Top left: Rector Prof Alfred J Vella, Dr James Cilia, Ms Jo-Anne Attard, Prof Joseph M Cacciottolo, Dr Gillian Martin, Prof Sandro Lanfranco, Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Prof Nicholas Vella

As part of the strategy process, the Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella is hosting a series of Strategic Implementation Fora from February to May 2022. The entire University community of students, staff and stakeholders are invited to register and 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 second Forum took place on 2 March, with a focus on Learning and Teaching, hosting speakers from the University community and its stakeholders.

Professor Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Enterprise, provided a summary of Strategic Commitments for 2020-2025 and described how the University of Malta reasserts its commitment to the 8 Strategic Themes of the University of Malta as a roadmap for the academic and administrative community, through the development of a culture of aiming for higher standards and diligent implementation.

Professor Joseph M Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: Learning and Teaching and how the University is fostering an integrated combination of higher studies and research. 

Dr James Cilia, Rector's Delegate for the Office of Professional Academic Development (OPAD), focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Expand High-Quality Online Learning” expanding on digital education at UM, at present and in the future.

Prof Sandro Lanfranco, Head of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Deliver Professional Development Programmes” stressing the importance of learning for teaching and the role of the UM CPD programme in enhancing teaching.

Dr Gillian Martin, Head of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Enhance Academic and Pastoral Support for Students” explaining OPAD's role in recognising students' needs, raising awareness and facilitating professional support.

Prof Nicholas Vella, Director of Doctoral School, focused on the “Strategic Commitment: Expand Doctoral Programmes” highlighting the importance of quality assurance in doctoral education.

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:  

- Ms Jo-Anne Attard, Deputy Registrar, Academic Programmes Quality and Resources Unit

- Dr James Cilia, Rector's Delegate for the Office of Professional Academic Development (OPAD)

- Prof Sandro Lanfranco, Head of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science

- Dr Gillian Martin, Head of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts

The University is witnessing 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.