Through a shift towards stabilisation
Rapid changes, difficult decisions and a strong determination to develop have characterised 2025. In this message, rector Mona Forsskåhl reflects on a year in which challenges were met with determination, significant progress was made and the foundations were laid for an even stronger and more forward-looking university.
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The year 2025 reminded us of how rapidly the world around us is changing. Global conflicts, economic uncertainty and major societal changes also affected the higher education sector in Finland – and, consequently, our own work here at the university.
Cuts to core funding, new policy decisions and a labour market undergoing major transformation required us to adapt quickly. At the same time, work began on a vision for the entire sector up to 2040 – in which academic freedom is to go hand in hand with clear expectations of higher education institutions regarding innovation and responding to specific skills needs.
A year of transition and crucial decisions
For us, the year involved both difficult and necessary decisions. The restructuring negotiations were challenging, and the closure of some courses was particularly hard to bear. The negotiations gave us a more balanced budget, but also highlighted a clear need to completely rethink many of our processes. At the same time, we also took other major steps to strengthen our future financial sustainability – including through a new lease agreement.
The new organisation that took shape following the negotiations is based on the idea of promoting cross-sectoral collaboration, further strengthening research and development work, and the development of our programmes.
At the same time, the university has achieved many successes. We have succeeded in increasing project activity through several new creative projects and the systematisation of processes. Within our degree programmes, we have concluded several agreements on cross-institutional studies, which enhances students’ opportunities to choose courses at other universities without increasing the university’s own costs. It is particularly pleasing that, during the year, we saw a record number of new students commencing their studies at Arcada.
Together we´re shaping the future
The university also continued its commitment to and active collaboration with the local community. One key initiative that brought together both students and staff was the campaign for Ukraine, Arcada for Ukraine, which was launched during the year. The campaign demonstrated both the social commitment that is so central to our programmes and the desire and drive to make a difference and contribute in an uncertain situation.
Despite the challenges, 2025 has also demonstrated our strength. We stand firm today, we are developing, and we dare to think innovatively. Our vision – to be a dynamic, international and research-intensive university rooted in the Nordic region – is more relevant than ever.
Together, we continue to build a university that not only adapts to change, but actively shapes the future. I would like to thank our students, staff and all our partners. Thank you for your hard work, your courage and your commitment throughout 2025.
Helsinki, april 2026
Mona Forsskåhl
