‘We agree on the goal, now we need to agree on how to get there’ – UMASA president

● Association strongly opposes creation of a Governing Board as envisaged in the Bill

President of the University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) Jean-Paul Baldacchino yesterday stressed that the goals to be reached for the University of Malta (UOM) have been agreed upon by the academic staff and the education minister, however agreement must be reached on how to get there.

A consultation meeting was organised yesterday by UMASA, where the group’s position on the University of Malta Act, which is up for discussion, was formally presented to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, and members of the academic staff were given the opportunity to submit comments and criticism.

Among other things, the Act proposes the setting up of a governing board which would be tasked with approving UOM’s strategic plans, decisions, annual budget, academic plan and business plan.

The board would be chaired by the University Chancellor and will include between three to five members appointed directly by the Prime Minister. This sparked massive controversy, with many criticising the government for taking away the university’s autonomy.

During the discussion, some of the academics present raised concerns and criticism that research has not been given enough consideration in the green paper and that the proposed student representation of 25 per cent on the council may be too much, considering they are at the institution temporarily.

Others said that too much of an onus has been placed on teaching, and it is research is what makes a university distinct from a school.

UMASA’S position in brief, as read out to the minister, is that it:

“Strongly opposes the creation of a Governing Board along the lines envisaged in the Document; is gravely concerned that the Document does not make any provisions for our role as researchers and scholars; supports the introduction of limitations of terms of office and proposes a broadening of the democratic structures for the elections of Deans and Rector; proposes the introduction of a dedicated Appeals Board; expects a seat at the table when the time comes to draft the White Paper for the University Act.”

University rector Alfred Vella emphasised the point “that the state needs to reflect carefully on what the stakeholders are saying.”

Baldacchino remarked that “the meeting went well” and that “UMASA took on board what the minister has promised us,” such as being given a place at the table when the law is drafted.

“We look forward to the session next year were UMASA will have the opportunity to engage in genuine dialogue with the minister on how to draft a law that structures UOM in line with the core values and principles we agree on.

“We require further elaboration on what is currently proposed in the green paper. We believe that there is scope for a university act and revising the existing green paper to make it more in line with what a national university is and what a university does.”

Questioned on whether UMASA believes that the core principles agreed upon by the minister and academics, together with the contents of the document, might be contradictory, Baldacchino said:

“I believe that with regards the consultation document, while the principles are sound the best means to obtain them need to be re-thought and this is what we have sought to underline in our position paper to the minister today. We agreed on the goal, now we need to agree on the best means to get there. The legal instrument currently tabled needs to be revised while retaining those aspects which are in line with the goals proposed as outlined in our position paper.”

During the discussion, Bartolo agreed on the need for higher importance given to research, and even hailed the decision for the Valletta UOM campus to be transferred from the government’s hands to the UOM. This means that the university will have, for the first time in its almost 250-year-history, an asset in its own name, which could help generate revenue for research purposes.

“I obviously believe that the university has to walk on two legs, teaching and research. I think the quality of teaching must complement the quality of research. I recognise that that has been expressed as an issue of concern.”

He announced in February that a conference will take place for all stakeholders to make their submissions and comments which are to be taken on board in the white paper.

On the proposed governing body, he said: “Let us take the necessary steps to ensure that the governing board, however it is going to be composed, will remove possible doubt on the government on the day. I look forward to have practical suggestions and proposals.”

During yesterday’s panel discussion, Bartolo stressed that the government “does not have any hidden agenda” and that the process is completely up for discussion.