Association rules
Rules of TSTS ry (Approved on 29.10.2018)
1§ Name and Domicile of the Association
The name of the association is Turun sosiaali- ja terveysalan opiskelijat – TSTS ry, hereinafter referred to as the association in these rules.
The domicile of the association is Turku.
2§ Purpose and Activities
The purpose of the association is to:
- Act as an interest group for its members, promoting and safeguarding students' general and collective interests, particularly in educational and social policy matters.
- Serve as a link between students and regional, national, and international student organizations.
- Develop the content of studies and education.
- Monitor and promote students' legal protection.
- Encourage the intellectual, professional, social, and physical activities of its members.
- Influence the image and profiling of the educational institution.
To fulfill its purpose, the association may:
- Organize meetings, information and training sessions, entertainment events, and competitions.
- Engage in publishing activities and distribute study materials to its members without profit.
- Maintain various unregistered clubs and hobby groups and oversee and support their activities.
- Organize various celebrations and leisure events.
To support its activities, the association may:
- Charge entrance fees for celebrations and leisure events.
- Sell overalls, fabric patches, or other student-related merchandise.
- Sell advertising space to sponsors on student overalls or other jointly ordered student clothing (e.g., for sports events or social gatherings).
- Collect membership fees from its members.
- Accept donations, bequests, and scholarships.
- Operate coffee sales for students.
3§ Membership
3.1 Membership Conditions
A member of the association must have study rights as a degree student or path student in the Health and Well-being sector of Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS). Alternatively, the board of the association may approve an individual or organization as a supporting member upon application or nominate a person as an honorary member.
3.2 Primary Members
All students in the Health and Well-being sector at TUAS are eligible for membership, as defined above. This includes open university path students in relevant study programs. Primary members have the right to attend, speak, and vote in the association’s meetings.
3.3 Supporting Members
Supporting members are individuals or organizations accepted by the board. Supporting members have the right to attend and speak in the association’s meetings but do not have voting rights.
3.4 Honorary Members
The association may appoint as an honorary member a person who has significantly contributed to the association’s objectives or to whom the association wishes to show special respect. The appointment requires a unanimous decision at the association’s meeting. Honorary members have the right to attend and speak in meetings.
3.5 Resignation, Expulsion, and Termination of Membership
A member may resign by notifying the board or the chairperson in writing or by declaring the resignation at an association meeting for inclusion in the minutes.
The board may expel a member if the member has failed to fulfill obligations associated with membership, significantly harmed the association or TUAS, or no longer meets the membership criteria stated in the law or these rules.
The board may terminate a membership if a member graduates or their study rights at TUAS’ Health and Well-being sector otherwise expire, as they no longer meet the membership criteria.
4§ Membership Fee
4.1 Primary Members
Primary members are required to pay a one-time membership fee determined at the association’s autumn meeting. The fee covers the entire study period. If a path student transitions to a degree student, no additional fee is charged.
4.2 Supporting Members
The supporting membership fee is determined at the autumn meeting and is collected annually.
4.3 Honorary Members
Honorary members are exempt from membership fees.
5§ Board
The association’s affairs are managed by the board, consisting of a chairperson and 4–12 regular members elected at the autumn meeting. The board’s term is the calendar year. The organizing meeting of the board must be held by the end of January.
The board elects from among its members a vice-chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer, and other necessary officers. The board convenes at the request of the chairperson or vice-chairperson when necessary, or if at least half of the board members request a meeting.
The board is quorate when at least half of its members, including the chairperson or vice-chairperson, are present. Decisions are made by a simple majority vote. In case of a tie, the chairperson's vote decides, except in elections where the result is determined by drawing lots.
Board members must submit their resignation in writing to the board. The board meeting may release a member from duty before the end of the term.
If a board member has acted in a way that harms the association, the board has the right to expel them. A new member may be elected for the remaining term at an association meeting.
TUAS social and health sector tutor coordinators have the right to attend and speak at board meetings. Board members may participate remotely via mail, telecommunications, or other technical means.
6§ Signing the Name of the Association
The association’s name is signed jointly by two of the following: the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, or treasurer.
7§ Financial Year and Auditing
The association’s financial year is the calendar year.
The association elects an auditor and a deputy auditor. The financial statement, including required documents and the annual report, must be submitted to the auditor at least three weeks before the spring meeting. The auditor must provide a written statement to the board at least two weeks before the meeting.
8§ Association Meetings
The association holds two regular meetings annually:
- Spring meeting between January and May.
- Autumn meeting between September and December.
An extraordinary meeting is held if decided by the association or the board, or if at least 1/10 of voting members submit a written request for a specific matter. The meeting must be held within 30 days of the request.
Each member has one vote in association meetings. Decisions are made by a majority vote unless otherwise stated. In case of a tie, the chairperson's vote decides, except in elections, where the result is determined by drawing lots.
8.1 Convening Meetings
Meetings must be convened at least 14 days in advance via email to members.
8.2 Agenda for Primary Meetings
Spring Meeting:
1. Opening of the meeting
2. Election of chairperson, secretary, two record examiners, and, if necessary, two vote counters
3. Confirmation of meeting legality and quorum
4. Approval of the agenda
5. Presentation of the financial statement and annual report
6. Decision on financial statement approval and discharge of liability for the board
7. Other matters listed in the notice of meeting
Autumn Meeting:
1. Opening of the meeting
2. Election of chairperson, secretary, two record examiners, and, if necessary, two vote counters
3. Confirmation of meeting legality and quorum
4. Approval of the agenda
5. Approval of the action plan, budget, and membership fees for the next year
6. Election of chairperson and board members
7. Election of auditor and deputy auditor
8. Other matters listed in the notice of meeting
9§ Amendment of Rules and Dissolution of the Association
Amendments to the rules or dissolution of the association require a 3/4 majority vote at an association meeting. The meeting notice must mention such proposals.
Upon dissolution, the association’s assets will be used to support its purpose as determined by the dissolving meeting. If the association is liquidated, its assets will be used for the same purpose.
In all other respects, the applicable Association Act shall apply.