Frequently asked questions
About student card
1. I lost my student card./ My student card was stolen.
How can I get a new one?
Order a new card from www.osakoweb.fi/join . If you have already paid the membership fee you only need to pay for the new card (5€).
2. How do I get a new sticker when I'm studying / working in another town ?
If you cannot come to OSAKO's office or visit OSAKO's service points in your school you can get the sticker following these instructions: Join in to student union normally (via www.osakoweb.fi/join ) and pay the membership fee by using the given reference number. After this send your student card with a returnable envelope (that has your address and a stamp) to OSAKO's office. We'll put the new sticker to your student card and send it back to you.
3. My last name has changed.
Do I have to order a new card ?
You can use the card until the sticker is no longer valid. After that you need to order a new card. However, please do remember to have a certificate of your name change with you.
4. I used to study in another university of applied sciences.
Do I have to order a new card ?
Yes, you do. If you change from one university of applied sciences to another you have to order a new card.
5. I used to study in another school of Oulu UAS.
Do I have to order a new card ?
It is not necessary to order a new card if you study in the same university of applied sciences. But do notice that in this case your asio-number will change and you cannot use your student card as a library card.
6. Can I get my student card directly from SAMOK ?
No. Students are always members of student union of their own university of applied sciences. Student union OSAKO is a member of SAMOK, not a single student.
About OSAKO
1. Why does OSAKO's office locate quite far from schools of Oulu UAS ?
As we work closely the administration of Oulu UAS so to quarantee smooth co-operation we are located close to them. If OSAKO's office would locate in one school of Oulu UAS the students in unequal situation. The danger would be that the student union is perceived as a representative of certain school. Therefore, OSAKO aims to locate so that all students can easily drop by.
2. Can I participate in OSAKO's meetings ?
Everyone is welcome to the meeting of the Body of representatives of student union. All students can also take part in meeting of different sectors and teams. You may even get a permission to attend and speak at the meetings of the executice board of the student union but it is recommended that you agree on that with the Chair of the board before the meeting.
3.What is a school specific association and how does it differ from OSAKO ?
A school specific association is a student organization of each school. Student union OSAKO is a student organization for all students from all schools of Oulu UAS. OSAKO and school specific associations work together to improve student life in many ways.
4. Why do the members of the board get fees ?
The members of the board spend plenty of time alongside their studies organizing activities and protecting student benefits. In practise, OSAKO is a "full-time job" for the members of the board so it is justified to pay them a small fee on a montly basis as they are not able to study full time and get student allowance.
5. What is the difference between the President of the student union and the Chair of the board ?
They are two different persons. According to OSAKO's rules the chair of the Body of representatives is the President of student union. This is based on the fact that the Body of representatives has the highest decision-making power in OSAKO. The Board is the executive organ that carries out the decisions made by the Body of representatives. The Chair of the Board leads the operation of the student union but does not the use the title of President of student union. The President of student union represents student union together with the Board and monitors the activities of the Board and the Election committee.
6. Why has OSAKO not spoke out on nuclear power, fertilisation treatements and copyright laws ?
When OSAKO publishes position papers it represents all students of Oulu UAS. Student union has traditionally commented only on issues that are related to students and education.
7. How does the student union benefit me ?
8. Why should I take part in activities of OSAKO ?
You get valuable and recognised experience on various tasks and issues. You experience feelings of success as you can influnce on student issues, both big and small. You make new friends and networks that may benefit you in the future as well. You'll also learn many things and visit places that you'd not just by sitting in school lectures.
9. How the operation of OSAKO is financied ?
OSAKO is funded by membership fees and support from Oulu UAS. Oulu UAS buys certain services (tutoring, international activities) from student union.