Last month, I took part in two international opinion makers’ forums, International Presidential Forum in Seoul, and Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto. Both centered on the themes of sustainable development and climate change, the recession and how to overcome it, as well as the development of innovation systems.
Speakers in Seoul noted that universities in different countries are coping with the recession in different ways. In the United States, the entire funding base of the education system is experiencing difficulties: profit from the universities’ own capital has plunged in value, the states are saving in public expenditure, and income from tuition fees is falling due to students’ financial difficulties. In this situation, we can be proud that Finland is investing in education and research despite the recession in order to secure its future after this period.
The discussion in Kyoto focused on the inequality of countries and regions in terms of food production, water and energy as indicators of sustainable development. Education and technology were seen to play a key role in controlling climate change. Cooperation between the corporate world and governments was one of the solutions offered to reduce social problems and inequality. A number of speeches appealed to joint responsibility. We have only one Earth.
Education systems face a joint challenge to guarantee the high quality of research and education at all levels. Moreover, conference speeches expressed concern over students’ interest toward technical-scientific disciplines as well as over securing an adequate number of students in the professional fields of the future, which are just now taking shape. The connection between research and education was extensively highlighted. One speech even argued that the value of research lies solely in its ability to ensure high-quality teaching.
The development of innovation systems continues to present a challenge. There is no panacea in sight. The conferences discussed whose responsibility it is to convey the universities’ knowledge to the society. Do the industry and the society possess adequate know-how to invest in new knowledge? Should universities focus on holding ownership over their rights to inventions or rather promote further utilization of the inventions?
The long time span of basic research conducted in universities was also under discussion. The period between a critical discovery and the resulting innovation may be up to 100 years. This observation may best exemplify the specific role of universities as the producers of new knowledge, in particular. The utilization of knowledge, on the other hand, requires persistent cooperation between several different actors.
Here at Aalto we have begun to develop a leadership system suitable for the academia, together with a force consisting of about one hundred individuals who are managing our university at various levels. You will hear more about the Aalto Leadership program later!
26.10.2009
18.9.2009
Personnel transfer
I wish to respond to an important issue that has been raised spontaneously.
It has been enquired as to why all personnel are not directly transferred to Aalto’s new career systems already this year, as is done with permanent professors.
I understand the situation, but it is highly important that we have adequate time to examine each person’s work situation before the transfer. This requires individual development discussions with the supervisor. We wish to ensure that supervisors are up to date with the essentials of the new career system and we are therefore organizing management-level trainings this fall to discuss the essentials of the career system and the Aalto University strategy.
The first draft of the strategy has been completed, and the schools must be given the opportunity to discuss it. According to my estimation, the planning of school- and department-specific strategies cannot begin until at the turn of the year. A key element to this work are the results of the research evaluation, which were finalized a couple weeks ago.
The transfer of professors is the only thing that can be done immediately. Professors are already in the Tenure track and have been evaluated within the new career system. We still need instructions that determine on what grounds other personnel will be transferred to the new career system. Similarly, we need school- and department-specific strategies that can be utilized in the relocation of personnel.
One of the most important aims of the career system is that the university commits to the development of its personnel and thus breaks away from the cycle of continuous fixed-term employment contracts. Unfortunately, implementing this change requires so much time that we will not be able to complete it before the end of the year. After that, we can prioritize transfers so that the work situation of those on fixed-term contracts can be handled first.
So to clarify: although we do not have the time to transfer all personnel to new career systems by the end of the year, all employment contracts will be transferred to Aalto with the existing terms. So we are not planning to implement any “trial periods” or give notices in any personnel group.
Best regards,
Tuula
It has been enquired as to why all personnel are not directly transferred to Aalto’s new career systems already this year, as is done with permanent professors.
I understand the situation, but it is highly important that we have adequate time to examine each person’s work situation before the transfer. This requires individual development discussions with the supervisor. We wish to ensure that supervisors are up to date with the essentials of the new career system and we are therefore organizing management-level trainings this fall to discuss the essentials of the career system and the Aalto University strategy.
The first draft of the strategy has been completed, and the schools must be given the opportunity to discuss it. According to my estimation, the planning of school- and department-specific strategies cannot begin until at the turn of the year. A key element to this work are the results of the research evaluation, which were finalized a couple weeks ago.
The transfer of professors is the only thing that can be done immediately. Professors are already in the Tenure track and have been evaluated within the new career system. We still need instructions that determine on what grounds other personnel will be transferred to the new career system. Similarly, we need school- and department-specific strategies that can be utilized in the relocation of personnel.
One of the most important aims of the career system is that the university commits to the development of its personnel and thus breaks away from the cycle of continuous fixed-term employment contracts. Unfortunately, implementing this change requires so much time that we will not be able to complete it before the end of the year. After that, we can prioritize transfers so that the work situation of those on fixed-term contracts can be handled first.
So to clarify: although we do not have the time to transfer all personnel to new career systems by the end of the year, all employment contracts will be transferred to Aalto with the existing terms. So we are not planning to implement any “trial periods” or give notices in any personnel group.
Best regards,
Tuula
7.9.2009
Time for serious action
As the Implementing Act of the new Universities Act came into force, we have moved several steps forward toward the launching of the new university. The Boards of the three universities reappointed the Board of Aalto University on August 14, in accordance with the Universities Act, and my own role as President was reaffirmed in the Aalto University Board meeting on August 17.
Now that we are fully authorized, we can continue our planning with renewed force and can soon begin to realize our plans. The first draft of Aalto University’s strategy was formulated as a result of months of preparation by the change teams and the Board. During the spring, several parts of the strategy were opened for public feedback, generating valuable ideas, criticism, and encouragement. I myself became involved in the preparations on April 1 and in July I compiled the first draft of the strategy, based on the final reports presented by the change teams. This draft has now been discussed by the Aalto University Board, the rectors, the students, the Boards of the three universities, and the cooperation councils for the first time. The strategy will be further refined throughout the fall. We have also launched discussions concerning the first draft of the ordinance and the new university’s organization.
So the preparations are gradually moving on toward implementation and we are now more ready to also make decisions. First priority is given to issues that must be ready by January 1, 2010, such as the transfer of contracts and insurances to Aalto University, as well as the transfer of academic personnel to new career systems. The specially appointed preparation teams began to plan these issues Friday, September 4. We now possess a large number of competent people at Aalto University to support concrete decision-making.
The aim is to finalize preparations for the transfer of permanent professorships by the end of the year. All other personnel will be transferred to Aalto in accordance with the existing contracts at the turn of the year and their relocation into the new career system will be carried out during the year 2010.
The confirmation of Aalto’s organization will be followed by the recruitment of university administration, vice rectors, and other administrative personnel. I am currently in the process of conducting interviews with, for example, candidates appointed by the university rectors as vice rectors. This process will continue at least until the end of September, after which I will invite proposals for suitable candidates also from other parties within the university. As for administrative personnel, we will consider all internal candidates, but will also seek for necessary expertise outside the university, if necessary.
I wish You a good fall!
Tuula
Now that we are fully authorized, we can continue our planning with renewed force and can soon begin to realize our plans. The first draft of Aalto University’s strategy was formulated as a result of months of preparation by the change teams and the Board. During the spring, several parts of the strategy were opened for public feedback, generating valuable ideas, criticism, and encouragement. I myself became involved in the preparations on April 1 and in July I compiled the first draft of the strategy, based on the final reports presented by the change teams. This draft has now been discussed by the Aalto University Board, the rectors, the students, the Boards of the three universities, and the cooperation councils for the first time. The strategy will be further refined throughout the fall. We have also launched discussions concerning the first draft of the ordinance and the new university’s organization.
So the preparations are gradually moving on toward implementation and we are now more ready to also make decisions. First priority is given to issues that must be ready by January 1, 2010, such as the transfer of contracts and insurances to Aalto University, as well as the transfer of academic personnel to new career systems. The specially appointed preparation teams began to plan these issues Friday, September 4. We now possess a large number of competent people at Aalto University to support concrete decision-making.
The aim is to finalize preparations for the transfer of permanent professorships by the end of the year. All other personnel will be transferred to Aalto in accordance with the existing contracts at the turn of the year and their relocation into the new career system will be carried out during the year 2010.
The confirmation of Aalto’s organization will be followed by the recruitment of university administration, vice rectors, and other administrative personnel. I am currently in the process of conducting interviews with, for example, candidates appointed by the university rectors as vice rectors. This process will continue at least until the end of September, after which I will invite proposals for suitable candidates also from other parties within the university. As for administrative personnel, we will consider all internal candidates, but will also seek for necessary expertise outside the university, if necessary.
I wish You a good fall!
Tuula
22.6.2009
Just before the summer holidays
Just before the summer holidays we were informed that the Parliament has approved of the Universities Act, which has aroused a lot of discussion. We have now received a mandate from our MPs to truly begin the founding of Aalto University!
During the summer, we will work together with the Board and change teams to develop our new university’s organization, ordinance, and development plan. By the end of the summer, we will be able to discuss these with the entire community. The feedback discussion on the new university’s values has just concluded and the results from the discussion will also be analyzed during the summer.
I received the first results of the evaluation of the research from the Chairs of the panels last Friday. As usual, we received both praise and criticism. We have many top units that are at the cutting edge of international research, but we need to adopt a more international approach in our work. Results of the evaluation will be published in the beginning of September, after which I will discuss the feedback with the units that took part in the evaluation.
I have received a number of opinions and suggestions through various feedback channels. The feedback seems to include a lot of frustration caused by the ongoing changes. Luckily, there is a channel that allows for the expression of these kinds of feelings. Both the positive and negative feedback will be taken into account when continuing the planning process.
The university’s new visual image evokes both negative and positive feelings. The winning proposal is the starting point for planning our new logo and entire visual image – so it will not be realized exactly as it is. I myself am part of the visual image planning team and am convinced that we will be able to design a brilliant image for the new university. The brand consists of the content, while the purpose of the logo and the visual image is to be memorable and remind people of our unique operational methods.
The modesty of concrete actions seems to be causing a lot of concern at this stage. I can only say that well-planned is as good as half-done: we could not implement reforms before the Universities Act came into force. But we can do this next fall and in the beginning of next year we can truly begin the development work!
One of our first concrete measures was the launching of idea contests for research and teaching. One common research project, aivoAalto, is already underway and funding has been granted for a number of new curricula in the fall. We are drafting plans for immediate actions in many important development areas, such as the range of IT services, to ensure that improvements may be implemented already during next fall. I believe that the completion of Aalto University’s development plan and the related implementation plans at the turn of the year will boost confidence in the fact that we are genuinely developing an even better joint university.
I wish everyone at Aalto a sunny and relaxing summer holiday!
During the summer, we will work together with the Board and change teams to develop our new university’s organization, ordinance, and development plan. By the end of the summer, we will be able to discuss these with the entire community. The feedback discussion on the new university’s values has just concluded and the results from the discussion will also be analyzed during the summer.
I received the first results of the evaluation of the research from the Chairs of the panels last Friday. As usual, we received both praise and criticism. We have many top units that are at the cutting edge of international research, but we need to adopt a more international approach in our work. Results of the evaluation will be published in the beginning of September, after which I will discuss the feedback with the units that took part in the evaluation.
I have received a number of opinions and suggestions through various feedback channels. The feedback seems to include a lot of frustration caused by the ongoing changes. Luckily, there is a channel that allows for the expression of these kinds of feelings. Both the positive and negative feedback will be taken into account when continuing the planning process.
The university’s new visual image evokes both negative and positive feelings. The winning proposal is the starting point for planning our new logo and entire visual image – so it will not be realized exactly as it is. I myself am part of the visual image planning team and am convinced that we will be able to design a brilliant image for the new university. The brand consists of the content, while the purpose of the logo and the visual image is to be memorable and remind people of our unique operational methods.
The modesty of concrete actions seems to be causing a lot of concern at this stage. I can only say that well-planned is as good as half-done: we could not implement reforms before the Universities Act came into force. But we can do this next fall and in the beginning of next year we can truly begin the development work!
One of our first concrete measures was the launching of idea contests for research and teaching. One common research project, aivoAalto, is already underway and funding has been granted for a number of new curricula in the fall. We are drafting plans for immediate actions in many important development areas, such as the range of IT services, to ensure that improvements may be implemented already during next fall. I believe that the completion of Aalto University’s development plan and the related implementation plans at the turn of the year will boost confidence in the fact that we are genuinely developing an even better joint university.
I wish everyone at Aalto a sunny and relaxing summer holiday!
10.6.2009
What were my thoughts in India?
I spent last week in India as a guest at the wedding of a postgraduate student of mine who just completed a doctoral degree. The experience was overwhelming and I will certainly need a few weeks to take in all my experiences during the week. My principal memory is that of the unconditional kindness and hospitality of the Indian hosts. During the journey, we repeatedly engaged in loud and lively discussion on issues such as the history and present day of our home countries, child rearing, education, religion and free thinking, the impact of urbanization, environmental issues, and the state of the world.
During the journey, I was evidently also influenced by India’s all-embracing pluralism, a society characterized by numerous religions, tens of languages, as well as huge social and economics differences. Poverty remains a concrete issue as people spend their nights sleeping on the streets or in the fields, the hotel staff wake up on the floor of the lobby, and mothers with children can be seen begging everywhere. Town planning is still in its infancy and traffic culture could use a true renaissance. Education is valued; one of the families I met spends 75% of their income to educate their only son. Although basic education is both compulsory and free in India, higher education remains expensive and available only to the select few. Our society’s tax-paid education is therefore a privilege that should be regarded with respect and responsibility.
Drafting of the Universities Act continues here in our home country, as do preparations for Aalto University. Newly motivated by my India experience, I will continue my work with Aalto University next week with enthusiasm, ambition, and true responsibility, aware of the fact that we play a small but crucial role in ensuring sustainable development for future generations, both in Finland and the world at large. One of our common questions could be: how can the new Aalto University help the poorest people in India and other countries to reach education and research?
During the journey, I was evidently also influenced by India’s all-embracing pluralism, a society characterized by numerous religions, tens of languages, as well as huge social and economics differences. Poverty remains a concrete issue as people spend their nights sleeping on the streets or in the fields, the hotel staff wake up on the floor of the lobby, and mothers with children can be seen begging everywhere. Town planning is still in its infancy and traffic culture could use a true renaissance. Education is valued; one of the families I met spends 75% of their income to educate their only son. Although basic education is both compulsory and free in India, higher education remains expensive and available only to the select few. Our society’s tax-paid education is therefore a privilege that should be regarded with respect and responsibility.
Drafting of the Universities Act continues here in our home country, as do preparations for Aalto University. Newly motivated by my India experience, I will continue my work with Aalto University next week with enthusiasm, ambition, and true responsibility, aware of the fact that we play a small but crucial role in ensuring sustainable development for future generations, both in Finland and the world at large. One of our common questions could be: how can the new Aalto University help the poorest people in India and other countries to reach education and research?
18.5.2009
Preparations for Aalto University continue
According to the statement concerning the Universities Act issued by the Committee for Constitutional Law on last Wednesday, foundation universities may be universities in compliance with the constitution. A foundation university may have an external board and the private parties that have signed the charter of foundation will possess legal rights to minority representation in the board. However, the Committee for Constitutional Law decreed that appointment of the board in a foundation university shall be determined within the university community itself.
Last week, I published the following statement in our internal channel concerning the preparations for the Aalto University:
”The transformation process from three universities operating as accounting offices into Aalto University requires careful preparations, which are well underway. This is what the founders of Aalto University Foundation – the State of Finland and private parties – have required. We should remember that Aalto University is a pilot project in the Finnish university reform, alongside the Universities of Turku and the University of Eastern Finland.
Preparations are in progress in all these units to ensure that the prerequisites for establishing a university are met when the law comes into effect. In its supplementary budget in June 2008, the Parliament approved of a total of 200 million euros of state funding to Aalto University Foundation. Aalto University Foundation was established before the Universities Act was heard so that the Parliament could see the nature of the Foundation that would be legally responsible for the university’s operations. The Foundation has already created some of the preconditions for launching and developing university operations from the requirements of research and education.
We will proceed with the preparations for our new university according to plan. Aalto University Foundation operates in compliance with the Foundations Act and the Board will use this as a basis for continuing preparations until the Universities Act comes into effect.
The main goal of the reform is to enhance the operational preconditions for research and education as well as the financial and administrative autonomy of universities”.
Last week, I published the following statement in our internal channel concerning the preparations for the Aalto University:
”The transformation process from three universities operating as accounting offices into Aalto University requires careful preparations, which are well underway. This is what the founders of Aalto University Foundation – the State of Finland and private parties – have required. We should remember that Aalto University is a pilot project in the Finnish university reform, alongside the Universities of Turku and the University of Eastern Finland.
Preparations are in progress in all these units to ensure that the prerequisites for establishing a university are met when the law comes into effect. In its supplementary budget in June 2008, the Parliament approved of a total of 200 million euros of state funding to Aalto University Foundation. Aalto University Foundation was established before the Universities Act was heard so that the Parliament could see the nature of the Foundation that would be legally responsible for the university’s operations. The Foundation has already created some of the preconditions for launching and developing university operations from the requirements of research and education.
We will proceed with the preparations for our new university according to plan. Aalto University Foundation operates in compliance with the Foundations Act and the Board will use this as a basis for continuing preparations until the Universities Act comes into effect.
The main goal of the reform is to enhance the operational preconditions for research and education as well as the financial and administrative autonomy of universities”.
12.5.2009
The First month
After my appointment as President of Aalto University, I expressed my excitement at the idea of joining three renowned universities. As I have now been a part of the actual development work for about a month, I am positively surprised at the energy and strong motivation of the entire university community participating in the project. Representatives from the three universities have been brought together in number of different teams. These teams have engaged in active, critical, pluralistic and, above all, enthusiastic discussion on the opportunities provided by the new situation.
Aalto University is also arousing interest in the international university community. The formation of a knowledge-based society requires reforms in universities around the world. Aalto University is perceived as an open-minded project and a pioneer in university reform. In particular, the speed and determination of the progress has aroused interest and even amazement. It is evident that this rapid advance would not be possible without the entire community’s commitment to a shared goal.
I have emphasized research and teaching in various different contexts, as well as the significant improvement of their prerequisites as the key to university change. The feedback I have received concerning this issue has inquired as to the role of the current administration and support services within the change and the new university framework. What kind of role will personnel working in administration and service tasks possess in the new Aalto?
In my opinion, the present university administration and range of service operations are high-quality and have successfully performed the task that they have been assigned to do. However, the change of the university’s juristic position and the demands for the quality of research and education will pose a challenge also to administration and service operations in the future. The job descriptions of the tasks will evidently change, simply because of the new juristic position. On the other hand, world-class research and teaching demand improved support structures and services that are based on strong professional expertise and continuous development. This generates the prerequisites for developing research and education, making courageous statements, and ensuring quality execution. University administration and services are therefore the key to accomplishing a successful change.
I perceive the university reform as a challenging and inspiring opportunity also for the personal development of administrative and service personnel. These are also among the sectors where we may pioneer on a national level and produce best international practices. The feedback I have received has also concerned issues such as occupational health and endurance at work. I believe that we can address these concerns in a positive manner by clarifying job descriptions, providing opportunities for career development and, above all, enhancing the support for expertise and personal development also for administration and service personnel. In order to achieve this, we should utilize best international practices and examples from both the academia as well as companies.
Changes corresponding in magnitude to the university reform are not common. Even changes on a smaller scale evoke uncertainty concerning personal future or the future of the unit. I have strived to emphasize Aalto University as an opportunity. Aalto is not a downsizing project, but the creation of a genuinely new university concept. Above all, it offers opportunities to develop expertise, embark on a new kind of career development, and create meaningful business functions.
Aalto University is also arousing interest in the international university community. The formation of a knowledge-based society requires reforms in universities around the world. Aalto University is perceived as an open-minded project and a pioneer in university reform. In particular, the speed and determination of the progress has aroused interest and even amazement. It is evident that this rapid advance would not be possible without the entire community’s commitment to a shared goal.
I have emphasized research and teaching in various different contexts, as well as the significant improvement of their prerequisites as the key to university change. The feedback I have received concerning this issue has inquired as to the role of the current administration and support services within the change and the new university framework. What kind of role will personnel working in administration and service tasks possess in the new Aalto?
In my opinion, the present university administration and range of service operations are high-quality and have successfully performed the task that they have been assigned to do. However, the change of the university’s juristic position and the demands for the quality of research and education will pose a challenge also to administration and service operations in the future. The job descriptions of the tasks will evidently change, simply because of the new juristic position. On the other hand, world-class research and teaching demand improved support structures and services that are based on strong professional expertise and continuous development. This generates the prerequisites for developing research and education, making courageous statements, and ensuring quality execution. University administration and services are therefore the key to accomplishing a successful change.
I perceive the university reform as a challenging and inspiring opportunity also for the personal development of administrative and service personnel. These are also among the sectors where we may pioneer on a national level and produce best international practices. The feedback I have received has also concerned issues such as occupational health and endurance at work. I believe that we can address these concerns in a positive manner by clarifying job descriptions, providing opportunities for career development and, above all, enhancing the support for expertise and personal development also for administration and service personnel. In order to achieve this, we should utilize best international practices and examples from both the academia as well as companies.
Changes corresponding in magnitude to the university reform are not common. Even changes on a smaller scale evoke uncertainty concerning personal future or the future of the unit. I have strived to emphasize Aalto University as an opportunity. Aalto is not a downsizing project, but the creation of a genuinely new university concept. Above all, it offers opportunities to develop expertise, embark on a new kind of career development, and create meaningful business functions.
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