In light of recent media reports concerning the engagement of part-time lecturers (casuals), the University of Malta wishes to provide the following clarification:
- The University distinguishes between casual lecturers, classified as adjunct staff, and Council-appointed part-time academics. Casual lecturers are engaged for a specific and limited number of hours during an academic semester, while Council-appointed part-time academics hold a more established role within faculties, institutes, centres, and schools.
- The University is currently undertaking a process to regulate in a more formal manner the engagement of casual lecturers, with the aim of ensuring a more effective allocation of resources and a strengthened return on investment.
- It is important to emphasise that this initiative does not affect Council-appointed part-time academics, who remain integral to the delivery of core coursework and academic activity within the University.
- The decision to review and update the employment framework for casual staff follows a period of thorough consultation with Deans. The University resolved to adopt the new procedure during a recent Senate meeting.
- The University assures its students and the wider community that the core elements of all academic programmes will remain unaffected. Students will continue to have the opportunity to select elective study-units, when programmes permit, in keeping with the long-standing academic tradition of the University of Malta.
- Through this process, the University reaffirms its dedication to good governance, transparency, responsible use of public funds, and its mission to serve students, scholars, and society in a sustainable and effective manner.
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