Tamko’s Council met on 10 November 2026 for its statutory Autumn Meeting to decide on the student union’s activities, finances and advocacy priorities for the coming year.
Action Plan 2027 focuses on advocacy and organisational development
The Council approved the action plan for 2027. The plan focuses on student advocacy, making membership more attractive and developing the student union’s own operations.
During the parliamentary election year, Tamko aims to increase its visibility and advocacy efforts, cooperate with the Student Union of Tampere University (TREY) and the Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK), and strengthen cooperation with the City of Tampere and student associations. Other objectives include developing tutoring and member services and providing members with more opportunities to participate.
The action plan also sets objectives for developing Tamko as an organisation. During the year, Tamko plans to revise its rules and clarify responsibilities, as well as create its own guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence. Cooperation between the Board, staff and Council will also be developed, member services will be digitised, and new sources of income will be explored. For the first time, the implementation of the objectives will be monitored using indicators included in the action plan.
Budget sets the financial direction for the coming year
The Council approved the budget for 2027. The budget makes provisions for costs related to the website renewal, parliamentary election advocacy and increased tutoring expenses. A separate budget has also been allocated for communications.
In terms of events, the budget places greater emphasis on leisure activities that promote wellbeing and reduces costs related to alcohol-focused events. Tamko will also explore new sources of income and aim to diversify its funding base.
Changes proposed to allowances for elected representatives in 2027
The Council discussed the allowances paid to Board members and the Chairpersons of the Council for 2027. Under the proposal, the Board’s responsibilities would be divided more clearly into different areas, including advocacy, member services, tutoring, events and communications. The possibility of having a smaller Board with higher allowances for its members was also discussed. The aim is to make it possible to focus on elected positions of trust without necessarily having to work in paid employment alongside Board duties. The composition of the new Board will be decided at the organisational meeting on 23 November.
Political programme updated
The Council approved Tamko’s updated political programme, which outlines the objectives and priorities of the student union’s advocacy work. The programme was prepared by a working group appointed by the Council, consisting of Board and Council members as well as an advocacy specialist.
The programme outlines Tamko’s objectives for promoting student wellbeing, financial security, housing, high-quality and accessible education, and the transition into working life. It also addresses the development of the higher education community and advocacy at both local and national levels.
MEMBERSHIP FEE STRUCTURE TO BE REVISED
The Council decided to revise the membership fee structure by separating the membership fee from the student card ordering and processing fee. The joining fee for new members will be 15€, covering the costs of ordering and processing the student card. This fee is paid only once, upon joining. Membership fees will be reduced, with longer membership periods becoming more affordable. The change aims to encourage students to become members for longer periods. Membership fees for renewing members will remain unchanged. Supporting membership fees will also remain at their current level.
Other decisions made at the meeting
- Tatu Lamberg of Lamberg Oy was selected as Tamko’s auditor for 2027.
- A total of 21 full members and 15 deputy members were elected to the 2027 Council following the Council elections. The Council decided that all candidates from lists that passed the election threshold but were not elected as full members would become deputy members.
Tamko’s next meeting will be the organisational meeting on 23 November 2026, where the new Board and the Council’s Chairpersons will be elected.