Quality of Education

Issues related to the quality and development of education and studies are a part of the student union’s functions relating to educational policy. JAMKO’s educational policy trusteeship supervises the realization of high quality instruction and guidance in different Jamk units. Educational policy trusteeship is made salient through participation in various Jamk working groups and intra-institutional forums, by spreading information and by taking a stand on social issues that influence students both locally and on the national level. If a student has problems relating to education, study attainments, teachers or evaluation, JAMKO provides support and counseling.

Further information

JAMKOn’s Educational Policy responsible, kopo(a)jamko.fi

Degree Regulations

Functions of the Universities of Applied Sciences are dictated by the university of applied sciences law and separate statutes, such as institute-specific degree regulations. The degree regulations document controls study and instruction activities at Jamk and defines, among other things:

  • the study right: how people are admitted as students, how sign-ups are conducted, what is part-time and what is full-time study, the length of the study right and the removal and re-granting of a study right
  • studies: curricula, personal learning plans (PLP), acceptability of studies at other institutions, evaluation practices
  • practices related to completing a degree
  • how to apply for an amendment to a decision of the UAS

The educational policy trusteeship conducted by the student union is based on the realization of the degree regulations.

See the main rules and principles that govern studying and students

Student´s Ethical Guide

Do you struggle accommodating to a Finnish way of studying and the academic expectations of JAMK? The Student´s ethical guide is here to help!

The guide was made by students for students to clarify Jamk´s academic standards and it familiarizes new students to a Finnish academic institute. The guide goes through Finnish culture and four categories of challenge areas to academic integrity: cheating, plagiarism and academic writing, classroom and campus behaviors and group-work conflicts.

Read the guide

The rights and duties of a student

As a member of the higher education community, a student has certain rights and duties. The rights of a student are defined by laws, statutes and the JAMK degree regulations.

You have the right to

  • Know what different ways there are to complete a study module, what the evaluation priciples are and when the study module expires. In practice this means that at the first meeting of a study module or course the teacher (or correspondent) goes through all the components that influence passing or failing a study module, the evaluation practices and schedule of the study module. It is to be noted that after a study module has expired, no further study attainments are accepted. The study attainments are entered on to ASIO by a month’s time from the expiration date of the study module. (Degree regulations §21)
  • Have previously completed studies entered on to your transcript according to §17 of the degree regulations. This crediting of previously completed studies is done by the head of the department, or by the head of the language centre, in the case of language studies. Crediting is affected by how well the previous studies relate to the goals of the degree programme and the personal study plan of the student. (Degree regulations §15)
  • Raise the grade of a completed study module. After a failed evaluation, you have the chance to re-try the examination twice. If no passable grade is attained in these three tries, the study module will have to be restarted. In cases where the course assessment is based solely on an exam, the student has a right to improve a
    passing grade once. (Degree regulations §21)
  • To give feedback on study modules, degree programmes and on the quality of instruction. Feedback on study modules can influence the quality of instruction of a single study module or an instructor.
  • To receive a notice of the processing of a given feedback.

You have the duty to

  • Sign up as present or absent on a semester by semester basis. You have to sign up as either present or absent for every single semester. If you fail to sign up, you will lose your right to study. (Degree regulations §7)
  • To compile and update a personal study plan (HOPS) and a career plan. (Degree regulations §15)
  • To sign up for study modules. (Degree regulations §18)
  • To complete a study module according to the syllabus. (Degree regulations §18)
  • To give student feedback on study modules.
  • To participate actively in the development of study modules and education in general.

Safe study environment

A safe, equal and study environment is everyone’s right. To ensure that JAMK UAS has the Degree Regulation,  JAMK’s Ethical and Pedagogical Principles and The University of Applied Sciences Law to regulate the conduct of students and staff. This is supported by JAMK UAS’ security policy. More specific about JAMK regulations.

Unsuitability legislation is set to improve safety in academic education and working life, and to find solutions for cases where a student is unsuitable for a certain field of study. The legislation protects the students rights in problem situations.

Students are required to submit information on their health and abilities to function during admittance and they are imperative when the studies include safety matters of minors, patients, customers or transport. A criminal background or an intoxicant addiction might prevent admission to an UAS. Equality must be a principle in student admission and the procedures and the legislation is applied in those situations, where is clear that a student can not participate or continue in the education programme.  (UAS – law 33§)

At Jamk, some parts concern the students in social and health care field and vocational teacher education, while others – drug testing and disciplinary procedures – apply to all students. Violent or threatening behaviour may lead to disciplinary action in all fields of study. More information on about guidance in problem situations.  

 

The decision of revoking or returning the study entitlement is made by the Board of Applied Sciences. Before making a decision, the higher education institution must hear the student and guide the student to health care services. The student must also be given study guidance, and the possibilities of transferring to some other type of education must be discussed with him/her. Revoking of the study entitlement is used as a last measure.

Decisions on revoking and restoring study entitlements are made by the JAMK board. For appeals, a national students’ legal protection board has been set up. This is an independent body in which appeals will be heard urgently.

Where to find further information?

See the Degree regulations for more information on unsuitability issues. The operational guidelines contain more detailed information for students and personnel. You can also contact your head of department in unsuitability legislation issues

The quality of education and how to influence it

The quality administration of the JAMK UAS is based on a Quality System. The JAMK quality system is based on the principle of constant improvement, which means that things are always done a slightly better than last time. In practice this means

PLAN – Curricula and syllabi (OPS) create a framework for education, in your personal study plan (HOPS) you create an individual plan based on this framework.

DO – A student studies in the instruction of teachers. Education is carried out accoding to JAMK regulations – the most important ones from a student’s viewpoint being the degree regulations and the study guide.

CHECK – A student evaluates her/his own learning and gives feedback on how the education was carried out.

ACT – Students and all people participating in carrying out UAS education continually improve their own performance.

Feedback as the primary instrument of influence

 Quality work touches upon everyone in JAMK, and the student’s role in it is central. The student union encourages students to voice their concerns about studies and to take a stand in issues relating to education. If you would like to give feedback and development proposals as a student through other students, you can always contact JAMKO or your study field student association.

  • Feedback on study modules and courses is one of the most important tools in quality assurance. By giving feedback, you make sure that your opinion is heard and further the development of the study module in question.
  • Student feedback is gathered after the first year of studies and at the mid-point of studies.
  • Immediate feedback: if you perceive something during your studies that requires development, discuss first with the teacher in question. If the discussion is unhelpful, contact the head of department. You can also contact the person responsible for quality assurance in your own unit.
  • Grumble Weeks’ feedback: The student union gathers student feedback once a year, about studies, instruction and guidance, the functions of the UAS and the studen union. Grumble Weeks are a part of JAMK’s quality assurance system.
  • AVOP – feedback: When you have completed 80% (Bachelor’s degree) or 50% (Master’s degree) of your studies, you will be asked to complete the Ministry of Education and Culture’s AVOP feedback survey. The student feedback questionnaire is used by universities of applied sciences to assess your work situation, internships, guidance and training. The feedback affects also on the UAS funding.

More information on how to influence on your studies and quality management. 

How can you make an influence?

JAMKO monitors the quality of education via feedback and student representatives.

Read more