Active participation at Aalto get-together

This fall's second Aalto coffee event was held at the HSE Main Auditorium on Monday November 17.

In keeping with tradition, Rectors Kasanen, Hyvönen and Pursula opened the event. Saku Mantere of Aalto University Foundation brought a message from the board, while change team leaders presented team goals and working group compilations.

Rectors encourage innovation

In his opening speech, Eero Kasanen presented the idea that Aalto University could function as a link between companies as well as scientific inventions and innovations. One solution could be an 'Entrepreneurial University', which besides the existing co-operations would also genuinely support entrepreneurship and the emergence of new businesses. Aalto University would arrange the appropriate formats and channels – a breeding ground – for business incubation.

Helena Hyvönen highlighted the importance of creating a learning environment that is flexible but also encourages discussion and knows how to listen. In her opinion, critical discussion is a part of Aalto preparations and creates a solid ground for the new university. Aalto's strength is its ability to embrace diversity.

Matti Pursula pointed out that hopes for freedom of research and a permissive atmosphere were brought to everyone's attention during the change process kick-off on November 7. However, Pursula used the opportunity to remind his audience that the majority of research will still be in the specialty fields of the three universities. Research quality at Aalto University must remain high if the institution hopes to attain world class university status and if the conducted research strives to solve global problems. At this moment, the current field of research includes research evaluation, development of Aalto University's research themes (Sustainable Communities, Neuro Applications, and Economics and Internet of the Future) as well as the development of new joint projects.

Board sets its sight on transforming the learning environment

In his speech, Aalto Foundation board member Saku Mantere addressed the board's working methods. Mantere described the work as interesting, fun, energetic, and intensive. Mantere noted that in the spirit of Aalto University, the board has also adopted a new way of working. This new method is reflected in, among others, its internal communication channel, Aalto Wiki, which was launched week 48.

The board's goals include a new learning environment and the discovery of an internal customer service identity. The board's meeting was held on Friday, November 21. The agenda included discussions on rector selection, university law, and the work of the change teams.

In addition, Mantere reminded the audience that the community itself is in the best position to breathe new life into the university. The board has a supportive role within the change process but does not take part in operational work. The selection of operational leadership is an extremely important task, and one which is slated for completion this fall.

Hundreds have signed up for change teams

At the event’s end, change team leaders presented their goals as well as the change team working groups. As several hundred members of the Aalto body have already signed up for teams and their respective sub-working groups, it seems that change will soon become a reality.  Mauri Airila (Focus & long-term resourcing), Hannu Seristö (Teaching practices), Outi Krause (Research practices), Markku Markkula (Social, cultural & economic impact), Pekka Saarela (Administration & services), Esa Ahonen (Financial issues) and Olli Ahtola, Timo Saarinen's (Personnel processes) replacement, all remarked that the change team sub-divisions have been largely composed of those who enlisted as volunteers. In addition, personnel organizations and student unions have been allowed to suggest team members while the rest have been 'hand-picked'.

Change teams take a conversational approach

In his speech, Mauri Anttila emphasized the change teams working methods. All plans will be subject to discussion and comments; the decision-making phase will not be reached until after these phases are completed. This means that influence the plans is genuinely possible. Hannu Seristö's goal is to form an uplifting and inspiring teaching culture. Outi Karisto highlighted the importance of research evaluation, since its results affect both the definition of Aalto University focus areas, as well as all other strategic planning. Evaluation is the basis for the state of research. Olli Ahtola discussed the creation of meaningful career paths, which encourage excellent performance and improve overall well-being at Aalto University.

Good leadership, better atmosphere

Markku Markkula's field of societal influence is rather broad. He has divided it into social, cultural, and economic influence. Moreover, this field can be observed from the perspective of interest groups: how do alumni, partners, and other Aalto interest groups gain proximity to the research knowledge base? Pekka Saarela emphasized the importance of need-driven administrative services. University administration is functional when it is built on the needs of research and teaching, without unnecessarily inflating it. Esa Ahonen plans for proactive financing and prepares for sustainable financial management. Financial management systems must be in place already by the beginning of 2010.

The next Aalto coffee event will be held on December 12 at TKK. However, prior to this event, Aalto affiliates may also want to attend the December 1 second change process kick-off on and the professors’ morning coffee scheduled for December 2.