The Faculty for Social Wellbeing embarks on a new chapter, the transition from the leadership of Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, a Dean who had many defining moments during his tenure and has inspired many to advocate for social justice, to that of Dr Sandra Scicluna, who is proudly stepping into the role with fresh perspectives.

As this transition symbolises continuity and at the same time innovation, Newspoint sat down for a chat with the incoming Dean to find out more about her how her vision will help shape the next generations of social wellbeing professionals.

• What is your vision for the Faculty, and your top priorities? How will you balance the need for innovation and change with the more traditional happenings?

Our faculty is relatively young – just 12 years old. This together with the fact that the faculty was created from various departments, institutes and centres that are not under one roof, has always posed the challenge of working together as one united whole.

Although traditionally, most disciplines worked independently, the various disciplines in the faculty are connected to one another and there is a lot of interdisciplinary and intersectional work. My intention is to encourage this work as much as possible because I think that’s the direction we need to go in.

• How do you plan to keep your staff engaged, academic and otherwise?

I have an open door and open communication policy. I am always available to discuss ideas, problems and solutions. I tend to encourage people to explore what they want to do and find the best solution.

• With your background being in criminology, and with Prof. Azzopardi having been very vocal, on several occasions, on prison management, will you be working together in that regard?

Prisons and correctional institutions are an important institution in our society as it stands today. My PhD looked at the Malta prison development and the change in rehabilitation and reform. Prof. Azzopardi is an academic and also a media person. I am not the latter.

I am aware that things at the Prison are not 100% efficient, however things are getting better. Pointing at the bad is necessary but also looking at the positive that has been done. Prof. Azzopardi and I have different characters and ways of acting and interacting (and that is very positive).

I have never had any problems working with Professor Azzopardi - we do not always agree, but that is fine. I prefer to work on the side-lines rather than in the limelight. However, that is what is nice in the diversity of characters.

• As one of the few female Deans at the University, what is your take on the question ‘where are all the women deans’, or the underrepresentation of women in such roles?

It is true that women are under-represented as deans - if I am right, we are only two women on the college of deans. I am not sure why this happens. I guess each and every one of us have to work to encourage more women to take up this role.

• How are you planning to address student needs and enhance student engagement?

Students are the backbone of the faculty. I plan to work with the students’ associations to address students' needs and engagement.

As head of department, I used to work a lot with the Criminology Student Association, this will now include the other student associations as well.

I feel that the best way of engaging students is through the associations. They have the best feel of the students' needs and worries.

Together, we can address these. Having said this, it does not mean that I would not work with the individual students who need help. In these cases, working with the head of department of the student can be very beneficial.

• What are the biggest challenges facing the Faculty right now?

Attracting students to some of our courses. As a faculty most of our courses train prospective professionals in the helping professions. Unfortunately, some of these professions are facing a challenge to attract people to work within them. 

• How do you plan to integrate new technologies and digital tools into teaching, research, and administration?

Digital tools are a reality that will not go away. I have to admit that I am not the most tech-savvy person that exists, however I am also aware that in today’s world the only choice we have is to embrace these tools. Integrating tools like Chat GPT into our lessons, rather than fight against it (a fight that we will probably lose), use the tools to help you rather than seeing them as an enemy.

• What role do you see alumni and external supporters playing in the Faculty’s future?

The various external supporters - Ministries, Government Departments, NGOs, lobby groups etc have an extremely important role to play. They offer us the opportunity to learn from the on the ground people, but also the opportunity to push forward research informed practice.

Our alumni also play an important role. Some have reached positions where they can be of influence in the field. This is extremely important. It is great to see ex-students on the discussion table when it comes to making decisions.