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From left: Rector Prof Alfred J Vella, Prof Carmen Sammut, Prof Paul Bartolo, Prof JosAnn Cutajar, Prof Maureen Cole,  Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Dr Mary Joan Camilleri, Mr Roderick Vassallo, Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Ms Marchita Mangiafico, Dr Francois Mifsud and Ms Rawia Khayal.

The Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella hosted the third Strategic Implementation Forum, focusing on Societal Factors and Impact on 9 March 2022. The entire University community of students, staff and stakeholders are invited to for the series of Fora held this semester, and to actively participate throughout the process. Each forum is dedicated to one of the University's Strategic Themes, showcasing examples of successful implementation across University entities and sharing knowledge through working groups.

The University is encouraging the growth of a ‘culture of implementation’ throughout its 115 faculty departments, 34 institutes and centres and 11 administrative directorates. This is no mean feat as implementation requires the motivation and mobilisation of 3,180 full-time and part-time staff to elements of the strategy and translating them into actions at different levels. 

Professor Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Enterprise, provided a recap of the University's 8 Strategic Themes: learning and teaching, research and knowledge transfer, societal factors and impact, enterprise and industry impact, national impact, international outlook, sustainability, services and administrative support. These priority areas are guiding academic, administrative, technical and industrial staff in aligning daily activities with decision-making and the allocation of resources.

Professor Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector for Student and Staff Affairs and Outreach, outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: Societal Factors and Impact and how the University encourages a participative society where intellectuals maintain a significant role in the country’s social, political, economic and cultural life and strives to support our community, both within the University and in wider society with the involvement of students and staff.

Prof Paul Bartolo, A/Chair of ACCESS - Disability Support Unit (ADSU), focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Enable Students and Members of Staff with Disability” explaining the role of the ACCESS-Disability Support Unit (ADSU).

Prof JosAnn Cutajar and Mr Roderick Vassallo, Co-Chairs of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee, focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Advance and Commit to Gender and LGBTIQ Rights” expanding on the Gender+ Equity Plan and Sexual Harassment research project carried out among students and staff and the G+ policy and guidelines approved by Senate and Council.

Prof Maureen Cole and Dr Francois Mifsud, Committee on Race and Ethnic Affairs (CREA), focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Ensure Access of Students and Staff of Diverse Cultures” focusing on Race and Ethnic Affairs at UM, with particular emphasis on the opportunities and challenges involved.

Dr Mary Joan Camilleri, Head of Counselling �����������, focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Expand Health Promotion and Wellbeing �����������” showcasing the role of the Counselling ����������� Unit during the pandemic and the various initiatives taken.

Following the keynote speeches, Working Groups were organised to discuss current and future activities that reflect elements of the Forum’s Strategic Theme. The Working Groups were led by:  

- Prof JosAnn Cutajar, Associate Professor, Faculty for Social Wellbeing and Co-Chair, Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee
- Ms Rawia Khayal, Administrator, Academic Programmes Quality and Resources Unit
- Ms Marchita Mangiafico, Social Worker, ACCESS Disability Support Unit
- Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Social Worker, Health and Wellness Centre