Rebecca Micallef

What are the main challenges that university students face today?

I believe that one of the main challenges that students are facing at tertiary level is the fact that an undergraduate degree is no longer enough. The market has become so competitive, in some areas more than others, that there is pressure to perform consistently and to keep pursuing studies at a postgraduate level. Despite this being a challenge, it’s a positive thing in that it pushes all students to test their limits.

Another challenge is that when they enter the working world, students must put into practice what they have learnt from textbooks and during lectures – this conversion is not easy.

For the past years, the University Students’ Council has been putting pressure on the authorities to focus more on the introduction of traineeships in order for students to be well equipped after graduation.

What is KSU’s role in helping students face these challenges?

KSU does not only strive to represent students but also organises various activities, events and initiatives that can help students prepare for their life outside of University.

KSU encourages students to not limit themselves to just the academia but to become active members of the student body. Whether this means joining a student organisation, attending an event, voicing concerns on a particular issue or going on an exchange to broaden your experience, the opportunities are endless.

It’s easy to assume that being an active student involves a lot of work but in reality the soft skills gained cannot be underestimated. KSU wants students to make the most out of campus life and we give that push in the right direction.

The University of Malta’s population is more than 11,500 strong, which is practically the population of a large town in Malta. What role does this population play in social and political affairs?

The role that University students should assume in social and political affairs is significant. It would be very worrying indeed if students, who are studying in a space free from the shackles of ignorance and censorship, do not discuss, debate or take a stand on current affairs and issues. In fact, the social policy commission within the structures of KSU is just one of the forums available for students to debate any relevant topics and come up with a common stand, which is then voted on and approved by the representatives of the student body.

Besides this, KSU as well as student organisations organise a number of debates, discussions or consultation sessions throughout the year. During these events, all students are encouraged to attend and share their views and ideas. Last year for instance, the Decriminalisation of Drugs Bill, the Gender Identity and Gender Roles Bill as well as spring hunting, voting rights at 16 years of age, and the age of consent, were among the topics discussed in great detail.

It would be very worrying indeed if students, who are studying in a space free from the shackles of ignorance and censorship, do not discuss, debate or take a stand on current affairs and issues

With more students seeking experiences and employment abroad, how do you help them develop a global mindset?

KSU encourages students to not limit themselves to our shores. Every semester, we organise a buddy system which consists of pairing up a local student with a European or international student studying at our University for a term. KSU organises a number of information sessions during which we explain all the opportunities available to students as well as a number of trips and exchanges yearly. We also launched an Erasmus portal on the KSU website – this provides a log of students’ personal experiences in order to guide future students on their journeys abroad. As of this year, we have also been sending students to shadow MEPs for a week in Brussels.

The University Students’ Council. From left: Robert Napier, Emma Portelli Bonnici, Ryan Falzon, Andrew Borg Wirth, Matthew Bonello, Rebecca Micallef, Daniel Vella, Philip Mizzi, Andrew Muscat, Gilbert Amato Gauci, Mark Trapani, Steph Dalli and Becky Dalli.

How would you describe your relationship with the University of Malta academic and administration staff?

KSU works hard to maintain good relations with the University’s administration and staff and we have a relationship built on mutual respect. The University is always ready to listen to students’ concerns and we work hard to represent anyone who might need a helping hand. It is through working so closely with the University that we can be sure we are as representative as we can be.

In what ways can this relationship be improved?

Communication is key to ensure that the relationship keeps working well. So far, the University administration has been willing to involve us in issues in which student affairs are concerned. It is vital that the student body is always represented by the council.

The first day of university can be alienating for freshers. How do you help them integrate?

The KSU Freshers Week is the most exciting time of the year for us. We make sure that the new students experience a week to remember. A number of commercial entities together with all student organisations set up stands on campus, welcoming freshers and non-freshers alike. Students apply with KSU, which offers an endless amount of resources for student throughout their academic journey.

The KSU Freshers’ Week is a brilliant expo of everything that students will experience on campus and we explain that there is far more to this place than just books and lecture halls. With two stages set up in quadrangle and various events and initiatives, the KSU Freshers’ Week is the best welcome event possible, whether students are new or returning, Maltese or international.

Does KSU’s support to students end on graduation day?

KSU is constantly growing and changing and the students that form part of it are what contribute to this change. For this reason, KSU is the main representative body on campus. However, KSU remains an important information point to many graduates. We work on employability and careers and strive to build a future for students. We also rent togas for graduation ceremonies and hold a large ball to celebrate students’ achievements.

For more information visit www.ksu.org.mt.