New Year, New Skills: January 2026 Training Programme
The Office for Human Resources Management & Development will be offering the following training opportunities for January 2026 for UM employees:
1. ACCESS - Disability Support Unit and Committee
Trainer: Ms Marchita Mangiafico, Social Worker, ACCESS Disability Support Unit
Target Audience: All members of staff
Workshop Duration: 2.5 hours
Delivery Mode: Classroom-based
This session, delivered by Ms Marchita Mangiafico, the coordinator of the ACCESS - Disability Support Unit (ADSU), provides participants with a clear understanding of the support structures available to students, staff, and visitors with disabilities at the University. The session will highlight the role of the ADSU and the ACCESS - Disability Support Committee (ADSC), outline the principles guiding access arrangements, and explain how such arrangements are applied in practice. Participants will gain insights into the procedures for requesting support and the ways in which different university stakeholders collaborate to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Trainer: Dr Carmen Mangion, Deputy Registrar
Target Audience: All members of staff, especially members of staff working in direct contact with students
Session Duration: 2.5 hours
Delivery Mode: Class-based
This training session familiarises staff with the student support services available at the University of Malta and provides practical guidance on handling student-related situations, including referrals and reporting procedures. Participants will receive updated information on services offered by the Office of the Registrar, as well as an overview of the correct processes for managing breaches of regulations, offences, and complaints in line with University timelines, supported by practical examples and discussion.
3. Think sensory! Practical tips for personal wellness, teaching & learning
Trainers:
Dr Nathalie Buhagiar, Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy
Ms Ramona Vella Vidal, Health & Wellness Professional ACCESS Disability Support Unit
Target Audience: All members of staff
Workshop Duration: 3 hours
Delivery Mode: Class-based
Training Requirements: Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for moving around.
This workshop is designed to raise awareness and equip staff with a basic understanding of how the nervous system works from a sensory processing perspective. Participants will learn about the function and importance of each sensory system - sight, hearing, movement, proprioception, touch, taste, and smell - as a foundation for learning and participation in daily life. This workshop aims to provide participants with practical, active strategies to support self-regulation, particularly in achieving a calm, alert state. This state is essential for carrying out one's daily routine and occupations while maintaining positive mental and physical health.
Further details, including dates and times, are available on the Training Calendar website. To register, please fill in the online form.
Should you have any training requests or suggestions, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs further.
The Office for Human Resources Management & Development would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of staff all the best for the festive season!
