MAM concerned about graduates ‘wreaking havoc at university’
The Medical Association of Malta yesterday said it is concerned by reports of graduates wreaking havoc at University during their graduation celebrations.
It is appalling behaviour to destroy University property and it is hoped that the perpetrators will be caught, MAM said in a statement.
While encouraging newly graduated medical doctors to celebrate in a dignified manner off campus, MAM calls on new doctors to respect University students and lecturers by not disrupting their classes. MAM would like to clarify that this behaviour was not done by medical graduates.
This reaction came after University Pro Rector Godfrey Baldacchino condemned the ‘disappointing behaviour’ after a recently refurbished lecture theatre was damaged by students on their bus cades following graduation.
Head of Department of Sociology, Prof Mark Anthony Falzon questioned why students “pay homage to the Prime Minister at Castille, and to the Leader of the opposition in Pieta” when they then “smash up University”.
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, Dr George Vital Zammit said that it was “about time that this shameful behaviour is put to an end” even going as far to call for a ban on the celebrations. Departmental head of the Faculty of Media & Knowledge Sciences, Dr Gorg Mallia said that whilst he agrees that graduates deserve to celebrate and enjoy themselves, he condemns this “extreme, disruptive and destructive” behaviour.
Philip Von Brockdorff, Head of Department of Economics also called for a stop of the festivities. Anna Zammit, a lecturer at Junior College, said that this behaviour was not limited to the university grounds; insisting that the graduates “sickening” behaviour brings the college under siege.
“I expect better behaviour from educated adults” - Rector reacts
The Malta Independent reached the University Rector Professor Alfred Vella for a comment who until our phone call had no idea what had happened.
He said that he still has to look at the photos but condemned this behaviour. “Sometimes I don’t understand certain behaviour. To celebrate, you don’t have to annoy anyone.”
The rector said he expects better behaviour from educated adults. Asked if he would be taking action, the rector said he would if any damage was caused and those responsible are identified.