Community event greenlights university's cornerstones

The preparation of the new strategy continued at the third community event on Wednesday 21 May.

The university’s cornerstones – values, purpose and way of working – have been processed in various contexts over the spring. These cornerstones have been discussed in the workshops of departments and units, and they have been addressed at voting stations, the strategy portal and the recent community event. Now the community greenlights university's cornerstones, laying foundations for new strategy.

According to community feedback, the present values are still functioning to a great extent, but at the same time, it was felt that they need to be condensed and the aspect of community should be included. Cooperation was highlighted as a new value, alongside courage and responsibility. The theme of sustainable development was also strongly highlighted in the community discussions, and included in the university’s purpose.

‘The cornerstones of our university – values, purpose and way of working – are a central part of our future strategy, and they provide us with a common direction for the upcoming years. We have reached an important milestone in our strategy work, now that these parts have been outlined: thanks to everyone for your active participation! The cornerstones can now be passed on to the board for further discussion in June’, says President Ilkka Niemelä.

Strategy work continues with co-creation

In connection with analysing the operating environment, we have recognised the most central strategic questions that also challenge Aalto to change. Some of these questions have already been discussed, for instance, at earlier community events. 

This time, the vice presidents and provost shed light on the need for renewal from the perspective of three theme areas: people and community, research and multidisciplinarity, and creative practices. The participants had an opportunity to take a stand on these questions at the strategy bazaars and in the strategy portal. The students, in turn, highlighted the importance of well-being. ‘The well-being and success of students are reflected on the university funding, and they build the university’s reputation’, says Lumi Ketola, member of the AYY Board.

Everyone can express their views on these and other future choices in the strategy portal: present your own perspective, or discuss this with your colleague and join us together!

The next community event will take place on 18 September at 9–11. Save the date in your calendar already now!

• University's cornerstones (pdf)
• To strategy portal
• All materials from the community events can be found on the Materials page of the strategy website
• AYY's strategy video (> Youtube)

Board approved the 2020 budget and discussed the cornerstones of the strategy (news item for Aalto community, requires log in)

Photos: Jaakko Kahilaniemi, Aalto University