From left: Rector Prof Alfred J Vella, Mr Simon Sammut, Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Dr Colin Borg, Mr Kevin J Ellul, Ms Jacqueline Fenech, Mr Pierre Cassar, Ms Carmen Mangion, Ms Angela M Xuereb, Ms Josianne Camilleri Vella, Mr Robert Abdilla.
The Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella hosted the fifth Strategic Implementation Forum focusing on Services and Administrative Support on 30 March 2022. The entire University community of students, staff and stakeholders are invited to register for the series of Fora held this semester, and to actively participate throughout the process. Each forum is dedicated to one of the University's Strategic Themes, showcasing examples of successful implementation across University entities and sharing knowledge through working groups.
The University is encouraging the growth of a “culture of implementation” throughout its 115 faculty departments, 34 institutes and centres, and 11 administrative directorates. This is no mean feat as implementation requires the motivation and mobilisation of 3,180 full-time and part-time staff to elements of the strategy and translating them into actions at different levels.
Professor Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Enterprise, provided a recap of the University's 8 Strategic Themes: learning and teaching, research and knowledge transfer, societal factors and impact, enterprise and industry impact, national impact, international outlook, sustainability, services and administrative support. These priority areas are guiding academic, administrative, technical and industrial staff in aligning daily activities with decision-making and the allocation of resources.
Mr Simon Sammut, University Secretary, outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: Services and Administrative Support and how this section of the Strategic Plan 2020-2025, sets out the goals and priorities for the University, its faculties, departments, centres, institutes and schools.
Dr Colin Borg, Academic Registrar, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Manage and develop student-centred processes” emphasising the importance of elevating student services to another level.
Mr Kevin J Ellul, Administrative Director, Library Services, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Enhance library resources” expanding on the UM Library achievements and plans for the future.
Ms Jacqueline Fenech, Administrative Director, Office for Human Resources Management and Development, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Invest in people, empower the workforce” highlighting the importance of maximising people’s potential and performance through training and development.
Mr Pierre Cassar, Administrative Director, Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Develop internal and external communications” focusing on the need of developing effective internal and external communication strategies.
Following the keynote speeches, Working Groups were organised to discuss current and future activities that reflect elements of the Forum’s Strategic Theme. The Working Groups were led by:
- Mr Robert Abdilla, Deputy Director, Office for Human Resources Management and Development
- Ms Josianne Camilleri Vella, Deputy Director, Library Services
- Ms Carmen Mangion, Deputy Registrar, Registrar's Office
- Ms Angela M Xuereb, Senior Executive, Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office
The University reasserts its commitment to the 8 Strategic Themes as a roadmap for our academic and administrative community, where staff and students strive for higher standards and diligent implementation. The new Summary - UM Strategic Plan 2020-2025 synthesises the stakeholders’ drive for continuous development which guides staff and students to collectively achieve the goals and vision of the University of Malta.
