Right to vote and eligibility for election

 

Section 6: Right to vote

 

All those members of a student union who have registered for the academic year as attending have the right to vote in the student union election. The right to vote must be personally exercised.

Section 7: Eligibility for election 

 

Each member of the student union is eligible to sign up as a candidate for the representative council and Board.  Members of the representative council must also have the right to vote. 

A broader eligibility for election also allows members who are absent to sign up as a candidate. It also ensures that members are treated equally.

 

A person is eligible to register as a candidate for other bodies if they fulfil their respective requirements for eligibility. For example, LUT University’s rules of procedure when electing student representatives of the Board.



CHAPTER 4: Representative council 


The activities of the representative council are also guided by its rules of procedure.

Section 8: Members

 

27 members are elected to the representative council for a period of two years, in accordance with the representative council election order. 

 

Section 9: Session and term of office

 

The session of the representative council begins on 1 December and ends on 30 November.  The representative council’s term of office lasts for two sessions.

 

Section 10: The responsibilities of the representative council 

 

The primary tasks of the representative council include:

1) Electing the chairperson of the representative council as well as the 1st and 2nd vice chairs from amongst its members for

2) Electing a party to form the Board

3) Electing Board members and to discharge the previous Board

4) Electing the LTKY representatives according to the voting and election rules

5) Setting up committees according to the representative council’s rules of procedure.

6) Electing an auditor and performance auditor as well as their deputies

7) Inviting members to an honorary delegation

8) Establishing the budget and the action and financial plan of the student union and, if necessary, specifying the guidelines and instructions to be followed in financial activities.

9) Deciding on significant financial matters by a supermajority, in this case two-thirds of its members

10) Determining the amount of the membership fee for the student union and presenting them to the LUT University rector for confirmation

11) Approving the rules, guidelines and rules of procedure governing the activities of the student union.

12) Deciding on significant matters related to real estate belonging to the student union by a supermajority, in this case two-thirds of its members

13) Processing the financial statements and reporting on operations of the student union and deciding on the follow-up actions taken

14) Deciding on the discharge for those accountable

15) Deciding on the student union joining or leaving other organisations via a supermajority, in this case of two-thirds of its members

16) Deciding on matters that the representative council, the Board, a delegation, a committee, two representative council members or fifty student union members consider necessary to be decided.

17) Electing the executive director of the student union

 

Section 11 Representative council meetings

 

The representative council shall meet at the invitation of the chairperson or vice chairperson. The representative council shall also attend the following meetings: The organisational meeting by the 15th day of the first December of its session, the annual general meeting by April, and the budget meeting by November.

 

In addition, the representative council shall meet at the invitation of the Board or the administrative committee or at the written request of five representative council members. In this case, the meeting must be held within two weeks of the invitation or request. However, if the representative council is invited during an uninterrupted student holiday of over seven days, the meeting must be held within four weeks.

The following shall be included in the organisational meeting:

1) The composition of the new representative council

2) The election of the chairperson as well as the first and second vice chairpersons

3) The election of the Board

4) The election of the administrative committee

5) The election of the auditor and performance auditor as well as their deputies for the next financial period.

 

The following shall be decided at the annual general meeting:

1) The Board’s report on operations for the previous year is presented

2) The financial statements are presented for approval

3) The auditor’s and performance auditor’s statements are presented

4) The administrative committee’s statement is presented

5) Discharges are decided for those accountable

 

The following shall be included in the budget meeting:

1) The membership fees for the following registration period will be stipulated and presented to the rector for confirmation.

2) The student union’s budget, operational and financial plan, and any general guidelines and instructions concerning financial activities are approved.

 

Section 12: Legality and quorum

 

The legality and quorum of the representative council meeting is attained if it is convened in the manner described in Section 11 and when at least fourteen council members are present. 

 

Section 13: Rights to attend and to speak

 

Each student union member has the right to attend representative council meetings.

 

The actual members of the student union representative council, Board members and employees as well as auditors and performance auditors have the right to attend and speak at representative council meetings. In addition, the chairperson of the meeting may grant the right to attend and speak to other persons.

 

The chairperson of the meeting has, on reasonable grounds, the right to declare that a matter will be processed behind closed doors and may also limit the attendance of a meeting.



CHAPTER 5: Board

 

Section 14: Board members and terms of office

 

The Board includes at least three members, including the chairperson. The Board elects a vice chairperson from amongst its members and agrees on its internal allocation of tasks.

 

The Board member must be a member of the student union at the moment of being elected. Representative council members elected to the Board may not participate in the activities of the representative council during their term. Board members may not be employed by the student union during their term.

 

The representative council elects the Board for on term at a time. The Board term lasts one calendar year. A new Board may be organised before the start of its term.

 

Section 15: Board duties 

 

The duties of the Board include:

1) Exercising the general administrative and executive power of the student union 

2) Managing the administration of the student union and supervising the compliance of the student union’s rules in force

3) Being responsible for the student union’s finances according to the budget

4) Electing the personnel of the student union, excluding the executive director, and determining their payroll in accordance with the committee-approved budget and supervising the executive director

5) Deciding the official statements given on behalf of the student union

6) Preparing the matters discussed at meetings in so far as the Board is responsible for them

7) Implementing the decisions made during the representative council meetings

8) Approving the financial statement and report on operations
9) Electing LTKY’s representatives in accordance with the voting and election guidelines of the student union

10) Deciding other representational matters of the student union
11) Deciding on the opening or closing of accounts

12) If necessary, deciding on other matters that have not been delegated to the representative council

 

The Board may, if necessary, grant procuration rights, i.e., grant a person the authority to sign on behalf of the student union.



CHAPTER 6: Finances

 

Section 16: Financial year and budget

 

The financial year of a student union is a calendar year.

 

The activities of the student union must comply with the budget. The budget and amendments to it are decided by the representative council. The budget for a financial year must be approved before the beginning of said financial year. 

 

Section 17: Membership fees 

 

All actual members of the student union are obligated to pay the membership fee of the student union. The amount of the membership fee is specified by the representative council and confirmed by the LUT University rector. The university will supervise the collection of membership fees.

 

The Board has the right to partially or completely discharge actual members from paying membership fees on reasonable financial and/or social grounds or if charging the fee would otherwise be unreasonable.

 

Section 18: Auditors and performance auditors

 

The representative council will appoint one auditor and performance auditor as well as their personal deputies to audit the accounts and administration of every financial year.

 

The auditor and deputy auditor must both be authorised or belong to an audit firm. The performance auditor and deputy performance auditor must both be a current or former member of the student union. They may not be part of the representative council or Board or employed by the student union, nor may they be a Board member or employee of an organisation controlled by the student union.

 

Section 19: Financial statements and the audit report

 

The financial statements must be prepared and provided to the student union’s auditor and performance auditor along with the report on operations prepared by the Board as well as other necessary documents at least a month before the representative council meeting where the financial statement is to be confirmed.

 

The auditor and performance auditor must leave a written report on their inspection to the Board two weeks before the representative council meeting. 



CHAPTER 7: Specific provisions

 

Section 20 Authority to sign

 

The chairperson of the Board, the vice chairperson and executive director will sign the name of the student union by two persons or separately along with the Board members.

Section 21: Associations closely connected to the student union 

Associations may be connected to the student union. The regulations for connecting associations with the student union are specified in the regulations of the association.

 

Section 22: Amendments 

 

The Board may amend these rules by a supermajority of three-fourths of the members of a representative council meeting. These meetings must be at least two weeks apart. The amendments will come into force when they are confirmed by the LUT University rector.

 

This central rule has been approved at two successive representative council meetings on 25 March 2021 and 22 April 2021. This central rule came into force on 29 April 2021 when the LUT University rector confirmed it, thus overturning the previously applicable central rule.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ECONOMIC REGULATION

 

CHAPTER 1: General provisions

 

Section 1 General

This regulation applies to all the activities of the Student Union and its bodies, unless other

rules stipulate otherwise.

Either the executive director’s or each body’s power of decision must not be delegated to

another party or body. Each body and the executive director are responsible for the matters

under their own power of decision.

 

Section 2 Bodies and their duties

The bodies of the Student Union are the Representative Council, the Administration

Subcommittee, the Board, the Central Election Committee and the subcommittees

established by the Representative Council as well as the committees established by the

Board.

The purpose of the bodies is to develop the Student Union’s activities strategically in its

members’ best interests.

The term of each body will begin immediately after its appointment when it convenes for the

first time and end at the end of the current calendar year, unless stipulated otherwise in the

rules concerning the body.

The body and all of its members must enjoy the confidence of the Representative Council.

The Rules of Procedure of the Representative Council provide more detailed provisions on

the question of confidence and motion of no confidence.

 

CHAPTER 2: Subcommittees, committees and the honorary delegation

 

Section 3 Establishing subcommittees

At its own discretion, the Representative Council may establish subcommittees for specific

tasks that answer for the Board of the Student Union, with the exception of the

Administration Subcommittee, which is regulated by Section 4. The term of a subcommittee

is equal to the term of the Representative Council. The chair, members and duties of a

subcommittee are determined at its establishment.

A subcommittee may, at its own discretion, elect a vice chair from among its members. A

subcommittee may supplement itself by a unanimous decision.

 

Section 4 Administration Subcommittee

The Representative Council will establish an Administration Subcommittee for monitoring the

activities of the Student Union. The duty of the Administration Subcommittee is to monitor

the administration and expenditure of the Student Union.

The Administration Subcommittee must have a chair, a vice chair and between three and

five other members. The chair and vice chair must be ordinary members of the

Representative Council, while the other members of the committee can be ordinary or

deputy members. The Administration Subcommittee will be constituted according to the

procedure mentioned in the Voting and Election Regulation.

The term of the Administration Subcommittee will begin at the start of the Student Union’s

financial period and end when the Representative Council has processed the

Subcommittee’s opinion on the financial period.

In particular, the Administration Subcommittee’s duty is to monitor the Student Union’s

compliance with its rules and the appropriateness of its expenditures as well as to issue a

statement for auditing. The Administration Subcommittee may oblige the Board of the

Student Union to allocate sufficient human resources for its preparatory and executive

duties.

In connection with the audit report, the Student Union’s Administration Subcommittee must

issue its own assessment on:

1) whether the Student Union has complied with its rules in its activities;

2) whether the Student Union has managed its finances and expenditure appropriately; and

3) whether the Board of the Student Union has executed the decisions made by the

Representative Council and subcommittees.

 

Section 5 Establishing committees

At its own discretion, the Representative Council may establish committees for specific tasks

that answer for the Board of the Student Union. The term of a committee is equal to the term

of the Board. The chair, members and duties of a committee are determined at its

establishment.

The subcommittee may, at its discretion, elect a vice chair from among its members. A

committee may supplement itself by a unanimous decision.

 

Section 6 Honorary delegation

The Representative Council may, at its discretion, establish an honorary delegation. The

honorary delegation’s duty is to provide advice, as necessary, and support in matters

concerning the Student Union. The honorary delegation consists of members invited by the

Representative Council, and its composition and activities are defined in more detail in the

delegation’s declaration of establishment.

To be an eligible member of the delegation, a person must meet the eligibility criteria defined

in the delegation’s declaration of establishment.

 

CHAPTER 3: Employees

 

Section 7 General information about employees

If a member of a body is selected as a Student Union employee, the person will be

disqualified from their membership in the Representative Council, the Board or the

Administration Subcommittee for the duration of their employment.

 

Section 8 Executive director

The executive director will act as the supervisor of the Student Union’s employees and as

the Student Union’s head of office. The executive director will report directly to the Board

and answer to the Board for the employees’ activities.

The duties of the executive director include:

1) managing the office’s activities and executing the Board’s decisions;

2) providing regulations and instructions on the office’s work and arrangements;

3) preparing the Board’s proposal for the Student Union’s budget;

4) developing the Student Union’s activities and organisation and preparing initiatives on

them, especially with regard to its rules;

5) answering for the financial administration and developing it;

6) acting as the secretary in the meetings of the Representative Council and the Board;

7) representing the Student Union as necessary;

8) providing and signing certificates as well as extracts from the meeting minutes of the

Representative Council and the Board; and

9) taking care of any other duties separately assigned by the Board.

 

Section 9 Employment contracts

The Board must publish vacancies well before they are filled by posting them on the Student

Union’s official website. However, the Board may, at its sole discretion, fill short-term

vacancies lasting at most three (3) months without advertising them.

The Student Union’s employment contracts are either permanent or for a fixed term

determined by the Board. Fixed-term contracts must meet the applicable legal requirements.

The employees must sign a written employment contract.

 

Section 10 Executive director’s selection process

The Board will publish the vacancy of the executive director well before the executive

director’s selection. The call for applications will be prepared by individuals selected by and

authorised by the Board.

The Representative Council will establish a selection working group for choosing the

executive director consisting of at least one representative of the Board, the Representative

Council and the employees. At its discretion, the selection working group may also use

assistance from external consultants. On the basis of interviews, the selection working group

will nominate one (1) of the applicants to the Representative Council. If the Representative

Council rejects the proposal, the working group can propose another individual or continue

searching for a suitable candidate.

 

Section 11 Solving human resource issues

The Representative Council will resolve the following human resource issues:

1) appointing the executive director of the Student Union;

2) determining the amount of fees paid to the members of the Student Union’s different

bodies and the basis for the fees; and

3) determining the basis for additional reimbursements paid to the members, secretaries and

employees of the Student Union’s different bodies, especially with regard to travel

allowances.

The Board will resolve the following human resource issues:

1) publication of vacancies;

2) appointing the Student Union’s employees with the exception of the executive director;

3) confirming the job descriptions of the Student Union’s employees;

4) publishing the vacancy of the executive director and confirming the job description;

5) hiring the Student Union’s employees within the budget;

6) terminating employment contracts and laying off the Student Union’s employees; and

7) paying additional reimbursements.

The executive director will resolve the following human resource issues:

1) granting annual leave;

2) granting leave for which the employee is unconditionally entitled on the basis of the

collective agreement or legislation;

3) granting unpaid leave in accordance with the collective agreement;

4) employees’ extra, overtime, Saturday and Sunday work;

5) issuing travel orders or attending training;

6) granting time off in lieu; and

7) issuing certificates of employment.

 

Section 12 Preparing the budget

The executive director will prepare the next financial year’s budget proposal for the Board

and a financial plan for the two years following the budget year. The Board must hand in the

final budget proposal to the Representative Council at least one month before the end of the

financial year.

The budget must provide a good and clear picture of the Student Union’s annual

management of finances and expenditure and include any investments, large purchases and

other exceptional expenditure and revenue.

 

Section 13 Approval procedure for invoices and expenses

The executive director will approve the invoices. Invoices addressed to the executive director

will be approved by the executive director and the chair cooperatively.

Invoices exceeding five hundred (500) euros will be approved by the executive director and

chair cooperatively.

Invoices addressed to both the executive director and the chair as well as invoices

exceeding thirty thousand (30,000) euros will be approved by the executive director, chair

and vice chair together.

The Board may, at its own discretion, carry out purchases exceeding five hundred (500)

euros within the budget, and the executive director may, at their own discretion, carry out

purchases below five hundred (500) euros within the budget.

 

Section 14 Provision of loans

The Student Union may, at the Board’s discretion, grant loans of at most one thousand

(1,000) euros to the associations included in its list of associations.

 

CHAPTER 4: Special provisions

 

Section 15 Other acquisition of funds

Lotteries, fund-raising and other similar acquisition of funds must comply with the applicable

laws, regulations and guidelines.

 

Section 16 Other provisions

If the Student Union is dissolved, its funds will be transferred to a similar purpose determined

by the Student Union’s Representative Council, unless otherwise stipulated by their

transferor.

 

Section 17 Amendments

The Representative Council can amend these rules with a 3/4 majority vote in a meeting of

the Representative Council.

The Representative Council has approved this administrative and economic regulation in its

meeting on 25 March 2021. This administrative and economic regulation became valid on 25

March 2021, thereby repealing the previous administrative and economic regulation.

RULES FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS


CHAPTER 1: General information about the Student Union’s

Representative Council elections

These election rules assume that the elections are held using electronic voting. For

regulations on ballot-box voting, see Chapter 9.


Section 1 General

These election rules apply to the election of the Student Union’s Representative Council

members. In addition to these election rules, the Representative Council elections must

comply with the Government Decree on Universities and the Student Union’s Constitution.


Section 2 The Student Union’s Representative Council elections

The Student Union’s Representative Council elections are held every two years, between 1

October and 30 November within two consecutive working days on dates decided by the

Central Election Committee.

If a member of the Representative Council resigns or is permanently absent or disqualified

and no deputy member can be invited to replace them, a by-election must be held in forty-

five (45) days from the Representative Council meeting in which the need for a by-election

was noted.


Section 3 Electoral procedure and voting system

The voting will take place completely electronically. However, if this is not possible, ballot-

box voting can complement or completely replace electronic voting.

For the purposes of electronic voting, the advance polling station must have a voting rights

register and an electronic voting system available as well as the necessary equipment for

using them.

The voting system must meet the following criteria:

1) the voting devices and mainframe computer are protected by appropriate information

security;

2) the voter’s identity is verified before voting;

3) the voter’s identity cannot be associated with any particular vote afterwards;

4) the voter can only vote once, either electronically or at the ballot box; and

5) the votes can be counted correctly.

The Board of the Student Union will select the system used for electronic voting.

In electronic voting, the votes are cast in an electronic voting system, which is a database

consisting of the votes cast in the elections. The votes are stored in the electronic voting

system. Before the start of the vote, the chair and vice chair of the Central Election Committee must check that the electronic voting system has no votes already logged within

it. The electronic voting system must not be opened and the accumulated votes must not be

counted before the end of the vote.

It must be possible to verify the reliability of the electronic voting system. If electronic voting

will take place at the polling station, the voting equipment must be supervised. The Central

Election Committee will provide more detailed instructions on conducting the vote as well as

ensuring the secrecy of voting and implementing data protection.

Within reasonable limits, the voters must be offered equal opportunity to vote regardless of

the campus or each voter’s personal characteristics.


CHAPTER 2: Central Election Committee


Section 4 Composition of the Central Election Committee

To hold the elections, the Student Union’s Representative Council must establish a Central

Election Committee consisting of a chair, at least five (5) other members and, if necessary,

deputy members. The Central Election Committee will appoint a vice chair from among its

members. A Student Union employee appointed by the Board of the Student Union will act

as the secretary of the Central Election Committee and have the right to attend and address

the meetings.

The Central Election Committee has a quorum when at least two (2) members in addition to

the chair or vice chair are present.

A member of the Central Election Committee cannot stand as a candidate in the

Representative Council elections.


Section 5 Electoral register

The right to vote in the Representative Council elections is based on the electoral register

compiled and reviewed by the Central Election Committee.

The electoral register must contain every attending member of the Student Union who has

paid the Student Union membership fee. The Central Election Committee must confirm the

electoral register and make it available for inspection at the Student Union office well in

advance. The electoral register must be available for inspection for at least seven (7) days.


Section 6 Complaints concerning the electoral register

Complaints concerning the electoral register accompanied with the grounds for the complaint

must be submitted in writing to the Central Election Committee immediately after noticing the

need for a complaint. However, complaints cannot be submitted later than seven (7) days

before the first advance voting day.

The Central Election Committee must notify all parties concerned of the complaints and their

content.

The parties must submit clarifications required by the complaints to the Central Election

Committee within three (3) days of having been notified of each complaint.

The Central Election Committee will process and resolve the complaints concerning the

electoral register during its meeting. The Central Election committee must give its decision

on every complaint, and the decision and its grounds must be entered in the minutes. All

parties subject to the complaint, including the complainant, must be informed of the decision.

When the Central Election Committee meeting has ended and any possible complaints have

been entered in the electoral register, an entry concerning the electoral register’s validity

must be entered in the register.


CHAPTER 3: Candidates, electoral alliances and electoral rings


Section 7 Candidate

Every eligible member of the Student Union can stand as a candidate by informing the

Central Election Committee of their candidacy with the form approved by the Central

Election Committee.


Section 8 Electoral alliance

Two or more candidates have the right to form an electoral alliance, in which case the

identifier and name of the electoral alliance must be entered in the declaration of candidacy.

The candidates wishing to form an electoral alliance must prepare a declaration of

establishment using the form approved by the Student Union’s Central Election Committee.

The declaration of establishment must contain the electoral alliance’s identifier and name as

well as the representative and deputy representatives of the alliance who cannot stand as

candidates or representatives of other electoral alliances.

The declaration of establishment must contain the names of the candidates. An electoral

alliance may contain at most twenty-seven (27) candidates.

A candidate may only be a member of one electoral alliance. If a person stands as a

candidate or representative in more than one electoral alliance, the Central Election

Committee must remove the person from all of them and, if the person is a candidate,

disqualify their candidacy.


Section 9 Electoral ring

Two or more electoral alliances can form an electoral ring. The same right applies to an

electoral alliance and a candidate as well as two or more electoral alliances and candidates.

The parties forming an electoral ring will submit the Central Election Committee a declaration

of establishment containing the electoral ring’s identifier and name, the identifiers of the

ring’s members, and if no such identifiers exist, the names of the candidates.

The declaration of establishment must be prepared using the form verified by the Student

Union’s Central Election Committee.


Section 10 Submitting the documents

The documents mentioned in Sections 7, 8 and 9 must be submitted to the Central Election

Committee by the second Monday of October.

The Central Election Committee will review the above-mentioned documents and approve

the candidates, electoral alliances and electoral rings if the documents are correctly

executed and submitted within the given time period.

If the review reveals that a candidate cannot be accepted in an electoral alliance or electoral

ring, the Central Election Committee must give the candidate an opportunity to withdraw

their request or rectify the mistake in the documents.


Section 11 Approved candidates

If the number of approved candidates equals the number of seats to be filled, no separate

elections will be held. Instead, the Central Election Committee will declare the candidates in

the list of candidates elected.

If the number of candidates is lower than the number of seats to be filled, the candidates will

be declared as elected and they will have the power of decision in the Representative

Council until the by-election has taken place. To elect the remaining members of the

Representative Council, the Central Election Committee will decree a by-election and set a

date for it. Where applicable, the by-election will be subject to the provisions of these

election rules.

If the number of approved candidates exceeds the number of seats in the Representative

Council, which is determined by the rules of the Student Union, the Central Election

Committee must compile a list of candidates.


Section 12 List of candidates

The list of candidates will contain the approved candidates in a specific order in which the

electoral alliances and candidates belonging to the same electoral ring are grouped together

and allocated consecutive numbers to make it clear which candidates belong to which

electoral ring. Similarly, candidates who do not belong to any electoral ring but belong to an

electoral alliance are grouped together.

The respective order of the above-mentioned electoral rings, electoral alliances and the

candidates who do not belong to any of these is drawn by lot. After this, the Central Election

Committee will assign the candidates new running numbers starting with the electoral ring,

electoral alliance or candidate who came out first in the drawing of lots. Numbering will start

from number 2.

An electoral alliance that does not belong to any electoral ring must be labelled as an

“electoral alliance”, while an electoral ring must be labelled as an “electoral ring”.

The list of candidates must mention the elections for which it has been compiled. The list

must be published on the Student Union’s official website at least one week before the start

of the elections.


CHAPTER 4: Preparatory measures for the elections


Section 13 Election announcement

The Central Election Committee must publish an election announcement at least forty (40)

days before the actual voting days on the Student Union’s website and, whenever possible,

on other channels.

The election announcement must state:

1) which elections the announcement concerns;

2) when the elections will be held;

3) how many candidates will be elected;

4) the criteria for election eligibility; and

5) how and where to register as a candidate.

When publishing the election announcement, the Central Election Committee will provide

instructions on electronic voting arrangements and procedures for exceptional situations.


Section 14 Voting

The Central Election Committee will determine the time and place of the vote. During the

elections, each polling station must keep an electoral protocol that will function as a

memorandum on the vote.

The polling stations must have a sufficient number of lists of candidates on display. The

Central Election Committee must ensure that the voters can maintain secrecy of voting when

casting their vote, and make available any necessary resources and voting instructions. To

conform to this, the Central Election Committee must inspect the polling station before the

start of the vote. The inspection must be recorded in the electoral protocol.


Section 15 Electoral officials

The Central Election Committee can order the Board of the Student Union to obtain as many

electoral officials as it deems necessary to run the elections during the vote. Persons

standing as candidates in the elections cannot act as electoral officials at the polling station.

Electoral officials must not give any information on the voting behaviour of eligible voters to

outsiders. If requested, electoral officials must give the voters information about these

election rules.


Section 16 Polling stations

The electoral officials must supervise that no efforts are made at the polling station or its

immediate vicinity to influence voting.

The persons present must comply with the provisions given by the Central Election

Committee to maintain order and ensure smooth voting. The electoral officials must interrupt

the vote if the elections are materially disrupted.


CHAPTER 5: Election procedure


Section 17 Organising advance voting

Advance voting may be conducted from the date determined by the Central Election

Committee, however not more than fourteen (14) days before the actual election days.


Section 18 Verification of the right to vote at the polling station

A voter who wishes to exercise their right to vote at the polling station must register with an

electoral official. The voter is obliged to show their ID or student card to the electoral official.

The electoral official must make sure that only those entitled to vote are allowed to vote.


Section 19 Infringement of the provisions

If a person standing as a candidate in the elections fails to comply with the provisions of the

Central Election Committee or disrupts the elections, the Central Election Committee may,

by its own decision, issue a warning to the person or the list of candidates the person is

representing.

If the Central Election Committee establishes beyond all doubt that the candidate has

disrupted the elections, or if the candidate, after having received a warning, fails to comply

with the provisions of the Central Election Committee or disrupts the elections a second

time, the Central Election Committee can by a unanimous vote cancel the person’s

candidacy. In this case, the votes received by the candidate must be disqualified.


CHAPTER 6: Election result


Section 20 Verification of voting results

The votes are counted in a Central Election Committee meeting, which will be held

immediately after the last polling station has closed. The votes cast in the electronic voting

system are now counted.

The following information is recorded in the Central Election Committee's minutes: the

number of persons who used their right to vote electronically, the overall number of votes,

and the number of votes for each electoral alliance, electoral ring and candidate. The final

result, which shows the candidates elected as members and deputy members of the

Representative Council with their respective comparative indices and personal numbers of

votes, must also be entered in the minutes.

The results of the electronic voting system and ballot-box voting are then combined if both

have been used in the same elections. If only ballot-box voting has been used, the

procedure follows the instructions for ballot-box voting.


Section 21 Determining the comparative indices for the candidates in electoral alliances

The candidates in each electoral alliance are ranked according to the number of their votes.

After this, the candidate with the most votes in their electoral alliance is given a comparative

index equal to the overall number of votes received by the electoral alliance. The candidate

who received the second most votes is given a comparative index equal to half of the overall

number of votes, the third candidate a comparative index equal to one-third of the overall

number of votes, etc. If two candidates have the same number of votes or the same

comparative index, their ranking is determined by lot.

If an electoral alliance does not belong to an electoral ring, the comparative index thus

calculated is its final comparative index.

If a candidate does not belong to any electoral alliance or electoral ring, the candidate’s final

comparative index will be equal to the candidate’s personal number of votes.


Section 22 Determining the comparative indices for the candidates in electoral rings

The candidates in each electoral ring are ranked according to their comparative indices so

that the comparative index of a candidate who does not belong to any electoral alliance

equals the candidate’s personal number of votes, and the comparative index of a candidate

who belongs to an electoral alliance equals the comparative index assigned to the candidate

in their electoral alliance.

After this, the candidate with the largest comparative index in the electoral ring is given a

final comparative index equal to the overall number of votes received by the electoral ring.

The candidate with the second largest comparative index is given a comparative index equal

to half of the overall number of votes, the third candidate a comparative index equal to a

third of the overall number of votes, etc. If two candidates have the same number of votes or

the same comparative index, their ranking is determined by lot.


Section 23 Elected members and deputy members

All candidates are ranked by their final comparative index in descending order. After this, the

candidates with the highest comparative indices are declared elected until all seats are filled.

After this, all the remaining candidates who have received at least two personal votes are

declared elected as deputy members.


CHAPTER 7: Ballot-box voting


Ballot-box voting may be used only if electronic voting is partially or entirely impossible.


Section 24 Ballots

If necessary, the Central Election Committee must prepare and photocopy a paper ballot to

be used in the elections. The ballot must mention the elections for which it is intended and

contain a circle for writing down the number of the voter’s choice of candidate.


Section 25 Ballot box

A sufficient number of ballot boxes approved by the Central Election Committee must be

reserved in advance. Before the start of the vote, the Central Election Committee must

check that the ballot box is empty. The electoral officials will have to prove that the box is

empty by adding their signature and print name in the electoral protocol. The ballot box must

not be opened and the accumulated votes must not be counted before the end of the vote.


Section 26 Use of ballots

The voter must write down the number of the candidate they would like to vote for within the

circle inside the ballot. Making any other notes on the ballot is not allowed. If the voter

wishes to fill out a new ballot, they can request a new one from the electoral official by

returning the original ballot, which must be marked as disqualified and stored.

After writing down the number corresponding to their chosen candidate on the ballot, the

voter must fold their ballot and take it to the Central Election Committee for stamping and

then place the stamped ballot in the ballot box. The voter is now considered to have

exercised their right to vote.

A note will be made in a list, which is compiled and maintained by the Central Election

Committee, indicating that the voter has handed in the ballot and exercised their right to

vote. The list will be attached to the electoral protocol.


Section 27 Verification of ballots

When the election procedure has ended, the Central Election Committee will count the votes

as quorate. At this time, the ballots are taken from the ballot boxes and counted without

being opened. The number of people who exercised their right to vote is also counted. After

this, the ballots are opened and checked.

Ballots that have to be disqualified are divided into separate groups. The remaining ballots

are checked so that the ballots in support of each candidate are divided into separate

groups.

The following information is recorded in the Central Election Committee’s minutes: the

number of persons who used their right to vote at the ballot box, the overall number of cast

ballots, and the number of votes for each electoral alliance, electoral ring and candidate.


Section 28 Disqualifying a ballot

A ballot must be disqualified if it has not been issued by the Central Election Committee or if

it has not been appropriately stamped or if the voter’s choice is unclear because of the

manner in which the number is written. A ballot will also have to be disqualified if it contains

any other notes.

The Central Election Committee will decide which compromised ballots will be disqualified

and count toward the final result.


CHAPTER 8: Special provisions


Section 29 Announcing the election result

The election result will be published on the Student Union’s official website.


Section 30 Storing the election documents

The Central Election Committee must store the documents produced during the elections

and the ballots safely until the time limit for complaints has been exceeded or filed

complaints have been resolved. Subsequently, the documents will be moved to the Student

Union’s archive.


Section 31 Appeals

The decisions and measures of the Central Election Committee can be contested by

appealing to the Student Union’s Administration Subcommittee. The appeal must be filed

within seven (7) days of the announcement of the decision or measure.


Section 32 Validity and amendments

The Representative Council can amend these rules with a 3/4 majority vote in two meetings

of the Representative Council with at least one week in between them.


These election rules were approved in two consecutive meetings of the Representative

Council on 25 March 2021 and 22 April 2021. These election rules became valid on 22 April

2021, thereby repealing the previous election rules.

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

CHAPTER 1: General provisions

 

Section 1. Applicability of the provisions

 

These rules of procedure of the Council of Representatives shall be observed, unless otherwise provided in other rules. The chairperson of the Council of Representatives and the executive director are responsible for interpreting and complying with the rules of procedure. 

 

Section 2. Incapacity

 

If a member of the Council of Representatives is prevented from attending to their duties or their eligibility to the office ends, they shall be replaced. The member of the Council of Representatives shall return to office when their incapacity ends.

 

In particular, members of the Board of the Student Union and employees of the Student Union are disqualified from serving as members of the Council of Representatives. The duration of the disqualification is the duration of the Board’s term of office or the employment relationship. For this time, a deputy member is invited to serve in place of the disqualified member.

 

A member of the Council of Representatives who is prevented from attending a meeting shall notify, in advance, the contact person of their group of representatives, who shall simultaneously inform the secretary of the meeting of all of the incapacities.

 

Section 3. Disqualification

 

A member of the Council of Representatives is prevented from participating in the proceedings and decision-making if their personal interests may conflict with the interests of the Student Union. If the chair of the meeting so decides, such a member of the Council of Representatives shall leave the meeting room for the duration of the disqualification. 

 

If the disqualification covers an entire item on the agenda, a deputy member may be invited to replace the member. The member of the Council of Representatives shall return to office when the disqualification ends. In a personal election in which a member of the Council of Representatives is nominated, they shall not be deemed to have been disqualified, and the representative may thus cast a vote in the election.


Section 4. Procedures with respect to deputy members

When a deputy member is called in place of a member of the Council of Representatives, they shall be taken according to the quotient from the same electoral list or, if that is not possible, from the same electoral bloc to which the member belonged. If this is not possible either, the deputy member shall be taken according to the quotient from among all the remaining deputies.

Section 5. Quorum for the meeting and presence of representatives at the meeting

The legality and quorum of a meeting of the Council of Representatives is governed by Section 12 of the General Rules. In the meetings of the Council of Representative, the quorum is established by a roll call. During the roll call, the deputy member shall be called in place of a disqualified member. A deputy member shall be invited to replace a member who leaves the meeting while it is in progress. A member arriving in the middle of a meeting shall be invited to replace their deputy.

Section 6. The Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons and Secretary of the Council of Representatives

 

From among its members, the Council of Representative elects the chairperson and two vice chairpersons: the 1st vice chairperson and the 2nd vice chairperson. The chairperson and vice chairpersons of the Council of Representatives must be full members of the Council of Representatives. The term of office of the chairperson and vice chairpersons of the Council of Representatives is the same as that of the Council of Representatives itself.

 

It is the task of the Chairperson of the Council of Representatives to:

1) convene the meetings of the Council;

2) chair the meetings and sign each meeting’s minutes together with the secretary of the meeting;

3) ensure that the activities of the Student Union comply with the laws, rules and other regulations in force;

4) monitor the activity of the various committees appointed by the Council.

 

In the event of the chairperson of the Council of Representatives being prevented from attending or being disqualified, their duties shall be performed by the first vice chairperson. If the first vice chairperson is also prevented from attending or disqualified, their duties shall be performed by the second vice chairperson. 

 

If, at a meeting of the Council of Representatives, both the chairperson and the two vice chairpersons are prevented from attending or are disqualified, a temporary chairperson shall be elected to deal with the matter at hand.

 

The chairperson or vice chairperson of the Council of Representatives shall resign if at least twenty (20) members of the Council so request in writing.

 

If the chairperson or vice chairperson of the Council of Representatives resigns or is incapacitated during their term of office, or if their eligibility ends, the Council shall elect a new chairperson or vice chairperson to replace them for the remainder of their term.

 

The executive director acts as the secretary for the meetings of the Council of Representatives. If the executive director is prevented from attending or is disqualified, a person appointed by the chair of the meeting may act as the secretary of that meeting.



CHAPTER 2: Procedure at meetings

 

Section 7. Remote participation at meetings

 

The meeting and decision-making of the Council of Representatives may be attended in whole or in part by means of a telecommunications connection or other technical means. Attending a meeting via a telecommunications connection is referred to in these rules as “remote attendance”.

 

Section 8. Invitation to the meeting

 

The Council of Representatives shall convene in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of the main rules of the Student Union. 

 

The notice convening a meeting of the Council of Representatives must be sent at least five (5) days before the meeting to all members of the Council. In addition, the meeting must be announced on the Student Union website. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting; the option of remote attendance or lack thereof; and the matters to be discussed at the meeting.

 

Section 9. Agenda

 

The agenda of the Council of Representatives shall be prepared by the executive director together with the Presidium of the Council of Representatives and the Board. The meeting of the Council of Representatives shall discuss the matters mentioned in the notice convening the meeting. In addition, the Council, acting unanimously, may take up a matter which is not mentioned in the notice convening the meeting.

 

Section 10. Preliminary proposal and presentation of the matter

 

At the meetings of the Council of Representatives, the discussion is based on a proposal made by the Board, the executive director, the Presidium of the Council of Representatives or a committee. If the rapporteur changes their proposal or takes an amendment on board, the amended proposal shall become the new draft decision. If the matter is only taken up for discussion at the meeting, then a proposal made by a member can also be used as the draft decision.

 

Section 11. Tabling

 

A matter being handled for the first time shall be tabled if at least seven (7) members of the Council of Representatives so request. When the matter is handled for the second time, it shall be tabled if at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Council of Representatives present at the meeting so request.

The tabled matter shall be referred unchanged to the next meeting of the Council of Representatives. If it is desired to change the proposal related to the matter between meetings, the matter must be returned to preparation by decision of the Council of Representatives instead of being tabled.

 

Section 12. Dissenting opinion

 

A member of the Council of Representatives who wishes to express a dissenting opinion must make it known as soon as the decision has been made. The dissenting opinion shall be recorded in writing in the minutes at the latest when they are audited.

 

Section 13. Proposed motion

 

A member of the Council of Representatives has the right to propose a motion to the Board or another institution of the Student Union in connection with the activities of the Board or another institution of the Student Union.  

The proposed motion can be adopted by a simple majority of the votes of the meeting and shall be answered by the Board or other institution at the next meeting of the Council. Proposed motions are never binding.

 

Section 14. Minutes

 

The following shall be recorded in the minutes of meetings of the Council of Representatives: 

  1. the start and end times and location of the meeting
  2. persons present at the meeting; persons who left or arrived as the meeting was in progress; Board members and other functionaries; secretary and chair of the meeting
  3. present participants and remote participants, if both kinds have been present at the meeting
  4. establishing legality and quorum
  5. the auditors of the minutes and the tellers
  6. members of the Council of Representatives who are prevented from decision-making on some matter due to a conflict of interest, and the matters concerned
  7. the proposals made in the handling of each matter, the support received, and the votes taken – the number of votes must be indicated if the votes have been counted
  8. the decisions made at the meeting 
  9. the appendices handled at the meeting

 

Section 15. Inspecting the minutes and publicity

 

At the beginning of the meeting of the Council of Representatives, two (2) members of the Council who are present shall be elected as auditors of the minutes, and deputies shall be elected for each of them. The auditors will also act as tellers of votes as required. The minutes must be inspected within reasonable time.

 

The audited minutes of the meetings of the Council of Representative shall be published on the Student Union website within a reasonable time after the completion of the audit.

Section 16. General order at meetings

 

A member of the Council of Representatives or any other person present at a meeting may be removed from the meeting if, despite being demanded to do so by the chair of the meeting, they do not behave appropriately. In the event of a substantial disturbance of the order, the chair of the meeting has the right to suspend the meeting and order a further meeting.



CHAPTER 3: Other provisions

 

Section 17. Questions of confidence and motions of no confidence

 

The Board and the institutions of the Student Union must enjoy the confidence of the Council of Representatives.

 

A question of confidence may be initiated if one-third (1/3) of the members of the Council of Representatives support it. A question of confidence may be made on a chairperson or vice-chairperson of the Council of Representatives, a chairperson or member of the Board, or some other institution of the student union. The Board can also bring before the Council of Representatives a question of confidence in an institution.

 

A question of confidence must be communicated immediately to the person it concerns. The recipient of the question of confidence, either the Chairperson or the institution, shall answer the question of confidence at the next meeting of the Council of Representatives. 

 

If the Council of Representatives finds that the person or institution that answered the question of confidence does not enjoy the confidence of the Council of Representatives, i.e., receives a motion of no confidence, the person or institution shall be removed from their duties. If the Council of Representatives finds that the Chairperson of the Board does not enjoy the confidence of the Council of Representatives, the Board shall be deemed to be relieved of its duties. 

 

Section 18. Consequences of a motion of no confidence

 

If the Council of Representatives passes a motion of no confidence in the Chairperson of the Board, the Board or the Presidium of the Council of Representatives, the Council of Representatives shall handle the election of a new representative during the same meeting. The term of office of the Board that has received a motion of no confidence ends when the Council of Representative has elected a new Board. If a motion of no confidence is carried against a member of the Board, the Council of Representatives shall elect a new member of the Board to replace them. The Board may propose a new member to the Council of Representatives. Motions of no confidence cannot be tabled.

 

Section 19. Resignation of a member of the Council of Representatives

 

A member or deputy member of the Council of Representatives may resign by submitting a written notice of resignation to the executive director of the Student Union. The resignation shall take effect when a notice of resignation has been submitted to the executive director.

 

Section 20. Entry into force of the rules and amendments to same

 

The Council of Representatives may amend these rules by a three-fourths majority at a meeting of the Council of Representatives.

 

These rules of procedure were approved by the Council of Representatives at its meeting of 25 March 2021. These rules of procedure entered into force on 25 March 2021, simultaneously repealing the earlier rules of procedure of the Council of Representatives.

THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE BODIES

 

CHAPTER 1: General provisions

 

Section 1: General

 

The provisions of these rules of procedure are complied during the meetings between the student union bodies, unless otherwise stipulated. The representative council is exempt from this. The chairperson of each body is responsible for enforcing compliance with these provisions.



CHAPTER 2: Meeting techniques and procedures 

 

Section 2: Invitation to a meeting and the agenda

 

The body decides the time and place of their meetings. The meeting is held at the time that the chairperson views necessary or when two members of a body propose the meeting to the chairperson.

 

If they wish, a body may hold a meeting partially or entirely via a communication link or other technical accessory. 

 

Invitations to meetings must mention the time and place of the meeting, the option or lack thereof to participate remotely, and the matters discussed in the meeting. Invitations to meetings are sent using the method chosen by the body for members and others eligible to participate. The invitation is sent in good time before the meeting.

 

The agenda is prepared by the chairperson of the meeting or two secretaries working together. The agenda and appendices are sent along with the invitation, if possible. The members of the bodies must be able to read the documents related to the meeting before it begins. 

 

If the matters discussed in the meeting are not addressed before the meeting ends, any unresolved matters can be moved to a follow-up meeting, which does not require sending separate invitations. However, people absent from the meeting must be informed of the follow-up meeting.

 

Section 3: The right to speak and attend

 

Apart from the central election committee and the administrative committee, the chairperson, vice chairperson, and executive director of the representative council have the right to speak and attend the meetings of the student union bodies.

 

Other persons’ rights to speak and attend are decided by the appropriate body.

 

Section 4: Quorum

 

The quorum of the body is attained when at least half of its members are present, including the chairperson or vice chairperson. Legality is attained if all members have been informed of the meeting in the manner agreed upon in the organisational meeting of the body.

 

Section 5: Chairperson and secretary

 

The meeting of a body is chaired by a chairperson. If the chairperson is prevented from attending, the meeting is chaired by a vice chairperson. A person elected from amongst the body or another appointed person will function as the secretary.

 

If both the chairperson and vice chairperson are prevented from attending on a matter, a temporary chairperson is elected for resolving the matter.

 

Section 6: The organisation and conduct of a meeting and proceedings

 

The chairperson starts by stating the persons attending as well as the quorum and legality of the meeting. The matters are addressed in the order shown in the agenda, unless the body decides otherwise.

 

The matters added to the agenda are addressed during the meeting. Matters not included in the agenda are addressed if the body decides so before approving the agenda.

 

Section 7: Disqualification

 

A member of the body or another attending member must express their disqualification for a procedure. Disqualification may also be brought up by another person attending the body meeting. If necessary, the chairperson of the body must refer the disqualification of a member or another person attending to be resolved by the body.

 

A person is disqualified when:

1) They represent an interested party. As an exception, a person is not disqualified from conducting an election where they are a candidate.

2) They are expected to benefit or suffer losses from the resolution of the matter.

3) They are a member of the Board or a corresponding body or in an executive position in such a company, association, foundation, or corresponding organisation that represents an interested party or is expected to benefit or suffer losses from the resolution of the matter.

 

Section 8: Postponing and referring back

 

Matters discussed for the first time are postponed when at least two members of a body opt for it be so. When reviewing the matter, the matter is postponed if at least three-fourths of the body members opt for it to be so.

 

A postponed matter is brought unchanged to the next body meeting. If someone wishes to change the presentation related to the matter between meetings, the matter must be referred back to the decision of the body instead of being postponed.

 

Section 9: Minutes

 

The secretary of a meeting shall take a final protocol of meetings, which are inspected according to the method decided by the body during its organisational meeting

The following must be included in the minutes of the body: 

  1. The start and end time as well as the place of the meeting
  2. The persons attending the meeting, the persons leaving the meeting or attending after its start, as well as the role of each person in the meeting
  3. The persons present and those attending via remote connection, if any
  4. The establishment of legality and quorum
  5. Examiners of the minutes and tellers
  6. The disqualified members of the body on part of the procedure
  7. The suggestions presented during the proceedings, their support and the votes cast. The number of votes must be reported, if their number was calculated
  8. The decisions made during the meeting 
  9. Any appendices processed during the meeting


The minutes are signed by the chairperson and secretary of the meeting.

The minutes of bodies are public, unless otherwise decided by the body for compelling reasons. The minutes must be stored in an organised and secure manner for at least 10 years after the end of the financial year. However, the minutes of Board meetings are maintained indefinitely

 

Section 10: Dissent

 

A member of a body who wishes to present a note of dissent must inform said body of it immediately when a decision is made. The notes of dissent must be appended to the minutes in written form by the time the minutes are inspected.

 

CHAPTER 3: Specific provisions

 

Section 11: Entry into force and amendment

 

The representative council may amend these rules with a majority of three-fourths of its members at the representative council meeting.

 

These rules of procedure have been approved at the representative council meeting held on 25 March 2021. These rules of procedure entered into force on 25 March 2021, thus overturning the previous rules.

ASSOCIATION REGULATION

 

CHAPTER 1: General association register information

 

Section 1: General

 

LTKY maintains a register of associations, which may include registered non-profit associations whose purposes and modes of operation are in accordance with the law and good manners, and which serve to ensure cooperation between LTKY members and students of LUT Universities.

 

Section 2: Associations in the register

 

Associations accepted for the register may be member associations or special status associations.

 

Section 3: Member associations

 

A member association is a normal member of the register of associations The decision to approve an association into the register of associations as a member association is decided by the LTKY Board. The Board is also entitled to remove a member association from the register.

 

Section 4: Special status associations

 

A special status association is an association with an important role in tutoring freshmen and/or a strong cultural position in the student community. The approval of an association as a special status association is decided by the representative council. The decision requires a majority of two thirds of the votes cast in the meeting. The representative council also has the right to remove a special status association from the register of associations.

Section 5: Guilds

A special status union representing the students of one, or in special cases, several fields in the LUT University, can be called a guild. The decision to grant guild status is made by the representative council and requires a supermajority of two-thirds of the votes cast in the meeting.



CHAPTER 2: The obligations and benefits of a registered association

 

Section 6: The obligations of all associations

 

The rules of an association included in the register must comply with the requirements of the Finnish Associations Act.

 

The Board of the association must keep a list of the members of the association. For each member, the full name and domicile shall be added to the list.

 

The associations are responsible for their activities and finances. Each association included in the register of associations has an accounting obligation. The accounting must comply with the provisions of accounting legislation and the Associations Act. The financial statement must include sufficient documentation of the financial situation of the association at the moment that the financial statement is made. The financial statement must be made in accordance with the Accounting Act. The association must keep a register of its property. The audit and performance audit must be performed within three months of the end of the financial year.

 

Section 7: The obligations of member associations

 

For an association to be accepted as a member association, at least 20 percent but no less than three of its members who are entitled to vote must also be members of LTKY. In addition, at least 60 percent of the association’s members who are entitled to vote must be LUT University students.

 

In addition to its regular list of members, the Board of the association must also keep a list of the members who are entitled to vote. This list must also indicate whether a member is also a member of LTKY or an LUT university student.

 

The rules of the association may not limit LUT University student union members’ opportunities to become a member of an association who is entitled to vote. This paragraph is not applied to choirs, orchestras, competitive sports associations, or such associations that must select their members on the basis of artistic or athletic merit. In addition, at the representative council’s decision, this paragraph may also be diverged from with regard to other associations.

 

The association must submit the report on operations and the financial statement for the previous year as well as the budget and action plan for the current year to LTKY by the end of February. The number of members in the association as well as their amount of LTKY members and LUT University students must also be submitted. The submission of this information is referred to as sending an association report.

 

When an association is dissolved or closed, its funds must be transferred to LTKY, another registered association or such a foundation or fund that supports LUT University students. The funds must be transferred for the benefit of the association’s goals, or if this is not possible, to LTKY.

 

Section 8: The obligations of special status associations

 

Only associations with an important role in tutoring freshmen and/or a strong cultural position in the student community can be approved as special status associations.

 

Special status associations do not have any other obligations. If the representative council decides that it is necessary to inspect whether a special status association’s activities are appropriate, the representative council may request a special status association to provide a statement on its activities and to provide such information on its activities and finances that the representative council views as necessary. In this case, the association must submit the information to the representative council without delay.

 

Section 9: The benefits of member associations and special status associations

 

  • An annual support fund decided by the representative council of LTKY
    • Does not apply to special status associations
    • Can be refused if the association report has not been made on time
  • A support fund for associations that must be applied for separately
  • Pre-approval to rent LTKY premises at member prices
  • Pre-approval to rent vans, trailers, and other items from LTKY at member prices
  • Pre-approval to rent club and storage spaces from LTKY
  • Association training and guidance, including financial matters
  • Other benefits decided by the LTKY Board or representative council

 

CHAPTER 3: Leaving the register of associations

 

Section 10: Leaving the register of associations

 

The association may leave the register of associations by sending a written announcement to the LTKY Board.

 

The Board may remove a member association from the register of associations if the association has not submitted the association report on time for two successive years or if the association no longer fulfils the requirements of this rule.

 

The representative council may remove a special status association from the register of associations by a two-thirds majority vote.



CHAPTER 4: Specific provisions

 

Section 11: The entry of the rule into force and amendment

 

The representative council may amend these rules by a three-fourths supermajority vote in the representative council meeting.

 

These rules have been approved at the representative council meeting held on 25 March 2021. These rules entered into force on 25 March 2021, thus overturning the previous association regulation.

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR VOTING AND ELECTIONS

 

CHAPTER 1: General provisions


Section 1. Electronic voting and electronic elections

 

Voting or elections may be carried out by means of a telecommunications connection or other technical system or means. Such voting and such elections are referred to in these rules as “electronic voting” and “electronic elections”, respectively.


When electronic voting or electronic elections are being arranged, all persons entitled to vote shall use the same telecommunications connection or other technical system or means. 



CHAPTER 2: Voting

 

Section 2. Voting procedures

 

Unless otherwise specified, the decision of the meeting shall be the opinion

supported by more than half of the votes cast. In the event of a draw, the vote of the chair of the meeting shall be decisive. In elections ending in a draw, however, the winner shall always be determined by lot.

 

Section 3. Voting methods

 

Voting shall be by an open show of hands, unless at least three (3) persons entitled to vote or one (1) party concerned wish to have a secret ballot. The votes and their results shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

 

In non-personal elections, a motion must receive support. Support is expressed by a requested statement of support. A proposal that does not receive support shall not be voted on. Proposed non-binding resolutions must be put to a vote.

Section 4. Voting methods at meetings of the Council of Representatives

At a meeting of the Council of Representatives, each member of the Council has one vote, and the right to vote is personal. Proxy voting is thus not allowed at meetings of the Council.

 

During voting, the members of the Council of Representatives other than those entitled to vote, as well as the executive director, must leave the meeting if the chair of the meeting so orders.


When voting is by paper ballot, the ballot papers used for voting must be certified by the secretary of the meeting with the stamp of the Student Union or by the secretary’s own signature.

Section 5. Order of voting

 

When there is more than one proposed decision on a matter, the chair of the meeting shall decide the order of voting.

 

CHAPTER 3: Nomination and appointment of representatives

 

Section 6. Call for candidates

 

Where a representative is sought through a public call, the call must be declared open well in advance of the meeting at which the selection of the candidates is decided.

Section 7. Election of representatives to bodies of the Student Union 

 

When appointing representatives to the Board of the Student Union, the Administrative Committee or other committees, a formation procedure is used.

 

First-past-the-post voting is used to appoint representatives to Student Union delegations.

 

Appointments to other institutions shall be made by proportional voting if there are two or more persons to be appointed, deputies included. When only one person is being appointed, first-past-the-post voting shall be used.

 

The Chairperson of the Council of Representatives shall be elected by first-past-the-post voting. The vice chairpersons of the Council of Representatives shall be elected simultaneously by first-past-the-post voting.

 

Representatives of the institutions of the Student Union are elected at the inaugural meeting or at the meeting of the Council of Representatives at which it is decided to establish the institution. This can only be deviated from for compelling reasons.

 

Section 8. Election of representatives to bodies of the university, and to bodies external to the Student Union and the university


When electing student representatives to the administration of LUT or a student representative to the Board of LUT, the decision is made by the Council of Representatives.

When electing representatives of the Student Union to the general meeting of the Finnish Student Union (SYL) and the Student Sports Association (OLL), the decision is made by the Council of Representatives on the proposal of the Board.

 

In other cases, with the exception of the elections to the Council of Representatives, the decision shall be made by the Board, or if the Board so decides, by the Council of Representatives on the proposal of the Board.

 

Section 9. Resignation of a representative chosen by the Student Union 

 

A representative appointed by the Council of Representatives or the Board may resign by submitting a written notice of resignation to the executive director.

 

CHAPTER 4: Elections

Section 10. Election by formation procedure

 

Where the election has been ordered to take place as a formation procedure, the following procedure shall apply. This procedure is used to select the Board, for instance. 

 

The Council of Representatives shall select a convenor. The election is based on the proposals made at the meeting. The nomination may be made from only those candidates who have submitted their consent and whose eligibility has been confirmed. If no candidate obtains an absolute majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, the ballot shall be held again between the two candidates who received the most votes in the previous ballot. In the event of a draw, the winner shall be determined by lot.

 

Either at the same meeting or at a subsequent meeting, the convenor shall submit a proposal to the Council of Representatives on the composition of the institution. If the proposal is approved by the Assembly, the convenor shall be elected chairperson of the institution, and the persons named in the proposal shall be elected members of the institution. If the Council of Representatives does not approve the proposal, a new election for convenor shall be held at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting. The formation of an institution may be re-assigned to a previous convenor. The procedure shall continue until the composition of the institution has been approved by the Council of Representatives.

 

Section 11. Proportional voting

 

When an election has been ordered using proportional voting, the following procedure shall apply:

 

Members of the Council of Representatives propose persons to be elected. Only persons whose eligibility has been confirmed may be nominated.

 

Those who received the most votes in the election will be elected as full members, and the ones who receive the next highest number of votes will become deputy members. If deputy members’ seats are left unfilled in the first election, a new election of deputy members shall be held.

 

In the election, each member of the Council of Representatives shall make a vertical list of the names of the candidates in the order in which they wish them to be elected. A maximum of as many names as can be elected can be written on the ballot. If there are more names than this on a ballot, that ballot must be discarded by the tellers. In calculating the result of an election, the uppermost candidate entered on the ballot shall receive one vote, the next one half a vote, the third one one-third of a vote, and so on.

 

After the election, the chair of the meeting shall state the persons who have been elected as members and deputies. 

 

Section 12. First-past-the-post voting

 

When an election has been ordered using first-past-the-post voting, the following procedure shall apply:

 

Members of the Council of Representatives propose persons to be elected. Only persons whose eligibility has been confirmed may be nominated.

 

After the members of the Council of Representatives have made their proposals, the chair of the meeting shall note the persons who have been nominated. If there are more persons nominated than can be elected, an election will be held. If no candidate obtains an absolute majority of the votes cast in the first ballot, the vote shall be held again between the two candidates who received the most votes in the previous ballot. In the event of a draw, the winner shall be determined by lot.



CHAPTER 5: Specific provisions

 

Section 13. Entry into force and amendments

 

The Council of Representatives may amend these rules by a three-fourths majority at a meeting of the Council of Representatives.

 

These rules were approved by the Council of Representatives at its meeting of 25 March 2021. These rules entered into force on 25 March 2021, simultaneously repealing the earlier rules of procedure for voting and elections.

RULES ON INSIGNIA

CHAPTER I

1. Teekkari

Section 1

The title of teekkari may be awarded to a person of good reputation studying at LUT who has completed the duties required to achieve the title and who has received a teekkari baptism.

Section 2

An ikiteekkari is a person who, while fulfilling the requirements of Section 1, has deemed it necessary to qualify as a scientist so deeply that they have not had time or remembered to graduate as a graduate engineer.

Section 3

Vuoden teekkari is a teekkari who has worked creditably to promote and nurture the teekkari and kylteri culture in Lappeenranta. The vuoden teekkari elected by the Council of Representatives will be announced annually on the First of May.

Section 4

A kunniateekkari is a former member of the Student Union or other person who has acted extremely creditably in the furtherance of the purposes of the Student Union. The title of kunniateekkari is awarded by decision of the Council of Representatives. The decision must be unanimous. 

2. Kylteri

Section 5

The title of kylteri may be awarded to a person of good reputation studying at LUT who has completed the duties required to achieve the title and who has received a kylteri baptism.

Section 6

An ikikylteri is a person who, while fulfilling the requirements of Section 5, has deemed it necessary to qualify as a scientist so deeply that they have not had time to or not remembered to graduate.

Section 7

The Vuoden kylteri is a kylteri who has worked creditably to promote and nurture the teekkari and kylteri culture in Lappeenranta. The vuoden kylteri elected by the Council of Representatives will be announced annually on the First of May.

Section 8

A kunniakylteri is a former member of the Student Union or other person who has acted extremely creditably in the furtherance of the purposes of the Student Union. The title of kunniakylteri is awarded by decision of the Council of Representatives. The decision must be unanimous. 

3. Fuksi

Section 9

A fuksi is a first-year student at LUT.

A fuksi who has completed the duties required to attain the title of teekkari or kylteri and received the baptism may be awarded the title of teekkari or kylteri as April turns into May, or at a time specifically determined by the Board of the Student Union.

Section 10

The vuoden teekkarifuksi and vuoden kylterifuksi are first-year students who have acted as builders of a positive team spirit and internalised the student culture in an exemplary manner. The vuoden teekkarifuksi and vuoden kylterifuksi, chosen by the fuksi managers and confirmed by the LTKY Cultural Director, are announced annually on the first of May.

Section 11

An ylemmän vuosikurssin fuksi is a person studying at LUT in a higher-than-first-year course who has not been able to receive the title of teekkari or kylteri or who has been deprived of the title by a decision of the Council of Representatives.

 

CHAPTER II

1. The LTKY emblem

Section 12

The official symbol of the Student Union is the red letter Aleph surrounded by black, straight-toothed spur gear with teeth on the outer ring.

The shade of the red letter Aleph is warm red. When the emblem is used in black and white form, the letter is half-toned. When the background colour is one other than white, the base colour of the emblem remains white.

The size of the emblem can be chosen freely, but the minimum is 12 mm. The height and width ratios of the emblem must not be changed. The size of the letter Aleph is such that it fills the inside of the cogwheel.

The emblem must not be joined to any other figure without the permission of the LTKY Board.

Permission to use the emblem must be applied for from the LTKY Board.

 

CHAPTER III

1. The cap

Section 13

The membership symbol of the Student Union of LUT (LTKY) is the teekkari cap or kylteri cap.

2. The Karelian teekkari cap

Section 14

All the teekkari students of LUT shall have the same type of cap, which must meet the following requirements:

The colours of the lining of the cap are black and red.

The top of the cap is uniform and made of white velvet.

The cap has 7 (seven) corners.

The edge of the cap is covered with black velvet.

The sweatband of the cap is made of leather or similar material.

The peak of the cap is black.

On the right of the cap is a black silk tassel on a black support cord.

Since 1986, the cockade of the cap shows the letter Aleph surrounded by a cogwheel. Until 1985, the cockade was the emblem of the Wankel engine surrounded by a cogwheel. The diameter of the cockade is 15 mm.

Section 15

The right to use the cap can only be granted to a teekkari currently studying at LUT, or to a person who has shown an exceptional teekkari spirit, as a tribute to their actions for the benefit of the LUT student community. The right to use the teekkari cap as an honour is granted by the Council of Representatives. 

The right to use the cap is personal and is for life. It may not be transferred, bequeathed, pledged or otherwise bestowed upon another person.

 

Section 16

The term of use of the cap begins on the last day of April each year, when the cap is collectively taken into use immediately after the breaking of the Wappurauha.

The term of use of the cap ends each year with the lakinlaskiaiset in the autumn, when the cap is collectively taken off.

The use of a teekkari cap in a public place at other times is prohibited. An exemption may be granted upon written application by the Executive Director of the Student Union of LUT, the Chairperson of the Board, the Cultural Director of the Board, or in their absence a person specifically authorised by the Board.

Section 17

The cap must be taken care of with tenderness. However, the cap must not be washed, patched or repaired in any way, and the stains, tears and other signs of natural wear and tear on the cap must also be cherished.

If the cap has become obviously unusable, it must be destroyed completely, and a new cap must be obtained in good faith.

The black rubber band in the cap may not be used as a weapon.

Section 18

A teekkari who publicly disgraces their cap or otherwise behaves in a manner inappropriate to the status of teekkari shall be reprimanded in writing.

Prior to the reprimand, the teekkari to be reprimanded has the right to submit a written report of their violations to the Board of the LUT Student Union.

A teekkari who, after repeated written reprimands, disgraces their cap or otherwise behaves in a manner inappropriate for the status of teekkari, may be deprived of the status of teekkari and the right to use the cap by decision of the Council of Representatives. The decision may be appealed in accordance with the section on appeals in the Student Union rules.

3. The Karelian kylteri cap

Section 19

All the kylteri students of LUT shall have the same type of cap, which meets the following requirements:

The cap is a student cap whose cockade shows the letter Aleph surrounded by a cogwheel. The diameter of the cockade is 15 mm.

Section 20

The right to use the cap can only be granted to a kylteri studying at LUT, or to a person who has shown an exceptional kylteri spirit, as a tribute to their actions for the benefit of the LUT student community. The right to use the kylteri cap as an honour is granted by the Council of Representatives. 

The right to use the cap is personal and is for life. It may not be transferred, bequeathed, pledged or otherwise bestowed upon another person.

Section 21

The term of use of the cap begins on the last day of April each year, when the cap is collectively taken in use immediately after the breaking of the Wappurauha.

The term of use of the cap ends each year with the lakinlaskiaiset in the autumn, when the cap is collectively taken off.

The use of a kylteri cap in a public place at other times is prohibited. An exemption may be granted upon written application by the Executive Director of the Student Union of LUT, the Chairperson of the Board, or in their absence a person specifically authorised by the Board.

Section 22

The cap must be taken care of with meticulous caution. However, the cap must not be washed, patched or repaired in any way, and the stains, tears and other signs of natural wear and tear on the cap must also be cherished.

If the cap has become obviously unusable, it must be destroyed completely, and a new cap must be obtained in good faith.

The black rubber band in the cap may not be used as a weapon.

Section 23

A kylteri who publicly disgraces their cap or otherwise behaves in a manner inappropriate for the status of kylteri shall be reprimanded in writing. Prior to the reprimand, the kylteri to be reprimanded has the right to submit a written report of their violations to the Board of the LUT Student Union.

A kylteri who, after repeated written reprimands, disgraces their cap or otherwise behaves in a manner inappropriate for the status of kylteri, may be deprived of the status of kylteri and the right to use the cap by decision of the Council of Representatives. The decision may be appealed in accordance with the section on appeals in the Student Union rules.

4. The Karelian kunniateekkari cap

Section 24

The symbol of a kunniateekkari is the kunniateekkari cap.

The cap is a Karelian teekkari cap whose cockade is surrounded by golden leaves.

5. The Karelian kunniakylteri cap

Section 25

The symbol of a kunniakylteri is the kunniakylteri cap.

The cap is a Karelian kylteri cap whose cockade is surrounded by golden leaves.

6. The Karelian fuksi cap and fuksi pacifier

Section 26

The symbol of first-year students in the field of technology at LUT is the fuksi cap.

All the first-year students of LUT shall have the same type of cap, which meets the following requirements:

The cap is primarily a student cap or some other worthless type of headgear.

The cap has, on a reasonable support cord, a pacifier as large and as brightly coloured as possible.

The support cord must not be black or otherwise dark in colour.

The support cord starts from the middle of the top of the cap and is supported in the middle of the left side of the cap, on the edge of the cap.

The cockade of the cap must not be the letter Aleph surrounded by a spur gear or the emblem of the Wankel engine. The cockade must not include any type of cogwheel at all.

Section 27

The symbol of first-year students in the field of commerce at LUT is the fuksi pacifier.

All the first-year students of LUT in the field of commerce shall have the same type of pacifier, which meets the following requirements:

The pacifier is on a reasonable support cord and is as large and brightly coloured as possible.

The pacifier must not be connected to a cap.

Section 28

The right to use the cap or pacifier may only be granted to a first-year student currently studying at LUT.

Section 29

Before a cap or pacifier is taken into use, it must be approved by Board of the guild or by a teekkari or kylteri authorised by the board in writing for a fixed term. “The guild” here means the guild that has as a member the first-year student applying for approval of their cap or pacifier.

Section 30

The term of use of the cap and pacifier begins every year at the beginning of the autumn term and ends with the teekkari or kylteri baptism.

The cap or pacifier must not be used after the teekkari baptism or kylteri baptism.

Section 31

If required, the pacifier on the fuksi cap or the fuksi pacifier may be used in accordance with the normal purpose of a pacifier.

Section 32

The provisions on the use of the Karelian teekkari cap or kylteri cap shall apply otherwise.

 

CHAPTER IV

1. The LTKY union ribbon

Section 33

The LTKY union ribbon has the colours of Karelia: the edges of the ribbon are black, and there is a red stripe in the middle.

The width of the ribbon is 36 mm, divided so that the black stripes are each 6 mm wide and the red part is 24 mm wide.

Section 34

Former and current members of the student union, as well as its employees, have the right to use the union ribbon at academic festive events and when representing LTKY.

The ribbon is worn so that it passes from the right shoulder over the chest, or as a rosette at right on the chest. It is not appropriate for the ribbon to touch bare skin. 

The union ribbon is folded into a symmetrical rosette by forming three pleats so that each pleat is slightly narrower than the pleat below it, with each pleat visible from below the others when viewed frontally, and by finally folding the ribbon over the pleats.  

Nothing should be attached to the union ribbon that is not specifically ordered to be attached.

2. The ribbon of the LTKY Board and Presidium

Section 35

The ribbon of the Board and Presidium has the same colours as the union ribbon. The width of the ribbon is 72 mm, divided so that the black stripes on the edges are each 12 mm wide and the red part in the middle is 48 mm wide.

Section 36

The ribbon may be used by the Presidium of the LTKY Council of Representatives, the members of the LTKY Board of Directors, the Executive Director of LTKY and persons who have received a badge of merit. The changeable ribbons are handed to the executive director, who is responsible for their condition.

The ribbon of the Board and Presidium is worn in the same way as the union ribbon.

3. The herald ribbon

Section 37

The base of the herald ribbon is similar to that of the union ribbon. The width of the ribbon is 120 mm, divided so that the black stripes on the edges are each 20 mm wide and the red part in the middle is 80 mm wide.

The master of ceremonies wears a herald ribbon with an LTKY emblem 100 mm in diameter. 

Section 38

The herald ribbon is worn by the flag guard and the heralds at festive events. The Board of the Student Union may grant permission to use them on other occasions. The master of ceremonies’ ribbon is only to be used when serving as the master of ceremonies for the annual celebration of LTKY. 

With a tailcoat, a ribbon is worn on the right shoulder, and with evening dress on the left shoulder. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the storage and condition of the ribbons.

4. The chain of the Chairperson of the Council of Representatives

Section 39

The chain of the Chairperson of the Council of Representatives has, on a wide union ribbon, a brass LTKY logo on the front, 98 mm in diameter, and the Lappeenranta coat of arms surrounded by a cogwheel on the back, 74 mm in diameter.

The name and year or years of service of each chairperson of the Council of Representatives are attached to the union ribbon, each on its own brass plate.

Section 40

The chain of the chairperson of the Council of Representatives is worn by the currently serving chairperson of the Council of Representatives. 

The chain of the Chairperson of the Council of Representatives is used at academic festive events and when representing LTKY. The chain may also be used at meetings of the Council of Representatives.

The executive director is responsible for the storage and condition of the chain of the chairperson of the Council of Representatives.

 

CHAPTER V

1. Badge

Section 41

The badge is an official emblem of LTKY, 12 mm in diameter.

The badge of LTKY members is brass, and the badge of the Board and the Presidium of the LTKY Council of Representatives is silver. 

The right to use the badges is for life.

2. Key to the Student Union

Section 42

The key to the Student Union is a recognition awarded by the Board of LTKY for creating concrete things that exude a teekkari and kylteri spirit. The key to the Student Union is awarded together with the union ribbon.

3. Table banner

Section 43

The table banner with the LTKY emblem is a recognition awarded to both communities and individuals.

Section 44

The Board of the Student Union grants permission for awarding the banner. The executive director is responsible for maintaining a list of recipients of the banner and the grounds for bestowing awards.

4. The LTKY wheel

Section 45

The LTKY wheel is a gear wheel with a diameter of 100 mm. The inside of the wheel is filled by an intersecting piston and rod encircled by two snakes. This recognition is worn on the ribbon awarded with the wheel, over the right shoulder to the left when worn with formal dress. With overalls, the wheel can be carried more freely, however taking into account its value. The wheel can be used both with overalls and with formal dress. The LTKY wheel is awarded by the Board of the Student Union at the suggestion of members.

Section 46

The LTKY wheel can be awarded to a current member who has a promising future as a member of the student community, for exemplary action in favour of community and communal spirit.

As far as is possible, the LTKY wheel is given to the recipient on the First of May.

5. Plaque

Section 47

The plaque is a 68-degree sector of the gear. In the middle of the plaque is the official emblem of LTKY. The plaque is awarded with a base.

A plaque is a gift or expression of gratitude to a community or individual who has had a significant impact on the university community.

The miniature model of the plaque is awarded to the vuoden teekkari to be worn on the Karelian teekkari cap, and to the vuoden kylteri to be worn on the Karelian kylteri cap in place of the cockade.

Section 48

The plaque is awarded by the Council of Representatives of the Student Union. The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining a record of the plaques awarded.

 

CHAPTER VI

1. Badges of merit

Section 49

The LTKY badge of merit is 25 mm in diameter. There are 3 categories of badges of merit: gold, silver and bronze.

1) bronze, for meritorious activities for the benefit of the Student Union by a former or current member of the Student Union or an outside person.

2) silver, for several years’ meritorious activities for the benefit of the Student Union by a former or current member of LTKY.

3) gold, for exceptionally meritorious activities for the benefit of the Student Union by a former or current member of LTKY.

Section 50

Badges of merit are awarded by the Council of Representatives of the Student Union on the proposal of the Board. Badges of merit are awarded with the ribbon of the Board and Presidium. The badge of merit may also be worn affixed to a rosette folded from a union ribbon. 

Section 51

A Pillar of the Community diploma may be awarded to a former or current member for meritorious activity in favour of the student community. 

Section 52

The diploma is awarded by the Council of Representatives of the Student Union on the proposal of the Board. 

As far as is possible, the diplomas are given to the recipients at the annual celebration of LTKY.

2. Decoration

Section 53

The LTKY decoration is 35 mm in diameter. The decoration is awarded together with the union ribbon.

Section 54

The LTKY decoration is awarded by the Council of Representatives to individuals to whom LTKY wants to extend special recognition. The executive director is responsible for maintaining a list of recipients of decorations.

Section 55

As far as is possible, the badges of merit and decorations are given to the recipients at the annual celebration of LTKY.

3. Chain of the ikiteekkari

Section 56

The chain of the ikiteekkari has a silver LTKY emblem, 70 mm in diameter, on a double silver chain.

Section 57

The chain of the ikiteekkari can be awarded to an ikiteekkari who has worked extremely meritoriously for the benefit of Finnish society, thus showing a genuine Lappeenranta teekkari spirit.

Section 58

The chain of the ikiteekkari can only be possessed by one ikiteekkari at a time.

Section 59

The chain of the ikiteekkari is awarded by the Council of Representatives of the Student Union on the proposal of the Board. The decision must be unanimous.

As far as is possible, the chain is given to the recipient at the annual celebration of LTKY.

Section 60

Should the ikiteekkari ever graduate for some reason or by accident, the chain of the ikiteekkari shall be taken away.

Section 61

When the ikiteekkari passes away, their family shall hand the chain of the ikiteekkari back to the Student Union.

 

CHAPTER VII

1. The flag

Section 62

The base colour of the LTKY flag is white. As decoration, it has a printed emblem of the student union in the middle of the flag. The flag includes two (2) black tassels. The end of the flagpole is a torch framed by a laurel wreath. The size of the flag is 1000 x 1000 mm.

Section 63

The flag is used at LTKY’s festive events and tributes, and at other events for which the Board of LTKY has granted permission.

Section 64

When the flag is transported without a cover, it is followed by a two-person flag guard.

Section 65

The carrier of the flag and the flag guard shall always use the teekkari cap or kylteri cap. If the carrier of the flag is not entitled to use these caps, other headgear appropriate to the solemnity of the situation may be used. In addition, the flag guard shall wear LTKY’s herald ribbon.

Section 66

The LTKY flag pays homage to the head of state, the national anthem and the deceased by being slowly lowered to an angle of 45 degrees and raised immediately thereafter.

Section 67

The executive director is responsible for the storage, condition and maintenance of the flag.

CHAPTER VIII

 

Section 68

 

The Council of Representatives may amend these rules by a three-fourths majority at a meeting of the Council of Representatives.

 

These rules were approved by the Council of Representatives at its meeting of 2 November 2021. There rules entered into force on 2 November 2021.

APPEALS AND REQUESTS FOR RECTIFICATION

 

CHAPTER 1: Requests for rectification

 

Section 1. The grounds for a request for rectification

 

According to the University Act (558/2009), a rectification of a decision of the Student Union concerning administrative matters may be requested as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Section 2. Presenting the request for rectification

 

A request for rectification may be brought by a party to whom the decision is addressed or whose right, obligation or interest is directly affected by the decision. A party shall be deemed to have been informed of the decision when it has been made available to the public or, where appropriate, when the party has been personally informed of the decision. The request for rectification must be made to the institution which made the decision within thirty (30) days of notification of the decision. As provided in the Administrative Judicial Procedure Act (586/1996), an appeal may be lodged at the Administrative Court against a decision made on a request for rectification. 

 

CHAPTER 2: Appeals

 

Section 3. Grounds of appeal

 

A member of a student union has the right of appeal against a decision of an institution on the grounds that the decision was issued in a manner deviating from a law, decree or regulation concerning the student union or is otherwise contrary to a law, decree or regulation concerning the student union. However, decisions on preparation or implementation shall not be subject to appeal.

 

Section 4. Lodging an appeal

 

An appeal must be made in writing within fourteen (14) days of notification of the decision. Notification shall be deemed to have taken place seven (7) days after the persons concerned have been notified of the decision or after the matter has been published on the official website of the Student Union.

 

CHAPTER 3: Rules related to appeals and requests for rectification

 

Section 5. Consequences

 

Any request for rectification or appeal received by the institution shall be forwarded without delay to the Administrative Committee of the Council of Representatives, which shall have the right to suspend the implementation of the decision if necessary.

 

Within a reasonable time, the Administrative Committee shall consider the request for rectification or appeal and, if necessary, refer it back to the institution which made the decision.