Project

Active university project

Project sponsors

Abbreviation
AHK LIIKKEELLÄ II
Project type
Development project
Focus area
Physical Activity and Well-being
Implementation time
1.8.2025 - 31.7.2026
Unit
School of Health and Social Studies
Financing program
Ministry of Education and Culture
Primary home page
http://www.jamk.fi/aktiivinenjahyvinvoivakorkeakoulu
UN Sustainable development goals
Project description
This follow-up project will consolidate the processes already launched in previous Active University projects into the everyday life of the participating universities and embed a culture of physical activity
through skills development and modeling. Community spirit as a promoter of well-being is emphasized.

In addition, various low-threshold activities and the development of campus environments increase the physical activity and studying ability of higher education students, as well as their attachment to the community of their universities. All activities are based on psychological safety and equality, with the aim of reaching students who do not move enough for their health. 

In order to put the updated pedagogical principles into practice, an operating model will be developed and implemented, with unit-specific activity agents playing a key role. Quality, monitoring, and evaluation are based on the principle of continuous evaluation, target group participation, and an iterative approach. To ensure the implementation of the pedagogical principles, questions will be developed for the course feedback system on the inclusion of physical activity and breaks as part of pedagogy. 

The consortium includes all higher education institutions in the Central Finland region, including the Humak network of universities of applied sciences and the JAMKO student union of the Jamk University of Applied Sciences, as well as a new member, the HUMAKO student union of the Humak University of Applied Sciences.

Further information

projektipäällikkö Essi Heimovaara, Jamk 
lehtori Maarit Honkonen-Seppälä, Humak
projektiasiantuntija Eeva Vissel, JAMKO

Project results

The project has supported the integration of a physically active culture into the everyday life of participating higher education institutions and strengthened students' well-being, study ability, physical activity, and sense of community. At the same time, it has increased the knowledge, skills, and awareness of both students and staff regarding practices that promote an active and healthy daily lifestyle.

During the project, several effective and scalable operating models were developed and piloted, and these are now becoming established as permanent practices within higher education institutions. These include the Activity Agent model, the Tutor Incentive Model, student-led club activities, and the Activity Passport. The models enhanced student engagement, promoted active and movement-based pedagogical practices, increased physical activity, strengthened community spirit, and improved students' attachment to their studies.

The low-threshold events, peer-led activities, and student-driven pilot initiatives implemented throughout the project proved to be effective ways of increasing participation, creating new social networks, and lowering barriers to involvement. In addition, campus environments were developed to better support active lifestyles and physical activity during the study day.

The operating models, collaboration practices, and development solutions created through the project are widely transferable and can be utilized by other higher education institutions. The sustainability of the activities has been strengthened through strategic integration, coordination structures, and resource allocation, supporting the long-term continuation and impact of the project results.