I refer to to Mark Anthony Falzon’s opinion piece ‘We shall nanny them on the beaches’ (The Sunday Times, September 11). Some of Dr Falzon’s com-ments raised various questions vis-à-vis student activism, student involvement and student engagement.
In a previous article, ‘Pointless exercise, pointless results’ (The Sunday Times, June 20) Dr Falzon had criticised a study carried out by the University Students Council on quality assurance. Yet, the study’s findings were confirmed in a presentation by a pro-rector at a University senate meeting a few weeks later. Some aspects of the study were also accepted to be presented at the 5th European Quality Assurance Forum in November 2010 organised by four European bodies including the European University Association (EUA).
In another previous article, ‘University can do without pathetic campaigning’ (The Sunday Times, March 6) Dr Falzon had criticised theology students for campaigns they had organised at University. In a letter entitled ‘Why ridicule students’ initiative?’ (The Sunday Times, March 13) Fr Nicholas Cachia, a lecturer at Faculty of Theology had replied to Dr Falzon’s arguments and comments.
Dr Falzon’s recent article has confirmed that there are still people at University who try to ridicule and discourage student involvement and student activism, though he may point out that he was not writing his article in his capacity as University lecturer.
As a student representative I find his comments insulting and disrespectful to students. I would expect Dr Falzon, as a University lecturer and as a head of department, to encourage such student initiatives.
What kind of students do we want? Students who attend University just for lectures? Or are we investing energy to give students a holistic education which encourages them to be of service to the society and those in need?
Dr Falzon’s harsh criticism reflects the current situation at University. After six years of student activism at University I dare to say that freedom of expression is also limited to particular occasions and specific niches on campus.
If Dr Falzon finds it difficult to accept students doing this work, I question what his opinion is with regard to student involvement in University governance. Currently students in Malta are among the least represented on University boards and decision-making bodies compared to other universities overseas. This issue has already been brought up in a Senate meeting and I hope promises made to students to tackle this issue will be seriously considered.
Meanwhile, I find it difficult to accept that Dr Falzon finds the time to write articles to criticise student initiatives but rarely or never points out various problems being faced by students who encounter individuals with a similar mentality to his, which makes it difficult for them to do their work.
Throughout my active years at University I have had the opportunity to work closely with lecturers who have students at heart. I also had the opportunity to meet academics, rectors and officials from other universities through the EUA’s institutional evaluation programme who definitely have a different perspective towards student activism and involvement and who seriously worry when students don’t get involved.
In Malta, we students still have to preach to some who haven’t converted yet.