University academics express strong reservations on proposed law
The University of Malta Academic Staff Association has expressed serious concerns about the proposed University of Malta Act which, it said in a statement, could potentially endanger “our institutional autonomy”.
Controversy surrounds the proposal to establish a Governing Board, members of which would be appointed by the Prime Minister.
In the statement, UMASA said it supported the principles of academic freedom, democratisation of the University, increased participation of students and the development and upholding of Equal Opportunities and Diversity in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research.
UMASA said it is however concerned that the document was drafted without consulting with academic representatives in the first instance.
“We believe a legal instrument such as the proposed University Act should indeed be geared towards such fundamental principles. While certain proposals contained in the Consultation Document recently published by the Ministry for Education and Employment are innovative, we oppose the introduction of a Governing Board that could potentially endanger our institutional autonomy. Universities in particular cannot thrive in such conditions. We need to see greater academic participation in decision making, not less. We do, however, recognise the scope for a properly constituted Appeals Board.
“We note that while great inroads have been made with regards to the development of institutional infrastructure, much progress remains to be made. A quality research and learning environment is challenging to sustain in a campus which is cramped and overcrowded, with Academics occupying hastily put-together ‘temporary offices’ for years on end.”
The document, UMASA said, only makes a passing reference to research and does not sufficiently prioritise it. Fundamentally, the problem is an excessively instrumental view of education. This might also be the guiding principle underlying the proposal to fund the university on the basis of short term ‘service contracts’ without any consideration of research as a legitimate benchmark of output.
UMASA said it expects a seat at the table when the time comes to draft the White Paper for the University Act.
UMASA will be presenting its full Position Paper to the Minister in the forthcoming Consultation Session for Academics at the University of Malta on Friday.