Students at the University of Malta (UoM) have expressed "deep concern and dismay" over a recent decision implemented by the University to terminate the contracts of "casual part-time lecturers."

The student association for psychology students at UoM, Betapsi, described via a statement that over recent weeks, University students have been informed through "unofficial channels" that their educational institution will no longer employ anyone to solely teach any elective units, unless they are assisting UoM staff in the teaching of compulsory study-units.

Betapsi criticised that these significant changes were not shared with students through official channels, such as by their respective faculties or departments.

"This lack of transparency is unacceptable and deeply disappointing," the psychology student association said, "The silence on this issue is unacceptable and leaves students in a precarious academic position."

The psychology students, who have been notably hit hard by these lay-offs, remarked that as a result of these mass contract terminations, they now have lesser elective study-units on offer to them. In terms of ECTS credits, third-year psychology students went from having 12 to 8 ECTS credits available through electives, while second-year students went from 24 available ECTS credits to 12.

As a result of these staff reductions, Betapsi observed that over half of their previously available elective units have now been removed from their study programmes; the students also noted that some elective units have become compulsory.

The psychology students shared that the loss of part-time lecturers on campus has resulted in them only having one practical component within their degree left standing, with all the other study-units being omitted from course programmes.

They observed that this has serious ramifications on their ability to apply for master's programmes abroad and attain a higher level of education following their undergraduate experiences underway locally.

"This may undermine not only the credibility of our degree but also our ability to pursue further studies, particularly as our course is not universally recognized across EU universities," Betapsi stated.

The student organisation added that with psychology students already being adversely affected by these firings, students are now "gravely concerned" at the repercussions this may have on dissertations in writing. The students wrote that "some dissertation tutors may have been affected by the termination of casual lecturers," though this has not yet been addressed by their Department of Psychology.

Students also argued that given the societal challenges faced by contemporary Maltese society, and the country's shortage of qualified professionals, the University's decision

The psychology students mentioned that in present day society, Malta currently has a shortage of qualified professionals related to their field of study, and that "making it more difficult for students to obtain the necessary academic and practical preparation, the University is placing unnecessary obstacles in our paths at a time when the country needs more- not fewer-qualified psychologists."

Betapsi has called upon the University and its Department of Psychology to "immediately address these issues," and respond the students' concern while keeping them in the loop via direct, transparent dialogue.

"We are tired of being sidelined. We are tired of decisions being made without us, about us. And most of all, we are tired of being expected to simply accept these changes without question. We deserve better," Betapsi said.

Student organisations SDM and Pulse have both expressed concern.

On April 19, SDM shared concern about the University limiting the availability of elective units, citing its reduced funding as the motivation behind this action. SDM had shared that over the Easter holidays, this information that UoM would no longer be employing part-time casual lecturers was shared via an internal e-mail to faculties and lecturers, but not with students.

SDM had stated that "such decisions undermine the University's commitment to academic freedom and quality education" and called for the University and relevant government entities to "immediately address the lack of funding which is hindering the holistic development of students." It had urged the government to prioritise education so that students' educational experiences are not inhibited by financial limitations.

"Students must not be treated as bargaining chips in funding disputes - they deserve consistent access to a rich and well-rounded education that empowers them to thrive," SDM published.

Pulse similarly expressed serious concern on this development on Monday, 12 May. The student organisation called upon the University to clearly explain why this decision was taken and for it to quickly ratify the problems that have since arisen.

Pulse condemned the absence of "any proper communication or consultation" with students on this matter, noting that "many students found out [about this] last-minute, and where left confused, stressed, and unsure about their academic future."

"Students deserve transparency, respect, and a stable learning environment. Education should be a priority and enhanced, not restricted," Pulse stated.

In a statement that was issued on the matter, the University of Malta had said that it distinguishes between casual lecturers, classified as adjunct staff, and Council-appointed part-time academics. Casual lecturers are engaged for a specific and limited number of hours during an academic semester, while Council-appointed part-time academics hold a more established role within faculties, institutes, centres, and schools.

The University had said it is currently undertaking a process to regulate in a more formal manner the engagement of casual lecturers, with the aim of ensuring a more effective allocation of resources and a strengthened return on investment.

This initiative does not affect Council-appointed part-time academics, who remain integral to the delivery of core coursework and academic activity within the University. The decision to review and update the employment framework for casual staff follows a period of thorough consultation with Deans. The University resolved to adopt the new procedure during a recent Senate meeting, it had said.

The University had assured its students and the wider community that the core elements of all academic programmes will remain unaffected. Students will continue to have the opportunity to select elective study-units, when programmes permit, the University had said.

Through this process, the University wanted to reaffirm its dedication to good governance, transparency, responsible use of public funds, and its mission to serve students, scholars, and society in a sustainable and effective manner.