Photo: Jason Borg

As students prepare for a new scholastic year, Gayle Lynn Callus, president of the University Students’ Council since June 2014, discusses the latest developments taking place on campus through KSU’s ongoing dedication. University students have plenty to look forward to as they crack open their books and laptops and start filling in their social calendars.

KSU’s priority is to represent the student body in all spheres. KSU is organised into four offices: education; social policy; international and culture and entertainment. Each office defends students’ rights on and off campus and organises events that bring student organisations together to showcase what they have to offer to university and to society.

What are the main challenges that students experience on campus?

There is an ongoing issue of lack of access to the university with the problem of insufficient parking spaces and an inefficient bus service. Also, the intense academic programme often does not allow students to have a part-time job or keep up with student life expenses. Moreover, several bureaucratic processes like the lengthy applications for study units and delayed dissemination of exam results keep students backwards.

Many students also find the fact that the library doesn’t open 24 hours a day to be a disadvantage. Also, unlike student communities abroad, students don’t live together on campus: this fails to instil a sense of community or belonging to the institution they are part of.

What is KSU’s role in addressing these ­issues?

KSU communicates with all stakeholders and many people are willing to listen and help. The ­library hours were extended until 11pm during exams through KSU’s initiative a few years ago. The common room has also become a 24-hour zone for students who study late into the night. The university values KSU’s work to represent students, and we trust that we’ll move forward just as we always have in the past.

What have been KSU’s recent accomplishments in representing the student body?

During the industrial dispute back in July, KSU was not involved in the collective agreement process. Yet, it managed to exert pressure, remain in contact with both unions and the ministry, and went viral on social media in our plea to safeguard students’ rights.

Within 24 hours, the petition started by the council received 2,400 signatures and results were eventually published. This was a great feat for KSU, which many students are not aware of because it happened over the summer period.

How does KSU continue to strengthen the voice of students?

We are introducing the new Kummissjoni Politika Soċjali structure. This commission will welcome all students – not only those who form part of a student organisation – to voice their individual opinions. Through elevating the students’ voice, this structure can support various opinions on campus. The opinions and positions of KSU will be formed through representatives of KPS. The intention behind this commission is for KSU to give a contribution to greater debates on the national spectrum.

Which initiatives introduced this year by KSU are you most excited about?

This year we’re launching the new KSU student card to promote access to cultural events and venues, award financial discounts and benefits, and serve as a means of student identification. The card centralises student activities: this means that when students apply for their KSU student card, they have access to all KSU services from parking permits to toga rentals and even lodging a complaint.

The energy that students show and the undiscovered potential that youths have are amazing

We’re also upgrading the KSU app and website to include more features to help students navigate through student life smoothly. We have many ideas which we’ve been implementing since we were elected in June. However, only being elected for a year presents the challenge of creating new projects while developing existing ones.

How does KSU help new students to integrate into university life?

Besides organising all Freshers’ Week events, orientation day for international students and campus tours, this year we’re launching a 24/7 help line. Students can communicate with us using interactive means like Whatsapp and Snapchat. We want to know where there is a problem the second that it surfaces and help whenever we can.

How can students who are not on the council get involved in KSU events?

To be active you don’t need to be on the council. KSU’s events are nothing without the backing of a huge events team. We administer and organise all events, but it’s the students who make it happen. Students can apply through the KSU website and inform us about what they would like to help us with and we’ll delegate accordingly.

What activities is KSU planning to welcome new students on campus?

This year’s Festa Kampus, starting on October 10, is the perfect event to bring students together. We’re excited to announce that the featuring artists include the Crowns, Relikc, the New Victorians and Airport Impressions. Frisk event will also happen this year through collaboration between KSU and 40 other student organisations. KSU is committed to increasing the number of events that unite students throughout the year.

Why is it important to invest in students’ potential?

The potential that students have needs to be exploited while they are still learning, rather than once they have left the campus. This is why involving active students in all offices of KSU is a priority. The energy that students show and the undiscovered potential that youths have are amazing as I’ve discovered throughout the last term I served in KSU. Students can move mountains socially and break down barriers: they have the ability to change mentalities and think in a fresh way. Any country that values students’ contribution is a country that invests in its future.