University of Malta lectures will be streamed online and where possible a physical option on campus will be provided, according to a statement published by the University Student’s Council, Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU).
With school starting in less than two weeks, many individuals and lecturers are concerned about the new protocols for the reopening of schools.
Wednesday marked the highest number of coronavirus cases, where in 24 hours Health Authorities found 106 cases. This resulted in two teachers unions, the Malta Union for Teachers (MUT) and the Union for Professional Educators (UPE) both publishing statements that the opening of schools should be postponed.
While lectures at the University of Malta aren’t scheduled to start for another month, a senate meeting was held on Thursday to discuss the upcoming academic year.
In a statement issued following that meeting, KSU said that guidelines by the Health Authorities regarding University will be published.
They said that it has been decided that lectures will be streamed online and where possible a physical option on campus will be made available. Lectures with a large number of students will be taking place entirely online. Whilst the number has not yet been defined, KSU believe that the number will be around 70 students.
Lectures with smaller number of students will be taking place online with the possibility of joining physically. Following the issuing of the guidelines, Faculties/Institutes/ Centres/Schools will be analysing which study units can occur physically, depending on available spaces which are large enough to cater for the number of students allowed in a classroom according to a social distancing guidelines.
KSU also noted that all methods of assessment for the upcoming semester must be decided upon and presented to Senate for approval by the 22 October.
KSU presented its Pandemic Response Policy to Senate with an appeal to all academics to strive to improve online learning and online assessments to ensure that communication with students is timely, effective and constant.
Discussions on graduation ceremonies ongoing
On the note of graduations, discussions are currently taking place on feasible alternative options that retain the dignity of such a momentous occasion, whilst also safeguarding the health of graduates and their families.
It was decided that by 20 November all students will be considered as graduates, with the possibility that ceremonies take place at a later date. This will allow students to present their certificates for funding purposes or future academic endeavours, where applicable.
More information on graduation ceremonies will be published later on, KSU said.
“KSU urges Health Authorities to release guidelines for tertiary education institutions without further delay to ensure that students have enough time to prepare for the upcoming academic year, especially those who have to make arrangements for housing.”
KSU had also presented a letter to the Superintendent of Public Health and Health Minister with questions relating to the upcoming year on the 10 August, and yet still have no replies. “It is worrying and disappointing that no attempt to reassure students was made and that no students were involved in the preparation of the guidelines.”