From left: Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Dr Mario T Vassallo, Hon Dr Katya De Giovanni, Rector Prof Alfred J Vella, Prof Edward Warrington, Dr Marie Louise Mangion, Dr Michael Spagnol, Dr Anne Marie Thake, Dr Charles Xuereb, Dr George Vital Zammit, Ms Marisa Scerri
Professor Alfred J Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, hosted the seventh Strategic Implementation Forum focusing on National Impact on 18 May 2022 as part of a series of Fora held this semester, for the entire University community of students, staff and stakeholders. 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.
As part of the Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 the University is developing a ‘culture of implementation’ throughout its 115 faculty departments, 34 institutes centres and 11 administrative directorates, with effective implementation entailing the motivation and mobilisation of 3,180 full-time and part-time staff to engage in elements of the strategy and translate 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, namely 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 academics, administrative, technical and industrial staff in aligning daily activities with decision-making and the allocation of resources.
Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo, Rector's Delegate to the Institute for the Public Services, and Head of Department of Public Policy, outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: National Impact. The commitments, set through internal and external consultation with stakeholders, have a significant national impact in the areas of cultural heritage and identity, the Maltese language, economic impact, national challenges, the need for a skilled and competent workforce, opportunities for growth, and the effect of international rankings on the perception of the University in the Maltese society.
Hon Dr Katya De Giovanni, Director, Cottonera Resource Centre, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Promote studies and research that are focused on cultural heritage” highlighting the regional role of the University through its Cottonera project.
Dr Charles Xuereb, Chairperson, University radio station, Campus FM, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Instil awareness and appreciation of Maltese characteristics” focusing on the role of Campus FM to promote Maltese culture, heritage and national characteristics.
Dr Michael Spagnol, Head, Department of Maltese, Faculty of Arts, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Protect and preserve the Maltese language while simultaneously continuing to cherish the English language” expanding on the process of compiling and launching the first ever language policy.
Ms Marisa Scerri, Consultant, Institute for the Public Services, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Prepare sufficient and suitable local human capital that is creatively empowered, culturally enriched and fit to serve the evolving economy” illustrating the collaboration between the University and the Institute for the Public Services, including academic courses, research (book publications) and internships, to the benefit of public officers (human capital).
Following the keynote speeches, Working Groups were organised to discuss current and future activities that reflect elements of the Forum’s Strategic Theme on National Impact. The Working Groups were led by:
- Dr Marie Louise Mangion, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
- Dr Anne Marie Thake, Lecturer, Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
- Prof Edward Warrington, Associate Professor, Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
- Dr George Vital Zammit, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
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 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.