The University’s Heads of Department gathering

The Office of the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, in collaboration with the Office for Professional Academic Development (OPAD), organised a successful event on 18 September, bringing together Heads of Departments (HoDs) from Faculties and the School of Performing Arts.

Following Rector's and Pro-Rector Sollars' welcome, the HoDs participated in an ice-breaking activity designed to encourage networking. Other highlights from the event included a panel discussion with the direct participation of four HoDs. This was led by Prof. Maureen Cole and focused on the challenges, experiences and responsibilities associated with departmental leadership.

Prof. Noellie Brockdorff and Dr James Cilia presented the findings from a recent survey conducted among HoDs, which had sought information about organisational, leadership and managerial aspects of their work. In response to the feedback from the survey, OPAD will organise thematic workshops for HoDs as well as a leadership mentoring programme for newly-appointed personnel.

The final part of the event featured presentations by Ms Stefania Agius Fabri, Director of the International Office, and Ms Jacqueline Fenech, Director of the Office for Human Resources Management & Development, along with an information session by Prof. Alan Deidun on the University of Malta’s engagements within the SEA-EU Alliance.

Positive feedback has been received about this first-ever attempt at bringing inter-faculty/school heads together. Encouraged by the turnout and response, other opportunities to facilitate inter-faculty meetings for HoDs will be organised in future.