SEA-EU Alliance Symposium for Staff Supporting Joint Master's Programmes

Administrative and academic staff from universities across the SEA-EU Alliance recently gathered in Gdańsk for a dedicated symposium aimed at strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices in the management of joint study programmes. The event brought together staff involved in the administration of the alliance's flagship programmes, including SeaBluE, MIPMAL, and STORM. Based in the beautiful city of Gdańsk, participants were warmly hosted by the University, and the programme included a tour of the city centre and a welcome dinner, during which participants saw a local seal and witnessed the historic visit of the newly appointed Hungarian and Polish Prime Ministers to Gdańsk.

Bringing together colleagues from different universities, countries, and cultural backgrounds presents both opportunities and challenges. Participants not only represented diverse institutional environments but also worked within different administrative and academic contexts and regulatory frameworks. The symposium provided a valuable platform to exchange experiences and develop a deeper understanding of each institution's practices.

The three-day SEA-EU Symposium was characterised by an energetic atmosphere and a palpable feeling of striving together towards offering a better experience to the students. The successful implementation of joint Master's programmes relies heavily on the continuous and coordinated efforts of administrative staff working closely with academic teams and programme managers. Recognising this crucial role, the first day of the symposium focused on introductions and networking. Participants had the opportunity to meet in person colleagues with whom they had previously communicated only through online meetings or email correspondence. These interactions fostered stronger professional relationships and laid the foundation for more effective future collaboration.

During the first two days of the Symposium, academics and administrators followed different programmes, although participants could discuss during the joint coffee and lunch breaks. Most of the sessions involved the delivery of a brief pre-planned presentation to introduce the topic which was then discussed in an ensuing workshop. This format allowed considerable room for discussion amongst the participants, and the frequent group swapping ensured that participants got to know most of the other participants. From the sharing of ideas during these workshops, it quickly emerged that the various institutions faced several challenges related to this ambitious endeavour, particularly due to the diversity of students attracted to the courses. However, the will to find ways forward and improve was very much present.

The final day brought together the various strands of the symposium in a joint session that emphasised the interconnected roles of academic and administrative staff. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared commitment in ensuring the success of international educational initiatives. This was an appropriate closure, concluding on a collaborative note. The sessions touched on how the administrative and academic aspects of organising and running such programmes may sometimes appear to constrain each other. However, they also brought to the fore how, through openness and empathy, the people involved could see that they are really walking on the same path. The final session was particularly memorable, as participants were asked to use LEGO blocks to express their ideas, which lent a playful note to the last day. Ultimately, the Symposium demonstrated that while procedures and systems are essential, it is the people behind them who make joint programmes truly successful. The University of Malta was represented by Lecturer Dr Marguerite Camilleri, Head of Student Advisory Services Mr Albert Debono, Administration Specialist Mr Clive Muscat, and Administrator Ms Andrea Cristina Szakacs. This participation was supported through mobility funding provided by the SEA-EU Office at the University of Malta.