@KSU - November 2011

1

@KSUAUTUMN ISSUENOVEMBER 2011

3@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

t’s funny how every time I meet the parents of a

KSU executive member, I’m always infallibly faced

with the same question; ‘Can you please tell me why

you have meetings at the office that last till 3 in the morning?’ Since I’m faced

with the question regularly, my answer’s polished and

well-rehearsed: ‘A real lot of things happen at KSU- every

single day.’

Emails are written, complaints are dealt with

and resolved, events are organized and meetings

held, and this is where @KSU comes in. The @KSU is published three times a year in November, March and May and sent by mail to about 10,000 university

students, with the sole aim of informing you on what

goes on at KSU. What events are coming up? Which

educational initiative is KSU spearheading? How is KSU

spending its money?

KSU is an elected body, which is accountable to you as a student, this month in its 110th year of representing YOU. So go ahead and take 5 minutes of your time to leaf through the magazine and see what KSU is doing to improve your university experience.

EDITORIAL

Thomas Bugeja_ Public Relations Officer

_ Published by _ Illustration

and design by

A real lot of things happen at KSU - every single day.

KSUStudent’s House

University of MaltaMatthew Spiteri

5@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387

Special Offers in all leading stores

valid until stocks last

ow that we are past half the first semester, freshers are slowly getting used to their

new campus routine whilst the rest of university has once again switched to winter mode. Everyone must get down to business and avoid wasting time whilst trying to cope with our stressful timetables. It is fairly easy to get immersed in the robot-like routine of waking up, getting to university, going to lectures, going back home, finishing off assignments, watching TV, sleeping and repeating the same pedantic routine which eventually leads to endless hours of studying. Instead we as KSU would like to invite you to make something out of your university life, something to inspire people and make a difference to our University. The lack of students aiming for a more exciting campus life results from what I believe is the lack of attachment we have towards our campus.

OUREDUCATION

FOR GRANTED

LET’S NOT TAKE

Stefan Balzan_ President

Most of us take our University for granted because University seems to be a natural shift from secondary school, to sixth form, to where we are today.  Moreover, I also believe that not having to pay any fees for our tertiary education and getting paid for it reduces our expectations regarding the institution and leads us to sticking strictly to our course outline without going that extra mile to get more out of university life. However, this should not be the attitude of students who are meant to be tomorrow’s leaders; we must strive to be leaders from this very moment in every little thing we do during our university years.

As we have outlined during our launch of the ‘Aspire to Excel’ campaign during Freshers’ Week, even though our University might not be ranked at the top of the list of universities worldwide, we can still dream of reaching our own goals and aspirations, and we must start doing so during our university years, when it is easier to make mistakes and recover. Anything we get out of university will change us for the better, and through these minimal changes we will be able to identify our ambitions and strengths, which will lead us to our chosen career path. This, and only this, will enable us to graduate from our University with a sense of satisfaction and pride to enter tomorrow’s workplace, with the necessary motivation to succeed, and to return to society the fruit of its investment in our studies.

7@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

GREENON CAMPUS_

_THE

EXPO

Reaffirming our commitment towards a cleaner & greener

Environment!

he popular Environmental Fair has returned with a bang, greener than ever, featuring an eco-garden on campus from the 15th to the 18th of November. The 21st

century has been called the “century of the environment” and rightly so; we can no longer expect that environmental challenges such as pollution, the decrease in natural resources and climate change can be set aside for our future generations. The prospects of success have never been greater. A dawning era of creativity and innovation in “green technology” is bringing the promise of a healthier and more sustainable planet to fruition. Thus at the Green Expo you will find emerging and available technologies that promote solutions to environmental problems, as well as different ways to protect your surroundings by saving energy and reducing pollution, managing waste, practicing the three R’s and healthy green living.

9@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

‘Greenovation’ is this year’s chosen theme, aimed at highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation as the way forward. Greenovation will also be the theme behind ‘The Green Gene’ competition where students will be asked to showcase their innovative thinking.

You have to hold yourself

accountable for your actions, and that’s how we’re

going to protect the Earth.

Student organisations and NGO’s following a green agenda will also be present with us during the week. The participation of student organisations has always ensured a lively programme of events including debates, movie screenings and performing arts. This year will definitely not be an exception!

Let’s remember that we are all personally responsible for our actions, and that every little step in the right direction helps. In this respect, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank the KPS Environmental Subcommittee, which is the driving force behind the planning and creation of this event. Our thanks also go to Youth4the Environment, IAESTE Malta, Greenhouse, JEF, TSA, GUG and UMGS for their time and dedication. Look out for more updates on the KSU Facebook page!

_Julia Butterfly Hill

Abigail Cremona_ Social Policy Commissioner

3 simple steps, 3 minutes, 3 times a

week, and the result? Strong hair that

is not weigthed down. Journey to your

dream hair starts with 3 steps.

Now you no longer have to choose between

strong and weightless hair, because new

Pantene Aqua Light gives you both.

1

2

3CLEANINGShampoo gently with Pantene Aqualight Lightweight Nourishing Shampoo

CONDITIONINGNourish your hair with PanteneAqualight Lightweight nourishingand Strenghtening Conditioner afterevery wash, and the LightweightNourishing Dual Phase Spray inbetween washes to make it strongwithout weighting it down

RESTORINGPantene Nourishing Treatment provides intensive care to help to repair hair damage without weighting it down

100% more STRENGTHZERO WEIGHT*

* Pantene Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner vs. Pantene non conditioning: against combining and styling damage.

Trad

e En

quiri

es: V

J S

alom

one

(mar

ketin

g) T

el: 8

007

23

87

13@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

STUDENTS’HOUSE

_Injecting life into

SU’s plans for this year included the refurbishment of Students’ House in order for it to be a

warm and welcome setting for all University students, who spend a great amount of time on campus during the academic year. The need for a haven on University grounds is essential. KSU decided to opt for a vibrant colour scheme to brighten an area that might have previously been called dull or uninspiring. Extra noticeboards were removed to clear space by eliminating unnecessary clutter and student Matthew Demarco was commissioned to transform a pale white wall into a mural, featuring our very own Kokka, welcoming students into Students’ House.

David Camilleri_ Vice President

_ Continued

15@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

The KSU Common Room is the main feature of the building, accommodating student organisations and external entities, such as the popular Zumba classes, for a variety of activities and events. A lot of time, effort and resources have been put into the renovation of this space. Apart from the change in colour, the lighting system was completely transformed, with the removal of the fluorescent tubes, which created a cold atmosphere, to a softer lighting scheme. The system was also integrated into the Common Room’s design, with the introduction of industrial cable trays to inject a modern feel into the room.  

Part of the system was specifically installed to cater to the exhibition currently in place, using halogen lights that give excellent colour rendering to the students’ images. The exhibition features a photography competition organised last summer by KSU, to expose the artistic talents of University students. The best photos were selected, printed and installed in this area to add a personal touch to the room. KSU intends to keep up this initiative, in order to support and uncover students’ talents.

Two new iMacs have been placed in a chosen area of the room and are always available to meet the student’s needs. A new sound system was set up to replace its faulty predecessor and the speakers have been integrated with the light fixtures to reduce visual clutter and enhance the room’s image. The visual system has also been repaired and augmented to accommodate GO’s new interactive TV system which has been installed thanks to a sponsorship deal concluded between KSU and GO. This system is also available to all students who may wish to unwind during their free time, making the KSU Common Room feel more like home. KSU intends to extend this service to the big screen, allowing for the organisation of events amongst students to enjoy sports and movies together.

All this work has been done with the purpose of providing students, organisations and external visitors with a fresh location for meetings, events, activities or simply to relax after a tedious day of lectures.

17@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

ESNUPDATE

ust 2 months after its inception, ESN Malta has been working full swing to

organize events for our fellow international students. With its main focus being centered round foreign students who come to study in our university, be it for a semester or for a full course, ESN’s main aim is making international students feel more at home while on their stay here.

So far, the ESN committee has proudly organized the welcome party in a typical Maltese ‘kazin’ for which hundreds of international students gladly attended. Several other activities followed such as the Monopoly Pub Crawl round the streets of Paceville and a treasure hunt in the beautiful cities of Valletta and Mdina.

We try to keep our international students as busy as possible and that is why we have several other activities planned for this semester, the highlight of which being a weekend in our sister island of Gozo. Here we shall be exploring the beauty of this island during the December months and getting to know each other better.

Danica Caruana_ International Officer

19@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

Other Activities from the

International Office

The KSU International Office together with

ESN, TSA, ghSK, JEF Malta and GUG shall be hosting the

International Cuisine night, together with

the help of other international students.

This shall be held on Friday 18th November

in the KSU Common Room where everyone

is welcome to attend and try out the different traditional dishes from

around the world.

21@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

or the past eight years the main purpose of Careers’

Convention was to create a paradigm shift in what we

know as student life, that is enrolling into a course with the aspiration of eventually

joining the global workforce, whilst bringing prospective companies on campus with

the intention of offering work-related opportunities to students during their studies.

Bridging the gap between student

life and the actual working

environment

This year, Careers’ Convention, to be held during the week starting on the 21st of November, has been rebranded into a more easy-going, student-friendly and student-focused event. Through redistribution of stands as well as various key information points to be offered primarily on site, we believe that the overall outcome will result in better segmentation as well as a visible increment in participation. Although the main focal point will still reflect our country’s current emphasis on financial services, this year we are very pleased to announce that Careers’ Convention has also managed to rope in businesses looking for both undergraduates and postgraduates in law, psychology and health services amongst others.

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387

All days at you bestAll days at your bestwww.alldays.eu

Boxer Tanga String

Alldays Flexistyle Fresh Only OnE unique panty liner to fit

All panty styles 3-ways.

23@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

Careers’ Convention has also managed

to rope in businesses

looking for both undergraduates

and postgraduates

From an objective point of view, Careers’ Convention may be criticised for not catering to the whole myriad of work placements and courses present within University. The organisers are faced with this problem every year, and for two main reasons.

To begin with, some companies do not financially afford to be present during the event while others lack the human resources needed to man their stand for a week. This problem has been addressed by creating an increase within the recruitment service industry. By successfully reaching an agreement with such companies, students who will not be directly targeted throughout the week will still have the opportunity to present their curriculum vitae and contact details within a database, enlisting themselves as potential candidates for a job with third-party clients contacting such recruitment agencies.

A whole new marketing plan has also been devised in order to target the University’s ever growing population. Throughout the following weeks, both KSU and AIESEC shall be updating information with regards to the event through a newly revamped website found under the domain name www.careersconvention.com, as well as the official social network pages. Moreover, the event shall also be hosting showroom-style information panels which will help students identify their course with the respective companies. We shall also be directly addressing you as students through possible lecture shouts as well as e-shots containing more detailed information. 

Whilst looking forward to seeing you all on the Quadrangle during this year’s Careers’ Convention, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck in both your studies and your future employment prospects.

Anton Abela_ Social Policy Coordinator

635754-1 PATH: Production > Clients > Lacoste – LAC > 635754 > Studio >635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.indd

DATE: 21.09.11OP: Tim

PREPRESS 1 MUST BE INITIALED

OPERATOR CONTACTPUBLICATION: INSTORE – MALTA

SIZE: Trim: 115x153mmVisual: N/A / Bleed: 5mm FILE NAME:

READER MANAGERNOTES:

635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm

ANDY RODDICK FOR

LACOSTE CHALLENGE

FRAGRANCE FOR MEN

635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.pdf635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.pdf635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.pdf635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.pdf635754-1_LAC_01_115x153mm.pdf21/09/201121/09/201121/09/201121/09/201121/09/2011

Receive a FREE Lacoste Challenge Shower Gel 50ml + Aftershave

Balm 50ml when purchasing a Lacoste Challenge Eau de Toilette 90ml

PLUS A MUST HAVE LACOSTE SPORTS BAG *

Name: ______________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________ Mobile: _______________

WITH LACOSTE FRAGRANCES

632336-2 PATH: Production > Clients > Lacoste – LAC > 632336 > Studio >632336-2_LAC_14_800x600mm_Bag.indd

DATE: 14.04.11OP: Tim

PREPRESS 1 MUST BE INITIALED

OPERATOR CONTACTPUBLICATION: PORTRAIT MASTER

SIZE: Trim: 800x600mmVisual: / Bleed: 50mm FILE NAME:

READER MANAGERNOTES: RATIO 1:1.33632336-2_LAC_14_800x600mm_Bag

632336-2_LAC_14_800x600mm_Bag.pdf14/04/2011

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387

*Fill in the coupon below and send it in together with the receipt as

proof of purchase and you will receive this luxury Lacoste Challenge

Sports Bag

Lacoste Challenge - V.J. Salomone Marketing Ltd.

Distribution Centre ENT 1- Handaq Road, - Handaq QRM 4000.

25@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

This year’s criteria, based on those in the past years, stemmed from three main aspects, being the quality of the speech, the student’s activism throughout his course and the motivation behind the speech. Extra points are also given to all those students who never delivered a graduation speech at University before. The quality of the speech itself carries the most points and a pass mark in quality is crucial for the speech to be chosen. A selection board of five students is elected by the Education Commission to be responsible for the selection of the speeches. This year’s board was made up of myself as Education Commissioner, Luke Buttigieg as Education Coordinator and three other very active students on campus: Frank Baldacchino, a student representative for the Faculty of Education; Ian Borg Bellanti, a student representative for the Faculty of the Built Environment, and Andrea Pace, a KSU alumnus who served as Social Policy Commissioner two years ago.

Most students mention their first days at University as the start of a life changing experience in the introduction of their speeches. This is usually followed by an overview of their course and how their life usually evolved around the stress and excitement that it brings with it. Some remember the activities they took part in that helped them cope in times of stress, while others remind us of how they spent their final year dedicating long hours of work to their thesis. A good number of speeches recommend an increase in resources available to students, whilst others criticise lecturers who provide uninspiring lectures. All speeches are concluded with a well-deserved list of acknowledgements to their dedicated lecturers and to the University administration, with special thanks to their parents and family and with a final appeal to their fellow students.

Graduation should not be seen as the end of a process but, really and truly, as the beginning of a new journey. Neither should it be considered as the day the student stops learning. On behalf of all KSU executive members, I wish the best of luck to all those graduating this year, hoping that they will reap the benefits of all the sacrifices made here at University.  

The graduation speech isn’t only about having the great honour of representing all your fellow classmates, but it also serves as a golden opportunity to voice one’s constructive feedback to the University administration, the lecturers and the Minister of Education, who listen attentively to the student’s words.

The KSU Education Commission is responsible for selecting a graduation speech for each ceremony and to this end, the commission sets up a list of criteria on which it feels the speech should be assessed. Guidelines for students who are interested in writing a speech are also provided to help with the promotion of this extraordinary opportunity.

SPEECHESGRADUATIONReading between the lines

raduation Day is the equivalent of Christmas day for six-year-olds. It is the most anticipated day on the

students’ calendar, the day that marks the end of their journey and the fruition of their hard work and study. For this reason, it is understandable that graduation is synonymous with hype and celebration, sashes, hats and the typical funny photos of graduates posing in togas.

Beyond all the glamorous preparations, the essence of graduation lies in the ceremony itself, with the graduation speech from the student being one of the ceremony’s highlights. During the speech, the graduate-to-be looks back on the past few years at University and reflects on the highs and lows of his or her particular experience as a student in that course.

Jonathan Falzon_ Education Commissioner

27

29@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

The Student’s Charter is a document which explains, in simple terms, what is expected out of the University of Malta, out of you as a student at this University, and out of us as KSU. The updated version of this document was approved by the University Senate during the last academic year, thus formalising the pact between these three entities.

RIGHTSDUTIES

AND

_at the University of Malta

YOUR

Luke Buttigieg_ Education Coordinator

o you feel that your rights and duties as a University of Malta

student are not clear enough? Are you unsure of what to expect out of the University of Malta, as the higher education institution of choice? Are KSU’s duties, the Student’s Council representing you nationally and internationally, unknown to you?

Whenever you feel that your rights might not have been respected, pick up a copy of The Student’s Charter which will soon be reprinted in an all-new format by KSU, or download a copy from KSU’s website (Resources section, under Educational Publications), and check whether anything applies. You should also check ‘The Student’s Charter’ to make sure you know exactly what is expected out of you, in case something goes wrong.

_New Contact Hours

KSU’s Education Office now has a blog dedicated to keeping you updated with the office’s initiatives. This valuable channel of information is meant to compliment the KSU website, Facebook page and this magazine to further keep you informed about the work carried out with regards to educational matters.

As you might know, KSU allows you to submit a complaint anonymously through a form present on the website. In the past, very limited feedback was given to people who submitted a complaint in this manner. Through this blog, KSU’s Education Office has been providing more feedback than ever to anonymous student complaints.

Follow our blog on ksueducation.blogspot.com.

KSU’s Education Office is proud to announce a new initiative to encourage students to meet the Education Coordinator Luke Buttigieg, and the Education Commissioner Jonathan Falzon, to discuss educational topics or academic issues, get advice, or submit a complaint.

Ideally, such a Charter would be legally binding, whereby all parties are legally obliged to carry out their part as described in the pact. As it stands however, it is up to the three parties involved in this Charter to ensure that all involved have their rights and duties respected.

This means that you, as a student, are expected to know what University and KSU should be doing for you, and what you should be doing as a student. You are encouraged to quote ‘The Student’s Charter’ when speaking to academic or administrative Staff, as this will strengthen your arguments and opinion.

All students who are represented by KSU are encouraged to visit the KSU Office during the following times:

Tuesday Wednesday Friday09:00-10:00 Available10:00-11:00 Available11:00-12:00 Available Available12:00-13:00 Available Available Available13:00-14:00 Available Available14:00-15:00 Available

@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

MEDNET_The Mediterranean Network for Students

Between the 27th and the 30th October 2011, a board meeting was held in Portugal, hosted by FAIRe. The aim was to revive the dialogue between the students within the Mediterranean Network and to enable the current member unions to reach out to non-member students. During this board meeting some changes to the statute were made, and a secretariat was created. The newly set up secretariat will work to enhance communication between the member unions and also with new candidates, bringing them together towards a common objective whilst working to make MedNet a more current and sustainable network.  * ESIB now known as ESU (European Students’ Union) is the umbrella organisation of 45 National Unions of Students (NUS) from 38 countries (September 2011). The NUSes are open to all students in their respective country regardless of political persuasion, religion, ethnic or cultural origin, sexual orientation or social standing. Our members are also student-run, autonomous, representative and operate according to democratic principles. 

In March 2004, 14 unions from 13 countries came together for a three-day meeting in Paris: UNEA (Algeria), SAFBiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), SURS (Bosnia and Herzegovina), CSC (Croatia), POFEN (Cyprus), FAGE (France), NUIS (Israel), CEFA-UL (Lebanon), NSUM (Macedonia), KSU (Malta), FAIRE (Portugal), SUS (Serbia), SSU (Slovenia) and IBUSU (Turkey).

KSU was responsible for drafting an initial outline of the statute, whilst the duration of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the content and possible amendments. The MedNet statute was finally endorsed by all 14 Unions and MedNet was officially launched.

In June 2004, KSU hosted the first MedNet Board Meeting in Malta. This conference focused mainly on the statute and the creation of a suitable work plan. Throughout its existence, MedNet has strived to strengthen the link between the unions involved. However this aim was not fully accomplished due to the fact that no individual was responsible with the day-to-day running of the network.

Michela Boffa_ International Coordinator

33@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

35@KSU NOV 2010

ksu.org.mt

Q: What motivated you to pursue fire performing?Well our main reason would probably be Martial Arts. We trained in different styles and the form and discipline was essential to our natural progression towards fire dancing, as they are similar in many ways. The first time we saw a fire performer we were hooked and we knew we could add our own tribal style to this art turning it into a form of pure expression.

Q: What advice can you give to anyone who would like to try juggling fire?Our advice is: ‘do not try this at home... try it at someone else’s!!! Joking apart, fire dancing is a very dangerous practice. We suggest you come to our free workshops and practice without fire before taking the plunge. We never usefire alone so you should always use the buddy system. We are always equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets etc and even the most experienced fire dancer can make a mistake , so practice practice practice!

Q: How was performing with Tribali?Tribali are a fantastic band and they inspire us to keep pushing and pursuing unity. Theirmotto ‘never give up’ resonates deep within us and we respect their friendship deeply. We have performed with Tribali at a dozen shows and each and every one of them had something special. Great people, great music, great vibes.

Q: How can people learn more about The One Fire Community?Follow us through the ‘One Fire’ facebook page and see what we have planned for the future. We also use this page to raise awareness with regards to the Charities, NGO’s and Fund Raisers we believe in. On You Tube, one can find a vast selection of videos taken at shows, charity events and the free workshops. We would love to hear from anyone who is intrigued by this art form and are always happy to have them join our fire community.

Is a group of passionate individuals who get together

and exhibit their talents at local and international

venues, charity events, parties and concerts

using an array of fire toys, guaranteeing a dynamic

and mesmerizing show. We had the chance to ask them

a few questions after their performance with Tribali at

theKSU Campus Fest; this is their story.

ONEFIRE

_the

_Community