Aims and Objectives - University Students' Council Report 2004-… · · 2014-09-28Aims and...

Aims and Objectives

KSU stands to...

represent students in all that concerns them,on a national and international level

work for the democratisation of educationin Malta

serve as an official means of communicationbetween students and relevant authorities

put pressure on relevant authorities so as toassure that the quality and level of tertiaryeducation conforms to international standards

instil educational, social and culturalawareness amongst students

coordinate activities with those of otherorganisations

Annual Report 2004-2005

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KSU ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005 | PG 1

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Executive 2004-2005

a. Alan Arrigo | Finance

b. Simon Sciberras | Culture & Entertainment Coordinator

c. Amanda Mercieca | International Commissioner

d. Chris Azzopardi | Social Policy Commissioner

e. Paul Gonzi | President

f. Sam Abela | Social Policy Coordinator

g. Malcolm Azzopardi | Culture & Entertainment Commissioner

h.Leonard Bonello | Secretary General

i. Damian Kovac | International Coordinator

k. Anthony F. Camilleri | Education Commissioner

l. Trevor De Giorgio | Education Coordinator

m. Karl Galea | Public Relations Officer


g. h. i. j. k. l.


Contents

President�s Message 5

Administrative Report 6

Education 8

International 14

Culture & Entertainment 18

Public Relations 21


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president�s messageAs anticipated, the past months have been as challengingas they have been rewarding. Generating administrativedirection whilst keeping up with constant externaldevelopments is the constant challenge for any organisationand without doubt, this year for KSU has certainly beenno exception. Notwithstanding, the positive resultshighlighted in this report are the tangible outcome of astrategy that proved the Council to be a true studentrepresentative within an ever-changing Higher Educationreality and moreover, a team of coordinated and dedicatedmembers. It has been a year of significant successes basedon inherited achievements, fresh initiatives and a collectiveeffort to surmount barriers and challenges.

Responding to unexpected changes is the real test of aworthy organisation. When local and internationaldevelopments constantly widened our efforts beyond thoseplanned at the start of the year, we thrived to act swiftlyand respond accordingly. University measures, such as theimposition of a graduation fee; or government decisions,such as the reform of Higher Education and its financing,or the failure to implement the budgetary measure onPublic Transport fares for students, are a few amongst theunpredicted challenges we aptly responded to.

Bettering the student�s quality of life is a primary objectiveof the Council and I am proud to say that this year theexecutive attained what it sought to achieve; strongerstudent representation, higher rates of student involvementand adequate administrative direction. This report isevidence of this success including amongst others, theReport on Financing of HE, the new KSU-Vodafone CommonRoom, the Budget Reaction Report, the Pensions Report,the new KSU Website, the New Student-run VodafoneOutlet, the removal of the Lm10 Graduation Fee, thealteration of student Bus Fares, the implementation ofthe KSU Environmental Policy, the KSU Diary and PrivilgeCard and the various international developments andaccomplishments.

In order to exploit opportunities and to better relationswith external bodies we had to ensure that KSU�s internalmechanisms were functioning appropriately. This meantthat KSU required an upgrade of its administrative toolsand methods, including the installation of new IT andcommunication systems and the implementation of variousnew working policies. Ultimately, it meant that KSU would

have to strengthen its current position whilst developinggroundwork for new initiatives.

Unquestionably, this success is built on the endlesscontributions of many and I therefore sincerely thank theKSU Secretary General for his dedicated support andefforts, and each individual executive member for theirrelentless patience, support, dedication and conviction.Surpassing the day-to-day difficulties and overcomingmany other pressures was not an easy task, yet the senseof duty, the will to succeed, and the team spirit urged usall to press on.

I further thank all those who in any way contributedtowards our successes including of course our friends,families, the student organisations and associations, oursub-committees, and KSU�s Corporate Sponsors who neverfailed to encourage and support us.

Ultimately, it is this principle of solidarity amongst studentsthat guided our performance. The backing of all studentorganisations was indispensable to the Council and for itsmessage to be heard. Such a principle should not beunderestimated and I augur that future executives willembrace this principle in all that they do.

Whilst the future does hold many challenges for students,I confidently know that KSU can, with determination,continue to assert its position as the major representativeof students in Malta.

Thank you,

Paul GonziKSU President

PG 5 | KSU ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005

�Bettering the student�s quality of life isa primary objective of the Council�

administrative reportKSU has a history of over 100 years and each single day ofits history has many lessons to teach. Our objective wasthat of building on KSU�s strong points, analyzing weaknessesand identifying the ideal way ahead. With this in mind,the executive held a planning weekend with the aim ofrevising KSU�s calendar of events that ultimately led to awhole re-thinking process.

A new dimension to the planning weekend was theadministrative approach to financial management. Thegeneral economic situation has changed in the past yearsand KSU has had to adjust to this new reality. The worldis changing towards more performance-related relationshipswhere entities expect more for less. Knowing that increasingKSU�s income is not easy, our goal was to improve KSU�sperformance whilst at the same time decrease costs �introducing a higher level of efficiency through betterplanning and more awareness. For this reason a wholemaster budget was prepared with a total breakdown ofexpenses and projected income, analyzing all possiblealternatives and always aiming for the highest cost-efficiency.

Although each one of us knew what our work-plan was,constant communication was necessary to make sure thatwork progressed uniformly. Considering that each memberhas highly specialized roles, it often becomes difficult tokeep track of what others are doing. As a rule, executivemeetings were held weekly over the months with variousspecialized meetings also organized to discuss particularissues or to review KSU�s work-plan.

After months of working behind the scenes, Freshers Weekwas a major test for KSU. For a second consecutive year,KSU put a lot of effort and investment in the logisticalaspect of the week, highly subsidizing the costs fororganizations to set up stands equipped with variousfacilities including internet. All this required raisingsubstantial funds by means of event sponsors.

This turned out to be a success, with many organizationsand associations collaborating to welcome students,promote solidarity and provide useful and accessible

services to students. An improvement for KSU was therelocation and enhancement of the KSU Stand, whichserved as a central information point and a data-collectioncentre, with various new initiatives being launched,including the KSU Diary and the Privilege Card.

KSU is a student representative council and must necessarilystrive to participle within Maltese society and give itscontribution on a national and international scale. Apart,from the international developments, the KSUadministration constantly works to reinforce its externalrelations with other bodies, including student and youthorganizations, NGOs, Unions, Institutions and governmentbodies.

KSU is also an active member within the National YouthCouncil (KNZ) and we welcome the progress KNZ has madein the past years. KSU is also proud to have nominatedJonathan Dalli (past KSU Social Policy Coordinator) forthe post of KNZ Secretary General and who is now servingin office. This further proves KSU�s commitment to thecommon good of students and youth within society.

One of KSU�s functions is that of administrating Students'House, including the Common Room, the offices and thefoyer.

The Common Room refurbishment meant that KSU wouldhave to implement new working-policies that would putour investment into good use. We are proud to say thatstudents, organizations and the public now have accessto a relaxing, yet stylish, atmosphere with many facilitiesincluding a sound system, four TVs, projector and bigscreen, a pool table and free Wireless-LAN (thanks to theCSC staff).

The past year has also seen an increase in the use of theFoyer and Students� Hut by student organisations, externalbodies and commercial entities. Whilst this means thatKSU required more administrative groundwork, theseinitiatives were always encouraged since such eventsenhance life on campus and can serve to help KSU raisefunds.

The concept of having a KSU front office was never actuallypracticed and in fact, last year the room was temporarilyused as the KSU International Library. With the library


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now relocated in the Common Room, KSU analysed differentpossibilities by which the room could be utilised.

KSU is pleased to have converted the office into thefirst ever Student-Run Outlet on campus. In collaborationwith Vodafone Malta, a new major corporate sponsor ofKSU, we now offer the opportunity to students to managethe outlet and to have a part-time employment schemetailored according to their study-needs. Apart fromincreasing KSU's cash-flow it also served other needs,including decreasing some workload from the KSU officesthemselves; offering special student-oriented schemesand most importantly, offering an opportunity to studentsto acquire informal and non-formal skills through thisexperience on campus.

Whilst the possibility of striking similar arrangements withother companies should be analyzed in further depth, weare also pleased to announce that KSU has currently beenaccepted to give a contribution to the selection processof the new Canteen Caterers.

Notwithstanding the problem of office space fororganizations, KSU yet again managed to administer theoffices in a fair and regulated manner. Organizationssubmitted their reports and were entitled for an officewithin Students� House. The Room Allocation Board wasprimarily responsible for evaluating these reports and thenmoved on to proposing amendments to the originaldocument especially thanks to the feedback obtained fromthe organizations.

As part of the Student�s House administration, the securitycameras system was upgraded and three new cameraswere installed.

Due to the ever increasing number of students andorganisations, the urgency of tackling the Students HouseDevelopment Project is on the rise. Now that the longawaited MEPA permits have been issued we are pleased toannounce that discussions with the relevant authorities,including with the Rector, have commenced andpreparations for a phased project are currently underway.

This has been a year of great satisfactions for usnotwithstanding the need to preserve and constantly keepan eye on KSU's financial standing. Without diminishinggood relations with student organisations, efforts weregreatly focused on the need to reach out towards thestudent population, and act as a closer representative inthe field of Higher Education, guaranteeing a Council withadministrative direction, prepared for those challengesand prospects that the future holds.

Finally, I would like thank all those who have helped usachieve our vision in the past months.

Leonard Bonello,Secretary General


�efforts were greatly focused on the needto reach out towards the student population,and act as a closer representative in thefield of Higher Education...�ad

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"The key test for any representativebody begins when it is called upon to standup for its members� rights andtheir integrity...�

educationOver the years KSU endured numerous tests that challengedand shaped its strengths as the main student-representativein Malta. Beyond any doubt, this year was no exception.

Confronting Reform in June; In May 2004, the Ministryfor Education, Youth and Employment declared that itwould launch a review of financing for Higher Education(HE) in Malta. After years of calling for institutional reform,KSU now had to prove it could respond effectively andmaturely to a concrete discussion which was bound tobring about change to the Maltese HE system.

The sudden proliferation of student-populations over thepast decade has forced many European countries and nowalso Malta to review the unprecedented stresses ongovernment funding as well as put pressure on institutionalinfrastructures. Review commenced by means of aspecialised Commission led by Mr Roderick Chalmers withthe mandate to consult various stakeholders and reporton the present local situation.

During summer, KSU frequently met up with the workinggroup and other relevant entities so as to understand andpresent the factual position from a students� perspective.Publishing a several hundred page report and systematicresults emerging from a scientific survey (commissionedby KSU and performed by an independent firm), KSUmanaged to take a pro-active and contributory functionin the discussions.

This document (endorsed by KPS including organisationssuch as SDM and Pulse) included a reflection of the currentsituation; thus highlighting the necessity for studentsupport, portraying the shortage of basic academicresources at university and expressing the concern forlack of financial direction, waste of resources and a lackof sufficient quality controls that guarantee a top leveleducation. KSU also outlined its defence for the currentmaintenance grant's system whilst making concreteproposals for improving the institutions' finances andenhancing the current system�s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Following the publication of the Chalmers Report inNovember 2004, KSU issued its reaction maintaining itsprinciples and position on the maintenance grants systemas was stated in the original document. Whilst the ChalmersReport did not go as far as making concrete

recommendations, it did outline what KSU upheld in itsdocument as regards the need for an immediate injectionof both capital and recurrent funds into HE and the needfor further accountability, quality assurance and directionof the institutions.

With the Budget of 2004, KSU commended theGovernment's decision to boost the financing of education,in particular funding of University, thus securing additionalfunds for the Library with a subsequent increase in itsJournals to over 8000. Following the Budget, thegovernment set up another Working Group that wouldconsider the Chalmers Report and consult with stakeholdersso as to recommend tangible reforms in the comingmonths. KSU is till today contributing to this new discussionprocess that is to last until June 2005. In the mean time,KSU continues to push for the creation of the Commissionfor HE so as to step up the reform also in terms of qualityand academic performance together with that of a financialreform.

This year�s work on the topic will culminate with the KSUHigher Education Conference in May where students willbe given the opportunity to give their opinions on thematter direct to the decision-makers in government. Thiswill be a 2-day conference in collaboration with theMinistry for Education, Youth and Employment.

Opposing the Graduation Fee in September; Whilst areform in the financing of system is being discussed, onedoes not expect short-term gratuitous measures to beimposed. KSU opposed the Lm10 fee on the basis thatthis measure was only a PR instrument for university andthat it would have imposed a new burden on studentsgraduating. This fee was successfully withdrawn.

Reacting to the National Action Plan on Employment inSeptember; Giving value to a students� academic lifedoesn�t stop with ensuring its quality, but also includessafeguarding its raison d�etre. Conscious that the originalversion of the National Action Plan largely ignored problemsrelating to employability (job-matching) of universitystudents, KSU made a number of proposals that couldamend this situation. KSU is pleased that many of itsrecommendations were included in a separate sectionattached to the plan as issues for consideration next year.


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KSU and the October MCESD Report; Whilst the ChalmersCommission was dealing with detailed discussions on theReform, KSU learnt that the a report of the MCESD was topropose radical and harmful changes to university financingand moreover included the cutting of all forms ofmaintenance to students and proposed student loans andmeans testing. KSU opposed this report clearly demandedthat such futile analysis and recommendations are notconsidered during the reform unless the MCESD organisedanother appropriate and justified analysis.

Offering day-to-day services; The KSU EducationCommission offered a great number of services to studentsthroughout the year.

By participating in KSU�s Freshers Week and by collaboratingwith Faculty-based organisations, students were given aneasy-access information service on campus which alsoserved to welcome freshers to University and to their newcourses.

A new initiative by KSU was the organisation of varioustalks throughout the year to 5th form students. The objectivewas to educate and guide the students about the long-term consequences of their choices on entering 6th formand furthering their studies

Addressing Complaints; As usual, KSU continued to functionas a Complaints committee whereby complaints of anynature would be addressed by KSU. A large number ofcomplaints were solved successfully, some of which includeddiscrimination and late exam results. Unfortunately,especially due to the reform, KSU was less successful inmeeting particular requests of students requesting refundsfor fees or grants for special circumstances. On the otherhand, KSU also saw a disconcerting rise of 'bogus' complaintsconsisting of students unhappy with their grades.

In the meantime, KSU continues to lobby for theestablishment of an Official standardised ComplaintsSystem for university. Discussion on KSU�s draft documenthas now commenced through a Senate sub-Committee onthe implementation of the Students� Charter.

Graduation speeches: Once again, KSU was entrusted withthe task of issuing calls for applications that would leadto the selection of speeches to be read out by students atthe Graduation Ceremonies. This meant that KE would setup a Selection Committee, revise the selection processand criteria, and hold public-speaking assessments for the

applicants. The speeches were then selected accordingto criteria based on quality, relevance and ability to reflectthe students' perspective. KSU is once again pleased thatpositive remarks were commented as regard the qualityof speeches presented at the ceremonies.

Students� Charter and Academic Policy: KSU publishedits Students Charter and Academic Policy in the form ofa pullout within KSU's magazine @KSU. This was thendistributed to all University Students so as to increase theawareness of such documents.

However these are dynamic documents which must evolvewith time, and KSU has ensured that they do by updatingthem throughout the year as well as meeting up withUniversity Officials so as to ensure their fullimplementation. Such meetings will continue until thedesired results will be achieved.

Think Tanks: KSU organised a three-day Think Tank inMarch 2005 aimed at formulating a position paper on non-formal and informal education. Conclusions from thishighly technical meeting where participants discussedvarious scenarios and propositions are being compiled intoa policy paper to be concluded within the coming weeks.This is to be presented at the next ESIB Board meeting inMay and eventually will be used for ESIB Policy and hence,KSU policy.

Elections for Student Representatives: KSU promotedthese elections amongst the entire student body by sendingout e-mail shots advising the students about the forthcomingelections. Posters were also stuck up amongst the variousfaculties where vacancies for the posts had arisen.

Going International; The KSU Education Commission hasincreased its efforts on the international level; mainlythrough the MedNet Conference and Board Meeting heldin Malta, and more so through ESIB�s Education WorkingGroup chaired by KSU.

KE collaborated with the International Commission onissues relating to Bologna process (vide InternationalCommission) and played an important part in policy-making, lobbying and negotiations with foreign studentunions.

KE also participated in a Workshop on Student Support inBerlin, a Bologna Process Conference (BPC), a UniversityFinancing Conference in Malta, a Student Convention in


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Holland and a Student Convention in Luxembourg as wellas a Bologna Training Seminar in Stockholm.These served as training sessions for our Commission, asa learning-experience as well as an opportunity to stressfor our policies and views beyond Maltese shores.

Stepping-up representation; KSU also ensured that studentsare suitably represented on University Senate and UniversityCouncil, as well as participated on various subcommitteesdealing with Students� Charter, the Library, QualityAssurance, the Exam Disciplinary Board, the OrganisationSelections Board, the Student Maintenance Grants Boardand the Publications Committee.

The way ahead: The current structure of the EducationCommission has always precluded high attendance, andwhile attracting capable and dedicated people whoeffectively deal with student issues, it has not attractedthe technocratic skills currently required to maximise KSU'sinput towards policy making. This meant that with a rapidly-changing education sector, KSU would unfortunately haveto prioritise some issues over others.

Having a KSU position on the MATSEC Reform was notpossible since human resources were focused on othertasks some of which were also unplanned at the start ofthe year. KE thus strongly recommends that the structureand composition of KE be revised to adequately reflectthe realities of modern student representation.Furthermore, we recommend that the KSU-JC link berevived so that expertise in the Post-Secondary and Tertiarylevel be increased.

The success of KE will continue to be measured in itsinvisibility�for it is when things work smoothly: when thereis no need to complaint, to protest, to publicly denouncepolicies that we can say we have truly reached our aims.However, KSU�s strength lies in its being the voice of thestudents, in the power of collective bargaining and it isfor this reason that we must appeal to students to keepinterested and keep active.

PG 10 | KSU ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005

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"Learning by discussing� ...uniting by doing�"

social policyKSU's social policy is created solely by its Social PolicyCommission (KPS). This is where student organisationsunite to discuss and develop policy and then act togetherto support and implement that policy.

Uniting to Discuss

The KSU Annual Grill: This first KPS activity held at theNSTS Acquacentre served to encourage a large crowd ofstudents and organisations to informally socialise with thenewly elected KSU executive and its committees. This BBQworked to promote the sense of unity that would be soughtthroughout the year.

Seminar: "Be Smart, Think Creatively": The KSU seminaralso served to unite students and members of organisationsin order to outline their major social concerns and to focuson the methods with which KPS would function. Althoughthe proposed date was postponed due to unforeseencircumstances, discussions amongst over 40 attendeesproved to be fruitful so as to guide the future work-planof the commission.

KPS Committees: Apart from internal discussions, KPSCommittees consult with students, organisations andexperts. Their aim is to propose and encourage thecreation, promotion and implementation of policy. Theseinclude the (i) Environmental Committee (ii) EmploymentCommittee (iii) Charity and Voluntary Committee (iv)Economic Affairs Committee (v) Human Rights and EqualityCommittee.

Coordination Committee: A new initiative aimed atascertaining wider communication between studentorganisations and students in general was the establishmentof a Coordination Committee (KCC) composed of sevenmembers from different student-backgrounds. Thiscommittee was widely involved in the manning of KSU�sstand in Freshers Week and in promoting KSU. KCC alsoorganised the KSU seminar in October.

Campus Life Information CD: During the summer period,the Co-ordination Committee worked to collect informationand sponsors so as to publish an Information CD includinga directory of student-organisations at University, theUniversity Regulations and other useful student-relatedinformation. This CD successfully served as free promotional

material for student organisations and as a user-friendlyinformation pack for students. The CD was distributedfree of charge on campus.

Budget Assembly: On the 24th November (2004) studentorganisations assembled in the KSU Vodafone CommonRoom together with the KSU Economic Affairs Committeein order to listen to the Government�s Budget Speech for2005. This served as a ground for discussion, encouragingorganisations to actively discuss and react to the Budget.An official KPS reaction supported by all organisationswas published on the 28th of November (vide: BudgetReaction below)

Work-Phase for Student Organisations: At the start ofthe term KSU united all the organisations so that pressurebe exerted on the Government to ensure payment forprevious work-phases carried out by student organisationsand also to guarantee work phases for organisation duringthat summer. Following various influential demands KSUattained its objectives and also secured a summer workphase for organisations in the coming summer months of2005.

Student Policies

Human Rights and Equality; The HR & Equality Committeemet on various occasions with the initial objective ofdrafting a paper on Security, Liberty and Equality. Whilstthis was put on hold, the Committee directed its effortson preparing a proposed Policy Paper dealing with racismand tolerance. This was done following the incident atthe Safi Barracks on the 13th of January 2005. This draftproposal is to be concluded by KPS in the following weeks.

Economic Affairs Committee; The need to discuss issuesrelated to Economic Affairs from the student�s perspectivehas always been felt and moreover was expressed duringthe KSU Seminar itself. The Committee was thus constitutedwith the long-term task of reviewing the Maltese generaleconomic policy, entrepreneurship, business activities,and economic conditions and also to makerecommendations. Two major issues focused upon so farwere (i) Budget 2005 and (ii) the Pensions Reform.


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(i) Budget 2005: Analysing and reacting to thegovernment Budget required a systematic, cautious yetrapid process of research and discussion. Before the BudgetSpeech, the committee outlined areas of interest thatwere likely to be tackled in the budget and more so thatmight affect the student. Such basic preparation wasrequired in order to host the Budget Assembly wherebystudents gathered to listen to the budget and to discussinitial reactions.

These reactions were compiled into a KSU Budget ReactionReport dealing with most budgetary measures includingEducation; Transport; Research; Pension Reform; Electricityand Water Rates; Culture and Heritage; and theEnvironment. This document was finally approved by KPSand given its due promotion in the media. (Vide: follow-up re; Public Transport Fares for Students below)

(ii) Pensions Reform: In 2004, KSU hosted special KPSseminars to discuss the Political, Social and Economicneeds for a Pension Reform. Following the publication ofthe White Paper on Pension Reform in November 2004,KPS felt that students should contribute in a pro-activeway and thus give concrete suggestions on the topic,especially since the youth and student population are thecohort most affected by a reform.

Following various consultation meetings with theChairperson of the Pensions Working Group (Mr. SpiteriGingell) the Committee examined the White Paper andfocused with particular reference on the possible impactof such reform on students and future generations. Thisprocess led to the formulation of a report that serves twopurposes; firstly, an additional source of information forstudents and secondly, a critical reaction of the whitepaper. This report was ratified by all student organisationsin KPS and was presented to the Working Group and Ministerfor Social Policy in April 2005.

Charity and Voluntary Committee; Complementing thesetting up of a Charity Fund last year, KPS continued toshow that student organisations can work together andcontribute to society. This time the focus was on thePreventive Care Unit whereby various organisationsorganised activities and passed on their donation directlyto the Preventive Care Unit. 30% of the money collectedwas to remain in the central fund and distributed asdetermined according to the Charity Fund.

A new initiative of the committee was that of finding and

promoting opportunities of Voluntary Work to students.This encouraged students to take up voluntary experienceslocally or internationally.

Environmental Committee; Having a comprehensive KSUenvironmental policy for over four years meant that theEnvironmental Committee would delve deeper into theimplementation and evaluation of existing policies. Thisyear, a decision was taken to focus in depth on a few issuesthat emerge from the general policy document, mainly;separation of waste, sea pollution, road-traffic andafforestation.

Two online surveys regarding waste separation and trafficwhere compiled whilst various meetings where held withthe Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment and with�WasteServe� so as to introduce the Green Championconcept on a departmental basis within University. Moreover,meetings were held with the Department of Electrical Powerto propose ways of how new buildings on campus shouldbe constructed using sustainable energy.

Monitoring and Implementing Policies; Apart from writingpolicy, it is the role of the Social Policy Commission topromote the need for change according to such policy andto push for the implementation of fundamental measures.This year KPS is pleased to present a list of tangibleinitiatives that put written policy into practice;

Environmental Awareness; The KSU AnnualEnvironmental Fair was organised to promote environmentalawareness. This was done by creating a symbolic installationon campus comprising of two opposing scenarios, a junkyardand a green area, set up as a road track within which theuse of electric cars, bio-diesel and other environmental-friendly sources of energy were promoted. The temporaryjunkyard was made up of waste and debris collected bystudents from Malta�s countryside and which was laterdisposed of appropriately. The fair also served to launchthe implementation of 3 initiatives;

(i) The Green Project: KSU in collaboration with UniversityPrecincts Office organised the plantation of 300 trees oncampus, including oleander, oak and Gharghar (indigenous),and other flower-baring plants. This project also includedthe embellishment of University grounds including therestoration of a rubble wall. This was inaugurated by theMinister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Hon. Pullicino.

(ii) Separation of waste on Campus: KSU�s positivediscussions with WasteServ served to install the first waste-


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separation bring-in site on campus. Two new sets of waste-recycling bins where installed on the quadrangle whilstothers have been ordered for the Common Room and KSU'soffice. KSU believes that increasing such initiatives over theyears will boost awareness amongst the large populationon campus.

(iii) Sea & Beach Clean up: KSU in cooperation with theMalta University Sports Club organised a successful seaand beach clean-up in Sliema whereby students voluntarilyparticipated to help our environment.

Transport for Students: A debate on Transport in Maltawas organised during the environmental fair primarily topromote the use of public transport from an environmentalperspective and more specifically, to promote the new busroutes for university students.

New Direct Bus Routes: During summer, KSU cooperatedwith the ADT so that five new direct routes to Universitywould be introduced and, promoted the new initiativethroughout Freshers� Week . The system was constantlymonitored and changes were made depending onsuggestions made by KSU.

During the debate, KSU also took the opportunity to explainits efforts as regards the Bus fare-controversy following theBudget speech. When the Government failed to implementthe 5c exemption for all students using public transport KSUwas quick to issue its position against this decision.

Notwithstanding that the new University bus routes wereexempt, it was clear that students from other institutionsand many University students did not have access to suchroutes.

KSU held many meetings with the Ministry for Transportand various proposals were made. One proposal to introducedirect bus routes for Junior College and MCAST wasaccepted whilst another more-complex proposal to introducea student card, that indirectly exempts students from the 5cincrease, is still being discussed.

Employment: Knowing about the employment situation inMalta is vital for students at any stage.

KSU Careers Convention; This year, the Conventionorganised together with AIESEC expanded the normaltargeted audience also to Secondary, Post Secondary, andMCAST Students. The event comprised of a fair on campusand seminars successfully promoting the current situation

as regards training and employment opportunities. VariousFirms, Unions, Politicians, NGOs and Universityrepresentatives were involved during the fair. Debates werealso organised with the aim of campaigning for new early-guidance tools to be implemented within the MalteseEducation system.

KSU links up with ETC; Another scheme introduced topromote the immediate employment situation occurredfollowing discussions with the Employment and TrainingCorporation. The KSU website now provides an updatedlist of student-related job opportunities. The second phaseof this scheme is to eventually set up a visual notice boardin Students House as regards local and internationalopportunities.

Voluntary Activities: in collaboration with UniversityChaplaincy, groups of students were given the opportunityto give a hand in voluntary-work experiences. Visits toinstitutes and homes were organised.

KSU also held two activities that involved a large numberof volunteers; firstly when children from orphanages wherewelcomed at the Common Room for a Christmas party andanother activity where children from families with financialdifficulties were invited on an excursion at Mediterraneo.

The former event also involved a large number of studentorganisations who contributed by offering Christmas presentsto the children. Such contributions were made during aChristmas reception for organisations who in turn werealso invited to hang a written message on the Christmastree.

Human Rights Days; In December 2004, KSU organiseda Human Rights Week whereby ten student organisationsand various NGO's set up stands on campus to promotetheir policies, principles and mission statements. The generaltheme dealt with respect for human rights. KSU had thepleasure of hosting Chief Justice, Dr Vincent Degaetanoat the event.


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�Giving our University an internationaldimension is no simple task. At times, itrequires harmonization of regulations,restructuring of institutions, recognition ofqualifications� Other times, it requires anunpretentious change in attitude�"

internationalStudents are major actors in the building up of aninternationalised University. Keeping this in mind, KSU�spriorities focused on the ever increasing need to reach-out to foreign students at University.

Undoubtedly, the Bologna Process, aimed at creating aEuropean Higher Education Area is a major driving force.It would be useless to promote a European dimensionwithin higher education, in a scenario where noharmonisation, flexibility and mobility amongst institutionsexists.

Promoting, facilitating and enhancing communication:

Establishing good relations with European and Internationalstudents requires a warm welcome from the start of theirstay. Various new initiatives were taken on board;

Living Out Guide: This publication was directed at anyforeign students on an Exchange, Transfer, Erasmus or anyfull-time course. The casual style of this publication gavestudents a friendly advice as what to and what not to doduring their stay in Malta and other vital information suchas properties to let, typical Maltese food, night life andimportant contact numbers.

Orientation Days: At the start of both semesters, KSUorganised a one-day program for Erasmus students and atwo-day program for other international students. Thisyear KSU also participated in organising part of theFoundations Studies orientation program.

These programs began with an introduction about KSU andtheir course structures and concluded with the CampusTour. KSU thanks all students, associations, organisations,and the European Unit and International Office forcollaborating and facilitating our efforts on such occasions.

One World Week: Broadly expanding the concept ofInternational Days on Campus organised in previous years,One World Week is a new project KSU ventured into topromote a reality of multiculturalism.

Immediately after Freshers� Week, One World Weekdeveloped the rational behind Freshers Week itself but

instead was mainly directed towards foreign students. Itserved to bridge the divide between Maltese and foreignstudents and also to recruit as many foreign students aspossible within KSU's structures.

During the Week, students and academics planned eventsdesigned to broaden knowledge on social, environmentaland cultural issues. Various mediums including talks,dance, festivals, cuisine, music and exhibitions were usedto raise awareness, to celebrate diversity and to encourageintercultural dialogue.

Located on the main campus square, the One World Weeksub-committee set up an international maze built fromcardboard boxes. This served various purposes, includingan exhibition illustrating the international characteristicsof nine student organisations. It also incorporated areflection room composed of mirrors where studentscould affix any sort of written message.

Morning events included a debate on campus (incollaboration with ELSA) and Sports on campus (incollaboration with MUSC) whilst the evening events openedwith a successful Maltese Ravjulata. Other eventsincluded an International Cinema Night (in collaborationwith AI), a Jamming Festival, and the final InternationalCuisine Night organised in the maze itself. MalteseCuisine was prepared by AEGEE-Valletta whereas GUGprepared a Gozitan stand.

Accommodation Services: An important service KSU offersto foreign and Gozitan students is related to theiraccommodation. A section was uploaded onto our newwebsite so as to provide easy access to a database ofproperties suitable for students.

Advertising property on this website is free of charge withthe requirement that flat owners must answer a detailedquestionnaire, thus securing the best interest of thosestudents who wished to rent property through our website.

This webpage also served as an e-notice board for studentswho were looking for a flat mate, helping some studentsto find roommates even before they arrived in Malta.


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Informative talks: During the year, University�s InternationalOffice hosts a number of international students or foreignschool trips. KSU has in many cases been invited to hostsuch groups in the new Common Room and to give thema presentation on student life in Malta and on KSU�sfunctions. Various talks also dealt with specific issues suchas �The effects of Malta�s EU accession on the Universityof Malta and Students�.

These talks also served to promote KSU, to promote theconcepts of representation and internationalisation.

Students� complaints service: KSU�s International Office�sacts as an information and complaints centre for foreignstudents and in most cases ensures that a complaint ischannelled towards the appropriate commission. Whena complaint is addressed by another commission, theInternational Office follows it up and communicates anydevelopments to the student.

This service covers all type of problems including amongstothers, academic issues, student accommodation, travel,visas, and various other legal issues.

Organising the first MedNet Conference and BoardMeeting in Malta; As outlined in its relatively new statute,MedNet is a network aimed at representing the studentsin the Mediterranean area. MedNet was established inorder to create and promote a common Mediterraneanpolicy on the social, educational, economical, politicaland cultural interests of Mediterranean students. Thisincludes promoting and exercising democracy, education,mobility and especially calling for an equal status fors t u d e n t s i n t h e M e d i t e r r a n e a n s o c i e t y.

The countries included in this network are Albania, Algeria,Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France,Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, The PalestinianAuthority, Portugal, Serbia & Montenegro, San Marino,Slovenia, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, The Vatican City,T u n i s i a a n d T u r k e y .

Created during a Student Gathering in November 2003 inPorto Santo(Portugal) with the signature of the FoundationLetter, at the moment MedNet has as its members thefollowing Student bodies: UNEA (Algeria), SAFBiH (Bosniaand Herzegovina), SURS (Bosnia & Herzegovina),CSC(Croatia), POFNE (Cyprus), FAGE (France), NUIS(Israel),CEFA-UL (Lebanon), NSUM (Macedonia), KSU (Malta), FAIRe

(Portugal), SUS (Serbia and Montenegro) and IBUSU (Turkey).The first statutory meeting was held in Paris in March2004 and the first Board Meeting took place in September2004 in Malta.

In fact, during the meeting in Paris, KSU was appointedas the Primary Coordinator of MedNet for the followingsix months. Throughout the following six months, a specialsub-committee composed of old and new KSU membersdiscussed the possible amendments to the new statuteand prepared all the documentation for the conferenceand board meeting which were going to take place inMalta. Another sub-committee was in charge of thelogistics.

This meeting was held between the 9th and 14th ofSeptember, 2004 at Hal Ferh, with the support of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs. Fifteen delegates were presentduring this meeting. They represented students from thefollowing Mediterranean countries: Portugal, Lebanon,France, Israel, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia & Montenegro,Algeria, Macedonia and, of course, Malta. Whilst in Malta,the delegates also visited the President of the Republicof Malta in order to discuss the feasibility of this newnetwork. The outcome was a positive one withthe President voicing his support for such initiatives.

Following the September meeting, FAIRe, the Portuguesestudent union took over the coordination of MedNet. Thisled to another MedNet meeting between the 11th and17th March, 2005 in Lisbon, Portugal. During this meetingthe Albanian student union was accepted as a candidatemember of MedNet. A delegate of KSU was also invitedto the polytechnic of Setubal to give a presentation onthe implementation of the Bologna Process in Malta.

In Malta, NUIS, the Israeli Student Union was elected asentering coordinators and hence took over primarycoordination in March 2005 after the Board Meeting. InPortugal, the Croatian Student Council(CSC) were electedas the successors of NUIS.

Study and work opportunities abroad: KSU stronglybelieves in the importance of promoting student mobilityespecially since Maltese students sometimes lack themotivation or ability to carry on their studies elsewhere.

Erasmus Launch: KSU once again joined the EuropeanUnit during the launch of the Erasmus program, held inthe Common Room, to point out the advantages of new


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learning experiences within diverse cultures and systemsthat student mobility can offer.

Chaired by Dr. Joe Mifsud (Head of the European Unit), apanel of speakers including, the University Rector, MEP Dr.S. Busuttil and KSU�s International Officer and Coordinatoraddressed students and encouraged them to exploit Erasmusexchanges. A number of Maltese students who themselvesexperienced such an exchange were also invited to presentand discuss the advantages and difficulties theyencountered.

Conference in Portugal: In November 2004, a RegionalStudent Union in Portugal invited KSU�s InternationalCoordinator to address a Conference focusing on Erasmusexchanges and on tuition fees in Higher Education.

Together with a French counterpart from the studentunion, La FAGE, the International Coordinator gave anoverview of how Erasmus students are hosted in Malta andFrance and the role of KSU in such instances. A highlytechnical discussion followed on tuition fees and the localstate of affairs.

Online Travel Opportunities: KSU took up the challengeof updating the new website with travel opportunities forstudents including content information about conferencesdealing with social, economic, legal and educational aspectsand practical information required for such opportunities.Information about any possible scholarship and workopportunities including voluntary services, were alsouploaded.

KSU Agreement with US Embassy: During a meeting withthe US embassy in Malta and their representativesresponsible for education, Ms. Kristen Cammarata, whoalso occupies the post of Regional Educational AdvisingCoordinator for Southern Europe, North Africa, and theMiddle East, KSU concluded a deal to offer opportunitiesfor Maltese students to obtain their post graduate degreeswithin various American Institutions. This conceptconsequently evolved into the promotion of scholarshipsoffered world wide, ranging from USA to Thailand.

International Library: The idea of re-launching theInternational Library in the new Vodafone Common Roommeant that general interest in the library will increaseand moreover, access would be facilitated.

Whilst the library serves to encourage students to consider

furthering their studies abroad it also provides a constantlyupdated collection of useful course catalogues, brochuresand leaflets about foreign universities. The library thusalso serves as useful tool for students aspiring to study orconduct research in areas not yet offered by the Universityof Malta.

Thematic Network: In December, the European Unitinvited KSU�s International Officer to a meeting of itsThematic Network �i Mediterranei�, organised in Citta�Della Pieve, Italy. Thematic Networks are an originalfeature in the landscape of European Higher Educationand in the activities developed under the Socratesprogramme, employing a philosophy focusing on theteaching dimension of University activity. This experienceserved to enhance KSU�s good relations with the Universitydepartments in charge of European affairs.


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KSU�s European Dimension

KSU has been a full member of ESIB for many years andhas since participated in various debates, conferences andmeetings that deal with Higher Education. Focusing onESIB's Education Policy, this year KSU participated in surveysconducted by ESIB�s Expert Committees, generally tacklingvarious aspects of the Bologna Process Implementation onnational levels.

ESIB is based on a principle of cooperation and reciprocityamongst members, thus calling for combined efforts andunited support whenever a member so requires. Duringthe past year, KSU actively supported various NationalUnions of Students including cases of discrimination,struggles for fair student representation or imposition ofunfair decisions on students. KSU�s support was executedvia various press releases, internet publications, and lettersof support.

During this term, delegations from the KSU executiveattended two ESIB Board Meetings, one in Bosnia &Herzegovina organised by SURS and one in Tallinn, Estoniaorganised by FESU.

In Tallinn, the previous KSU President, Justin Fenech,nominated by KSU, was elected onto the new ESIB ExecutiveCommittee and KSU later managed to retain its Office asChair on ESIB�s Education Working Group following theapproval of a policy paper on Employability, which was onthe previous agenda of the Education Working Group.

This year, the Agenda of the Education Working Groupincludes the drafting of a policy paper on Informal andNon-Formal Education. Work on this policy paper hascommenced during the Think Tank organised by KSU�sInternational and Education Commissions. This policypaper will be presented in May during the next ESIB BoardMeeting in Norway.

In addition to KSU�s contribution on an international level,in October 2004, KSU also sent a delegate to a specialConference dealing with Bologna Process Training forNational Student Representatives held in Sweden. Followingthis, in December, KSU also sent a delegate to the 8th

European Student Convention held in The Netherlandsdealing with Building a Democratic University. Lastly, KSUdelegates attended the 9th European Student Conventionin Luxembourg focusing mainly on the Funding of HigherEducation, Public Financing and Tuition Fees.


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culture & entertainmentKSU's purpose remains first and foremost that of being astudent representative council. Building on this premise,the Culture and Entertainment Commission set out for ayear planned with events that certainly enhanced therepresentative element of KSU by uniting students,encouraging them to find their talents, promoting cultureand offering opportunities that gave a twist to everydaylife on campus.

Instilling a communal atmosphere on campus from thevery first day is essential, especially for freshmen. Whenone realises that limited efforts are made by the Institutionitself, the challenge then lies totally in KSU�s hands togetherwith other student organisations.

This meant promoting what KSU is all about, and what itdoes to support an active student life. It also meantbringing students together to participate and enjoy campuslife. Thus, together with many other initiatives to welcomestudents organised by other KSU Commissions, the Cultureand Entertainment Commission also contributed on variouslevels.

KSU Annual Grill: To start off, KSU organised a BBQ at theNSTS Aquacentre primarily aimed at bringing members ofstudent organisations together. The BBQ also proved popularwith foreign students, thus creating an informal and relaxedenvironment for socialising.

Campus Fest: For the 6th consecutive year, KSU incollaboration with G7, organised one of the biggest eventsfor students before commencing University. The festivalwas held in car park six with food and beverage stallssetup around the perimeter. A six-storey inflatable screenwas one of the main highlights throughout the event.Attracting a high turnout of over 3000 students over threenights and hosting some of the best local artists such asIra Losco, Wintermoods and Crosswalk together with someof the finest Dj�s including Gianni, Luc Adams, Yani andDJ Mahoney, one can say that this was certainly a greatsuccess.

KSU Welcome Party: On Fiday 1st October, KSU incollaboration with TGI Fridays welcomed the Freshers bycelebrating their first day at University. Through this socialevent, students had the opportunity to break the ice andmingle with their friends whilst meeting the KSU executive.

Frisk: With the collaborative effort of 19 organisationsworking hand-in-hand to welcome students to university,KSU once again claims a success with a stunning recordof over 1000 attendees in one night.

Organised at the end of �Freshers Week� on campus,students flooded the quadrangle to dance till the earlyhours in the morning, accompanied by Clayton J. andSteve Caeser in the lit-up quadrangle and a �Frisk 04�graffiti in the background.

Lejla Maltija: Though organised as part of the KSU seminarheld at the Europa Hotel, the traditional Maltese Nightwas open to all students. Located at one of Malta�s oldtrain stations, Stazzjon Restaurant, the night served torevive a historical and cultural aspect with traditionalMaltese and Gozitan food including pastizzi, patata l-forn, bigilla, gallett, gbejniet and imqaret together withMaltese home-made wine. Traditonal folk music ("Ghana�)was played and sung by students against the magnificentbackdrop of the Mdina bastions.

Taking up Challenges

Two major projects that challenged KSU's performanceand that required significant financial investment, timeand effort were the refurbishment of the Common Roomand the organisation of the Graduation Ceremonies.

KSU Vodafone Common Room; With an investment ofover Lm 6000, this project has served to give UniversityStudents a multi-function common room that they trulydeserve. Furnished with modern design-furniture, parquetflooring, Maltese traditional custom-made �hasiri�, state-of-the-art audiovisual and sound systems, wireless internetfacilities and a billiards table it now effectivelyaccommodates any student requirements. Whilst waste-recycling bins have been ordered, KSU also reached anagreement with the Canteen to sell food and drink productsin line with our Environmental Policy

The Common Room has so far served as a relaxing coffeeshop, as a conference hall for seminars, debates andmeetings and as a centre for culture and recreation tohost exhibitions, to screen cultural films, to hold receptionsand also to conduct auditions and rehearsals. SinceNovember 2004, the Common Room hosted over 100 events.

"Uniting people,sharing talents and living our culture�


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The project was completed and officially opened onWednesday 3rd November when various guests, includingfriends, family, corporate sponsors as well as representativesfrom various organisations attended the red-carpet launch.

Graduation Ceremonies; With University threatening tocancel the Graduation Ceremonies, KSU offered its helpin organising dignified graduation ceremonies. (Vide:education commission)

On various occasions, KSU met up with Universityadministration to discuss logistical and financial aspectsof the ceremonies, including mass for graduates and the6 nights of ceremonies. KSU generated funds by designingand selling graduation t-shirts and by finding sponsors forthe events.

Living our cultureThe idea of sharing a communal experience and promotingMaltese culture and student talent came across on variousoccasions throughout the year.

Photographic Exhibition: A photo exhibition displayingthe works of various professional and amateur studentswith the theme of �Water� was setup in November 2004.

The exhibition including photos mounted on black cardboardtogether with a short description of the concept and theirperspective was open to the public in the newly refurbishedCommon Room.

On the opening night, the photographers had the opportunityto explain their picture to one of Malta�s award winningphotographers, Rene Rossignaud who apart from honouringKSU by displaying some of his award winning pictures, Mr.Rossignaud also judged the photos on display taking intoconsideration the position, experimentation with aperturesand light and also the relation of the picture with thetheme. Prize vouchers were given to the participants whoplaced first, second and third.

Christmas Festival: For the first time ever, KSU organiseda Christmas fair on Campus which incorporated fun andcharitable activities on campus for a week before theChristmas holidays with commercial stands also set up inthe foyer.

As part of the project, an abandoned mini-minor wasrepaired to be converted into an operational ChristmasSledge to be used by Father Christmas and his elves during

a fund-raising campaign on campus. A team of engineeringstudents spent a week working and making alterations tothe car including; removing the top, spray-painting thewhole body in red and gold, welding a high-chair to thebody of the car, fixing the engine and attaching a pair ofskis to the side of the car.

This fund-raising together with the activities organised inthe common room with other organisations generated anoverwhelming response amongst other students who alsogave their fair share by donating money.

Children�s Party: A party was also organised for childrenfrom an orphanage whereby presents were handed out tothem by a father Christmas and his elves. The Christmasspirit was evident with the children who spent over twohours eating, drinking, playing with balloons and theirpresents as well as watching a cartoon film on the bigscreen.

Live Nativity Scene: The last fund raising activity for theweek was a Live Nativity Scene with KSU members andfriends acting the parts whilst others collected moneyfrom onlookers. This took place on the quadrangle.

Christmas Bash: On Saturday, KSU in collaboration withSACES, UESA and MPSA organised a Christmas bash partyat the University Canteen and a good crowd of over 400people attended.

The KSU Phantom Ball: Held on Friday 5th March at VillaArrigo, the KSU Ball with a theme related to �The Phantom�attracted an excellent turnout on the night. With unlimitedfood and drink at a reasonable price, and a brass band toentertain the guests, the event was certainly a successwith DJ Malcolm Galea taking over the crowd till the earlyhours of the morning.

Vodafone Students Festival: The annual Festival hascertainly established itself as one of the most sought afterevent by students. Students started preparing for thisevent from the end of the first-semester tests, followingauditions and selection. Held on 19th March 20th March atSir Temi Zammit Hall, the festival was once again aspectacular show of comedy, bands, dances and a farceall within the inspired theme of The Godfather.

The professional setup and presentation of lights andsound was enjoyed by the audience and ended off witha cast party also open to the public, the latter being agreat success.


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future events

Culture Week: Culture Week shall be taking place thisyear on 11th to 16th April whereby students will have theopportunity to contribute any of their talents, be itpaintings, sculptures, poetry recital, literature, dances(ballet), music recitals or any other means of expression.

On one of the nights, KSU and NSTS will be organising anEthnic Festival consisting mainly of Visual Arts, MusicalPerformances and Sketches related to the theme ofethnicity, thus creating a combination of entertainmentwith a unique atmosphere. The idea is to gather and createsocial awareness about different cultures and to embracedifferences yet combining them in one spectrum througha medium of Artistic, Theatrical and Musical performances.This will also involve MCAST students.

The second exhibition will be taking place on Saturday16th April whereby the Culture Week comes to an end withfinale grand Culture Night and reception.

Miss Campus: This annual event will be taking place onthe last weekend of April whereby various students willbe invited to participate in a night of entertainment andcomedy.


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public relationsAlthough sometimes we do envy foreign realities, CampusCulture in Malta does exist even though the majority ofus still live at home and our Campus restricts itself toAtriju Vassalli and its surroundings. Promoting what isreally unique to student life, what is relevant to studentsand what KSU has to do with it all, is all about creatinga Campus Culture.

A sense of belonging, everyone is a member of KSU

KSU exists for the whole student population and everyoneis a member of the student council. Yet, students may notalways relate to KSU, especially when they are not awareof what it stands for.

This executive felt that its Public Relations had to focusmore on creating this sense of belonging. To start off, 7000customized KSU-diaries were distributed free of chargeto University and Junior College students. The diariespromoted the KSU�s brand, its services and all other studentorganizations and associations. The diary also featuredhighlights from KSU�s history and reproduced extracts fromthe Students� Charter.

During Freshers� Week, KSU also teamed up with theDosanddonts brand and distributed a KSU Privilege Cardto students also without charge. The card served as apromotional tool conveying a concept of �KSU in yourpocket� and more so, it guaranteed a strong database ofcard holders that KSU would use throughout the year toinform and update. Of course, the card also offeredstudents an extensive list of benefits and discounts updatedthroughout the year.

Recognising that international students are central to KSU,this year we also published a specific guide for internationalstudents attending University. The Dosanddonts Living OutGuide included various tips about accommodation, usefulbus-routes, and also promoted KSU�s e-buddy system andKSU�s contact details. Guides were given for free to studentsattending orientation days on campus in October.

Speaking the same language

KSU�s PR constantly seeks and explores new means ofinteraction with students. This year, concreteimplementation of the KSU Web-Portal Concept laid outin 2004 commenced in the summer. Phase one of thestudent portal is now complete with registered as thenew website address so as to consistently focus on theKSU brand. The site includes an accommodation subsection,a graduation subsection, online course-catalogues, variousKSU publications, a jobs section, latest happenings andstudent oriented issues. Online submissions were used foractivities such as KSU�s photographic exhibition, students�festival and Miss Campus. We augur that summer 2005will see the initiation stage of Phase 2 implementation.

This year, KSU also launched an Online CampusLife, anonline periodical newsletter to students on the KSUdatabase. This e-newsletter complements the websiteand includes a main article, latest campus news andvarious links to new or updated sections of the KSU website.

Of course, the internet is not the only means by whichKSU attempts to communicate with students whentranslating campus culture. This was the second year ofthe SMS service being offered at University and JuniorCollege.

Since the sustainability and success of such service dependshighly on the volume of subscribers, KSU presented atotally new promotional package to students with a TrialStarter Pack which enabled them to try the service forfree for the first month, and subsequently would opt tocontinue or terminate the service. KSU also implementeda new sms-payment facility that allowed for direct credit.However, whilst enrolment procedures were facilitated,various potential subscribers failed to send the right text,resulting in invalid subscriptions.

During the summer months, KSU also met with severalfaculties and explained the concept of decentralizing theservice by using an online interface to be provided bySocratxt Limited yet this was only employed at thebeginning of the second semester, resulting in a failureto provide real-time lecture cancellations and customerdissatisfaction.


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Notwithstanding that Junior College and a couple offaculties did exploit the potential of the service, it remainsa fact that sustainability of the service requires a substantialuser level. Whilst KSU continued to offer the service toits customers, it has become more evident that this serviceis not feasible.

Campus Culture in print

During Summer 2004, KSU and Executive Services Limited,the publishing house responsible for @KSU, came up witha new image for KSU�s quarterly publication. Whilst holdingon to the same format and still reporting back what KSUwas up to, a new approach to layout and content wasintroduced. The PR team aimed at providing more directand communicative content which students could relateto, a move that proved to be a success especially evidentby the ever increasing number of responses KSU receivedin reply to competitions and notices published on themagazine.

In line with KSU's environmental policy to reduceconsumption of paper and in order to minimize generalexpenses, KSU registered the publication as newspaperpost and organised mail-shot labelling itself with the helpof various students. Through this quarterly publication andother new publications, KSU tackled student related issuessuch as stipends, multiculturalism, employment and thenew Junior College page. The last edition of @KSU, forthe 2004�2005 term will include an informal reproductionof the KSU Annual Report.

KSU also published the first edition of BIG Magazine fundedby Pinetree Publishing. The magazine was sent to 2500graduates by post as part of the Careers Convention.

KSU�s PR team was also responsible for the design andselling of the personalised Graduation T-Shirts whichportrayed the 2500 names on the graduates.

Following the publication of the Students Charter in 2003,this year KSU wanted to boost its promotion and thusinserted a concise reprint of the Charter in the Decemberedition of the @KSU. Another 2500 copies were alsodistributed to students and University Authorities.

In collaboration with Insite, KSU introduced a monthlycalendar of events organised on Campus. KSU�sCoordination Committee combined the events of the variousstudent organizations together with KSU�s activities

providing an updated version of the calendar to be uploadedonline and promoted in the e-newsletter.

An overall PR approach to promote Campus Culture

PR is an attitude that should ideally be adopted by eachexecutive member and the Commissions. Stunts such asthe JunkYard created by KPS during Environmental Week,the labyrinth built out of cardboard boxes to promote OneWorld Week, the old Mini converted into a ChristmasSledge and the success of these activities themselvesprove this. In an effort to reach out even more, KSU alsomoved its AGM to its new Common Room, an effective PRenvironment used by KSU and the different studentorganizations. KSU�s PR team was also responsible forvarious campaigns such as the EP Elections campaign inJune 2004 which encouraged students to voice their opinionand vote. This campaign, in conjunction with MIC, consistedof e-shots and billboards erected on campus during themonth prior to the elections.

The PR also consulted with the KSU Coordination Committeewhen the committee designed and created the interactiveCampusLife Directory on CD of which 500 copies weredistributed during a week long campaign promotinginvolvement and student life on campus.

The latest investment towards KSU's promotional toolswas the installation of 4 new Display Screens under theKSU Office windows. Such screens, positioned in a strategicposition offer a cheap and attractive method of promotionfor KSU and also serve as a means to attract sponsorshipsfor KSU and its events.


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thankyou


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KPS, KE, University Authorities,Ministries & Public Departmentswhich have been of help to KSUin achieving its goals.

�It is the province of knowledge to speak,and the privilege of wisdom to listen�

KSU's purpose remains first and foremost that of being a student representative counciland representation requires careful listening

Concept and Design by Karl Galea

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Aims and Objectives - University Students' Council Report 2004-… · · 2014-09-28Aims and...

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