University rector Juanito Camilleri yesterday promised students a year full of changes – some of which might be implemented if an application for EUR30 million in EU funding is approved.

Prof. Camilleri was speaking during the opening ceremony of the new university academic year, during which he warned students that they were not at university to be spoon-fed.

Prof. Camilleri explained that the university recently applied for around EUR30 million which, if approved, would go towards the construction of a state-of-the-art computer centre, an extension of Junior College, construction of a new ICT building and equipment for laboratories.

“There is always something that needs to be improved and the resources are not always meeting the demand, which is increasing every year,” he said.

He reassured them that the university would provide them with all the opportunities they needed to reach their aims.

However, Prof. Camilleri warned the students that, at university, education is not spoon-fed but is learnt through training, research and individual work.

“Keep in mind that you do not get your degree through parrot-like learning but through reading, creativity and discovery,” he said.

The rector said that a university student should never be caught up in a mechanical system of credits, going to and from lecture rooms and labs, assignments and exams.

“It is a pity that some students only see the university as a lecture centre – a place where you go to classes and then immediately head off home,” he said.

Prof. Camilleri went on to explain that this year’s theme “Well-rounded Education… beyond certification” should encourage students to take up all opportunities to open their horizons and improve their talents – especially those that will help them become fully-rounded citizens in a busy world.

He also encouraged the students to take advantage of exchange programmes with other universities.

It was only through visiting another country that one could truly understand the value of what was good in Malta and, objectively, realise what could be improved, he added.

Prof. Camilleri explained that a new pilot project would be launched this year – Degreeplus.

“This will give freshers the opportunity to continue learning languages, appreciate Malta’s cultural heritage, acquire information and communication technology skills, enhance their communication and presentation skills, gain a better insight into the world of enterprise and entrepreneurship – in an informal setting,” he said.

He quickly explained that this project would not be enforced and that it was up to the student if they were going to take it and that it would not have any formal credits assigned.

“The idea is to encourage students to socialise and grow beyond the curriculum of their degree programme and acquire informal skills that will undoubtedly enhance their career and employability,” said Prof. Camilleri.

However, he added, students’ efforts would be rewarded and they would be given due recognition in the transcript.

In another initiative to improve social life on campus, Prof. Camilleri explained that the timetable for first-year undergraduates has been left clear for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon.

“This is a pilot scheme and initially it will be open to a limited number of freshers on a first-come first-served basis. So don’t wait too long to sign up if you are interested,” he said.

However, he added, the university plans to extend the scheme next year following feedback from this year.

Another change the rector hopes to implement is to formulate a plan that will transform parts of the library into “an information commons with spaces that are conducive to informal individual and group learning.”

The concept will work on combining books with digital media in an environment that will encourage more students to remain on campus socialising and learning different disciplines, he added.

He also said that he wants to extend the library’s opening hours so that it will remain open 24 hours, seven days a week.

In line with tradition, Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) president David Herrera also delivered a speech, which was followed by an inaugural Mass.

Mr Herrera encouraged freshers to participate in Freshers’ Week and to take part in the various tours that are organised in faculties, lecture rooms and library.

He also urged them not to become complacent when working on an assignment and to use the library instead of downloading all the information found through Google.