Academics fear for university autonomy

The University of Malta Academic Staff Association has queried recent developments surrounding the election of the next university rector.

Last week The Times reported that all 13 government representatives on the university council had nominated Melita Cable CEO Juanito Camilleri for the top post at Tal-Qroqq.

Yesterday, UMASA secretary Michael Saliba said the association hoped that "the government has not decided to start to have its way at the university through the strength of the number of appointees it has on the council, in direct conflict with the spirit of autonomy, open discussion and free thinking at the university".

Roger Ellul-Micallef, the current rector, is serving his second five-year term which ends in June. He recently received a letter from the faculty deans thanking him for his work and encouraging him to run for a third term.

Dr Saliba said the government had appointed its 13 members on the council - most of whom were there for the first time - a few weeks before the election for rector is due.

The council is made up of a president, vice-president, senate and student representatives, a member of the clergy and members elected from the academic and non-academic staff, apart from a member appointed by the Education Ministry and 12 appointed by the Prime Minister. The government appointees make up half the council.

Answers to questions forwarded last week to Prof. Ellul Micallef and to the Education Minister have not been forthcoming.