University students want change in direction

The new university rector must bring about a change in the institution's direction and management style, according to the University Students' Council.

KSU president Anthony Camilleri said that if the current rector, Roger Ellul-Micallef, decided to contest the upcoming election he must convince the students' body he could bring about this change.

Controversy has surrounded the post in recent days after it was revealed that all 13 government representatives on the university council had nominated Melita Cable CEO Juanito Camilleri.

Although Prof. Ellul-Micallef - whose second five-year term comes to an end in June - has received a letter from the faculty deans encouraging him to run again, it is still unclear whether he will. He has refused to comment on the issue.

The KSU president said Prof. Camilleri was a valid nominee for the post, though he might not be the only one. He pointed out that it was up to the university council to nominate other valid candidates.

Mr Camilleri said the students' body was keeping close tabs on developments and discussing the issue.

He pointed out that the KSU would speak to all nominees and its policy-forming body would then make recommendations to the two student representatives on the university council.

Mr Camilleri said the most pressing change required was to make courses better suited to the job market. He said a number of courses did not provide students with work experience, while others were not targeted at the right market niche. He also stressed the need to increase the number of courses available.