The Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella hosted the sixth Strategic Implementation Forum, focusing on International Outlook on 6 April 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.
The event was organised by Pro-Rector Professor Tanya Sammut-Bonnici and the team dedicated to Strategic Planning and Enterprise, as part of an ongoing series covering 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 Frank Bezzina, Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: International Outlook and how the University encourages strong and deepening internationalisation and a campus community that remains preponderantly local but increasingly global in terms of its research efforts, its networks, its reach, and the citizenship and background of its staff and students.
Ms Stefania Agius Fabri, Administrative Director, International Office, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Strengthen and deepen student internationalisation” emphasising the importance of building and sustaining a successful rapport with the international student, by journeying with the student from first contact until becoming an alumnus.
Prof Helen Grech, Department of Communication Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Strengthen and deepen staff internationalisation” elaborating on strengthening the support network for inbound and outbound members of staff.
Mr Pierre Cassar, Administrative Director, Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Attract international students and disseminate UM’s good name” focusing on maximising graduate and postgraduate opportunities and disseminating UM's good name.
Prof Stephen Calleya, Director, Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Broaden the University’s respectful and enriching engagement with the world” stressing the need to understand priorities of partner countries and building rapport with international stakeholders.
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:
- Dr Mario L Cassar, Deputy Director, Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office
- Ms Victoria Gauci, Deputy Director, International Office
- Mr Jake Grech, Administration Specialist, International Office
- Ms Lourdes Pullicino, Assistant Lecturer, Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies
The University reasserts its commitment to the 8 Strategic Themes as a roadmap for our academic and administrative community, where staff and students strive for higher standards and diligent implementation. The new Summary - UM Strategic Plan 2020-2025 synthesises the stakeholders’ drive for continuous development which guides staff and students to collectively achieve the goals and vision of the University of Malta.
