A recognition ceremony was held recently for students reading for the , a dual-degree programme offered jointly by the University of Malta and James Madison University (JMU) in the USA.
The event, which took place on campus on 29 April 2024, celebrated the successful completion of the programme’s taught component. Students spent the first semester (August to December of 2023) at JMU in Virginia, before travelling to Malta to spend their second semester at UM between January and May.
Two student representatives, Isabella Bartalone and Erin Rittenhouse, shared their thoughts during the ceremony, speaking positively of their experiences in Malta and expressing their thanks to everyone involved in running the programme. Prof. Elisabeth Conrad, programme coordinator for UM and Head of the Environmental Management and Planning Division within the , also gave a short address.
Students were then presented with a hardback copy of by the Rector, Prof. Alfred J Vella, who congratulated the students and spoke of the key nature of international cooperation and exchange in their future work as environmental professionals.
Attending the ceremony were academic staff who have lectured or supervised the students over the past two semesters, together with members of staff from the Institute and from various administrative directorates within UM. Also present was the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Prof. Valerie Sollars.
Over the next months, students will be working independently on their research projects at various sites in Malta and the United States.
Applications for this programme for academic year 2024/25 are currently closed, but applications for the 2025/2026 student intake will open in the coming months. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to contact the course coordinator, , as soon as possible.
A selection of photos taken during the recognition ceremony can be viewed on .
