The University Board appointed deans, decided to commence the project planning for the new building of the teacher training school, and approved the interim financial statement

At its meeting on 13 June 2024, the University of Oulu Board appointed Professor Antti Niemi as Dean of the Faculty of Technology. Prior to the decision, the board interviewed Niemi and Professor Jukka Kömi, who were considered the best candidates by the selection committee.

After the interviews and subsequent discussions, the decision was made between these equally qualified candidates. Antti Niemi has served as the interim Dean of the Faculty of Technology since March 2024 and previously as the Education Dean since January 2022. The position of Education Dean of the Faculty of Technology will be advertised in August.

Professor Katariina Holma was appointed as the Research Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, starting from 1 August 2024. Professor Hanni Muukkonen-van der Meer was selected as the alternate.

Ph.D Kaija Autio, Docent, was appointed as the Education Dean of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, starting from 1 August 2024.

Project planning for the new building of the teacher training school begins

The board approved the commencement of project planning for the new building of the University of Oulu teacher training school and authorised the rector to sign the project planning agreement between SYK and the University of Oulu. During the project planning, the location of the new building on the Linnanmaa campus will be determined, and a more detailed cost and rental estimate will be prepared.

Additionally, the board received an update on the joint space planning for Kontinkangas. The university, together with Pohde and Oamk, is currently conducting a preliminary study on the development and potential new construction of the Kontinkangas area, ensuring that some spaces and functions are shared or used jointly. The preliminary study will be completed in August 2024. The university's preparation is based on the joint Kontinkangas space programme, completed in March 2024, which involved participation from university staff and students on the campus.

The board approved the interim financial statement and reviewed the long-term financial and operational plan

The board approved the University of Oulu’s interim financial statement for Q1 2024. The university’s operational result for January–April 2024 was a loss of 0.7 million euros, with an adjusted operational result of a 2.4 million euro profit. The accounting result of investment activities was 7.7 million euros, and the operating result was 7.5 million euros.

The forecasted operational result for the entire year 2024 is a loss of 9.7 million euros, with an adjusted operational result of a 0.3 million euro profit, considering the decisions included in the forecast regarding the use of the balance sheet and investment income.

The board reviewed the university’s long-term financial and operational plan (PTS), which is prepared for a five-year period. In 2024, the PTS will also include an income statement at both the university and faculty levels for the next five years. This calculation aims to understand the development of the operational result in the coming years. The most significant challenge highlighted by the PTS is the university’s operational deficit, which currently stands at 15 million euros annually without any support measures.

Additionally, the board:

  • Heard the report from the finance committee, appointed in April, on their work. The temporary finance committee’s task is to prepare financial matters for the board's consideration.
  • Received the internal audit report on the handling of bullying and harassment cases at the university.
  • Was informed of the progress in planning the implementation of the strategy. The board will review the progress and monitoring indicators of the strategy’s implementation in autumn 2024.
Last updated: 14.6.2024