As a student, you are expected to take an active and motivated role in your studies and to make well-founded individual study choices. Throughout your studies, you will have access to guidance and support for your studies and learning. However, making use of this guidance requires your own initiative and active participation.
Guidance is provided at all stages of your studies and includes:
- guidance in studying and learning
- guidance for professional growth and career planning
- guidance that supports wellbeing
Especially at the beginning of your studies, the aim is to support a smooth transition into higher education and help you clarify your starting points. This includes strengthening your ability to recognise your existing competences and, if needed, supporting your overall life management, such as coping and balancing different areas of life.
In personal guidance discussions, you can confidentially reflect on issues related to your studies, your progress, and your wellbeing. Together with your teacher tutor, you can explore different perspectives and identify alternative ways to move forward.
Study and career guidance is a collaborative effort provided several experts in different roles. At the start of your studies, you will be assigned both a teacher tutor and a Head of Student Affairs. In addition, you can benefit from services provided by other support functions, such as Career Services. Peer support is also essential—make use of the knowledge and experience of your fellow students and student tutors.
Teacher tutor
Your teacher tutor is your primary point of contact throughout your studies. They provide guidance:
- on your Personal Study Plan (PSP), both in group settings and individually
- in recognising your competences and structuring your goals and opportunities
- on monitoring your study progress and making justified study choices
- on matters related to wellbeing and any individual support needs
You will meet your teacher tutor regularly in guidance discussions and as part of career planning study modules. It is your responsibility to participate actively in guidance sessions and to prepare for them. You can find the name of your teacher tutor in Pakki under the Student Information tab. If needed, your teacher tutor can refer you to other guidance or wellbeing specialists.
Head of Student Affairs
The Head of Student Affairs provides support when your situation requires broader or more individualised guidance. You can contact the Head of Student Affairs of your programme, for example, if:
- your studies or life situation change (e.g. taking a break, returning after a break, or adjusting your study pace)
- you have questions about your study entitlement
- you wish to discuss recognition and accreditation of prior learning
- you feel uncertain about your chosen field or programme
- you have questions about transfer applications or applying through Open University of Applied Sciences studies
You can book a guidance appointment flexibly according to your needs. The name of your Head of Student Affairs is also available in Pakki under the Student Information tab.
Student tutor
Student tutors support you especially at the beginning of your studies. They help you integrate into our higher education community and your degree programme, and guide you in becoming familiar with the study practices of a university of applied sciences. Student tutor activities are coordinated by the student union Laureamko. You can find more information about Laureamko’s other activities on their website.
Personal pedagogical guidance
You will also receive guidance in studying and learning from your study unit teachers, as well as from your placement and thesis supervisors.
If needed, you may receive more intensive, individual guidance to support your study progress. Below you can find more information about Koppi guidance for business administration, IT, and service fields, and LiftUp guidance for social services and health care.
Koppi guidance (business administration, IT and service fields)
A Koppi advisor supports you in implementing your PSP and monitoring your progress, particularly in the final stages of your studies. The advisor can also assess demonstrations of competence and guide you in workplace-based learning, thesis work, or placements.
You can ask your teacher tutor or Head of Student Affairs for more information about Koppi guidance.
LiftUp guidance (social services and health care)
A LiftUp advisor supports you in implementing your PSP and monitoring its progress through regular meetings. If needed, you can also receive support in developing your study skills. The guidance is agreed individually for a specific period and can take place at different stages of your studies.
You can ask your teacher tutor, Head of Student Affairs, or the LiftUp guidance contact person for more information.
Career Services
Career Services offers self-study materials, webinars, and workshops related to job search, employment, and communicating your competence. Topics include, for example:
- job search skills (CV, applications, LinkedIn, job search strategies, hidden job opportunities)
- uncertainty about career paths and employment options
- identifying your competences, values, motivations, and areas of interest
Career Services also provides individual career guidance by appointment.