Freshers’ Week 2012 – Day One

As Sir Temi is steadily filled, one could hear the excitement of the commencment of a new academic year at the University of Malta. Emanating sensations of sophistication and class, the University Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Philip Ciantar, opens the ceremony.

Prof. Juanito Camilleri, rector of the University of Malta introduces his opening speech with a light and personal tone. Delving thematically into the notion of dreams and reality, he emphasises the issue of dreams becoming reality. Looking ahead, working hard and awareness of the responsibilities each one shoulders, is the recipe leading to success; be it personal or academic. The seriousness of the education of each student has lead to the investments leading to a better quality of life. He goes on to claim the realisation that malta is not immune to the economical crises gripping the rest of the world. The University
of Malta aims to awaken and prepare students for dealing with such overwhelming crises. Prof. Camilleri claims research and innovation as the foremost rendition of counteracting crises, such mentioned above. This, thus, leads to Malta’s capabilites in contributing to the Eurpoean Union.
Welcoming the international students, the rector explains the expansion and current development of the university. This investment claims the completion of the new I.T. Services by the second semester, as well as, the launching of new research products which were previously unavailable. Furthermore, Prof. Camilleri introduces the addition of the 14th faculty; the Faculty of Well-Being, along with the development of the School of Performing Arts.

The growth of the university includes Gozitan citizens and the extention of the education programs to Malta’s sister island is noteable within the education community. Referring to the Cottonera Resource Center, the rector claims the disregard of one’s background within the education system at the University of Malta, giving opportunities to a wider range of students. he goes on to claim the ability to consider
the University as a “legacy”.
In conclusion, Prof. Juanito Camilleri, thanks his fellow comrades in this goal for bettering the University of Malta. He, then, refers to the prestigious valletta campus which is being constantly improved, reaching hoards of international students and increasing accessable workshops. Furthering the dream and reality theme, reference to plans of the construction of buildings in msida is made claiming the creation of a school of visual arts and designs, education and so on. This, thus renders a preferred status for the post-graduates programs.
The issues of medical research and innovation are being tackled with the new medical school being developed thus expanding the faculties of Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and so on.

University community is to develop with the expansion of the University residence in order to allow for the increasing number of international students. The framework agreement settled in financing is to serve as a fixed status of improvement for the University. The future is of utmost importance. Growth is imperative, he claims, as one adapts to the 20/20 vision being promoted.

Prof. Juanito Camilleri gives the stage to KSU President Mr. Mario Cachia.

Mr. Cachia states the University of Malta to house a number of ideals. Reminiscing on his first day at University, he notes the need to contribute and make a difference. He warns that it is not an easy road to follow, however, will allow one to better oneself. He recounts the importance in the voicing of opinions which is allowed through the vast array of student organisations; which delve into sports, the environment, politics and the international. despite space being limited for the number of students, the need for investment in education is not neglected. The notion of the international dimension produces the questions on where to improve. such international connections bring about diversification at the University.
Mr. Cachia goes on to state the importance of a staff that cares about the sutdent and connects with each one, thus allowing for the growth of the student body.

As the speech is concluded, the academic staff exits the hall whilst the University Wind Ensemble begins to perform, again directed by Dr. Philip Ciantar.