An official communication issued by the University of Malta confirmed that in preparation for the next academic year 2020/21, Senate has agreed that the academic year will proceed as far as possible as usual, with in-person teaching on campus.
Upon issuing a revised academic calendar for the academic year 2020/21, UM assured that as many lectures as possible will be scheduled on campus, with other lectures held remotely.
For the lectures held on campus, all safety guidelines by the Health Authorities will be adhered to - and both students and staff will be required to comply with the applicable Public Health Regulations.
Priority for face-to-face lectures is to be given to first-year students so they may have the opportunity to experience university life first-hand, familiarise with their academic tutors and establish contact with their peers.
This mix of in-person and remote lectures will ensure a safe and collegial experience for students.
To provide students with as much in-person teaching as possible, for larger groups, a system will be adopted whereby the maximum number of students compatible with physical distancing will be accommodated in a lecture room, with the remaining students registered on the study-unit following lectures remotely and synchronously, through Zoom. The two groups will swap status in the following week.
For overseas students from certain countries unable to return to Malta, timetables will need to take account the time differences so students would not have to follow lectures during unreasonable hours. When this is not possible, presentations are to be recorded.
More information will be communicated as more detailed plans developed. Given the currently evolving situation with respect to the pandemic, some of the above guidelines may have to change to respond to future developments.
"I am confident that with the arrangements being planned, the University’s academic year can commence safely for staff and students, enabling us to continue to provide students with an enriching University experience of the highest quality", said UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella.