KSU and student organisations alike trudged through the new virtual overhaul of the event. We overcame new obstacles and explored new opportunities that the virtual campus brought with it. All that said, we cannot help but feel nostalgic for past Freshers’ events and reminisce on what we missed this year. 

To all the freshers’ joining University this year, have a gander at what the freshers’ season is usually like, and to all returning students, welcome to our guided tour down memory lane.

The crowded stands and tents

This may be a hit or miss with most, but no one can deny that the crowds are a staple of freshers’ ongoings. Sure, the stands may have been 10°C hotter and a nightmare to traverse, but nothing could replicate the literal buzz in the air that the organisations’ tent harboured.

Visits from public figures

Now that we gave you an idea of the unmanageable crowds, imagine the Prime Minister, President or Archbishop trying to manoeuvre through hundreds of students with their security and personnel. Under what better circumstances could you think of to meet the leaders of our country?

Physical games on stands

The virtual campus brought with it many Instagram giveaways and reposts on stories, and we were not lacking amazing prizes to be won. But throwing a ball or dart, grabbing cash, or playing a physical game of FIFA: these were the OG ways you would win a pair of AirPods or a free burger.

The free food

Although this year there were some snacks here and there to get free of charge, during past freshers’ events you would be okay not buying lunch for the whole week. From popcorn and pastizzi, to sweets and baked goods, freshers’ week was practically an on-campus buffet.

The company freebies and opportunities

The whole of Quad and CP4 were usually littered with businesses, offering not only some of the best freebies on campus but also some great opportunities. Whether you were taking part in GO’s classic music machine game, grabbing a free can of pringles or stopping by Daniel and Ylenia on the 89.7 Bay stage, there was something for everyone.

The iconic Water fight and Tug of War

These two events are staples of Freshers’ Week. The Tug of War used to be held mid-week and saw students divided on either side of a rope on behalf of MHSA and MMSA in a friendly rivalry. The Water fight between SACES and ELSA would then close off the week with a bang: tribal chanting pre-fight and a blast of an after-party included.

Campus Fest

Although not technically part of the Freshers’ Week activities, Campus Fest had become a staple KSU event. It brought all organisations together on campus for one last night during the Freshers season to set up stands and hold games. Hopefully, we’ll see KSU’s iconic silent disco brought back next year.

BONUS: Our Freebies Ranking

Usually, we compile a ranking of some of the best freebies the organisations had to offer. Unfortunately, this year, since organisations were only present once a week, we could not manage to get a hold of everyone’s freebies. Until next year!

All this being said, well done to KSU and to all student organisations for a successful and responsible Freshers’ Week (both its physical and virtual aspects). Looking forward to a COVID-free Freshers’ Week 2021!

The post What we missed from this year’s Freshers’ Week appeared first on The Third Eye.

… Let us take you on a guided tour through the History of the Medical Mask!

Who would have known that masks are not an innovation brought about by COVID-19? Contrary to what a Karen (no offence to the outgoing MHSA President, Ms Stoner) would be quick to tell you, masks are and have been a staple in combatting the spread of viral infections and disease over past centuries.

Masks date back to the classic Plague masks that have been overused and glorified in pop culture as icons of classic horror or goth grunge. These masks served to contain the spread of the bubonic plague back in the 17^th century. Usually donned by plague doctors, the get-up featured a leather headdress with a classic long-pointed beak. Beyond a stylistic choice, the beak’s purpose was to harbour aromatics and perfumes meant to mask bad odours and combat air-borne contagion. Granted, the mask was engineered based on the now-defunct theory of miasma. So, the 17^th century Karens might have had it right on this one.

Cut to the 18^th century, as fears of a plague resurgence slowly faded away, so did the use of masks by doctors. Nonetheless, the general public slowly started realizing that certain airborne particles might be harmful to inhale. This understanding saw the rise of mask-use amongst coal miners and gradually even physicians. However, it took decades to convince even medical professionals that masks should be worn at the very least during surgeries. At the brink of the 20th century, researchers were still documenting the lack of masks by practising surgeons. Only after a couple of modern plagues and an impressive rising death toll, did masks find their way to hospital corridors and public areas.

Two world wars and an industrial revolution later…

…masks started working their way into polluted areas in an attempt to combat smog. A growing consensus on the usefulness of masks was increasingly fostered within the medical community and masks quickly became staples in countries like China, Japan, Thailand and India amongst others. This brings us to the question of how many Westerners are still unfortunately not convinced on wearing masks in 2020 although they have long been a norm in other parts of the world. We are unsure of the answer, but what is certain is that our duty remains to advocate for mask-wearing (as well as the other safety precautions advised by the authorities).

So, whenever you have a penchant for complaining about masks, think of how much worse a ventilator would feel, Karen.

With countries like Australia and China amongst others, being urged to wear masks even in open spaces, The Third Eye team urges everyone to do their part and keep their masks on at least whilst in closed spaces.

The post The evolution of the face mask appeared first on The Third Eye.

SACES held their 4^th annual debate this Wednesday: STRIP // The Maltese Identity. The event took place at Fortress Builders in Valletta and hosted 7 esteemed speakers including, Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino, Dr. Irina Miodragovic Vella, Prof. Alex Torpiano, Architect Konrad Buhagiar, Dr. Shirley Cefai, Dr. Rachael Marie Scicluna and Mr. Joseph Magro Conti.

The experts present differed vastly in their definition of Maltese identity.

Mr. Magro Conti prioritized the vernacular as being intrinsically Maltese as it represented how previous generations made do with the building materials they had. However Dr. Cefai and Dr. Sciculna emphasised how all the foreign influence we have endured is part of the Maltese identity because identity is always shifting and changing. Dr. Miodragovic Vella continued:

Any foreign influence depended on our local resources mainly stone … The Maltese never copy-pasted from abroad but adapted these influences into Malta context

Prof. Torpiano diverged completely, claiming that he is unsure what our identity it is.

He outlined the only common feature in all our architecture to be stone, anything that arrived here became Maltese because of this.

Continuing on the aspect of foreign influence and events of colonialism, Dr. Cefai claimed that we did not inherit anything from foreigners, rather we developed it. Prof. Torpiano said that we should not continue to treat colonialism as an imposition.

It is an evolution where we adapt everything to our technologies, mindsets and resources

Prof. Torpiano

Dr. Miodragovic Vella and Dr. Sciculna said that the foreign influence is not the threat to our identity, rather it is our wastefulness of our own resources and qualities. There is an ultimate disrespect for stone and quarries supply will only last till 2036, said Dr. Miodragovic Vella.

We need to stop using concrete as a solution for everything and look at the resources we have

Dr. Miodragovic Vella

Tropiano argued that concrete is not the issue as it has been around since Roman times. “A 20-story building in stone is no more Maltese than a 20-story building in concrete,” he said. At this rate we need to find a new material to model in a Maltese way, Dr. Miodragovic continued in agreement.

The debate then ended on a political note

“Our architecture represents our values … unfortunately our values today are about making money” – Prof. Torpiano

Unregulated building is fragmenting our social structure, said Dr. Scicluna. We need a government that takes architecture seriously and is socially responsible.  

We as people also need to be educated about our rights to appropriate architecture as well, said Dr. Scicluna, particularly open spaces. “The notion of open public spaces in Malta is non-existent,” said Dr. Miodragovic.

The post Concrete is not the solution | SACES debate the Maltese identity appeared first on The Third Eye.

Incident, however, is anything but an accurate description of what happened.

This ‘incident’ has repeated itself 6 times prior to yesterday, 4 ‘incidents’ of which happened only last year.

• 12th April 2000, Sliema
• 3rd June 2004, St. Paul’s Bay
• 23rd April, 2019, G’Mangia
• 8th June, 2019, Mellieha
• 13th June, 2019, Pieta
• 12th October, 2019, Duke’s Bar

Authorities would look at this timeline and point out that ‘fortunately’ none had yet taken a life. Only now will they send out condolences. All those affected by the previous ‘incidents’ are still living no? Whether having lost their home, their business, gotten injured, become dependent on others – they are still alive. So the authorities kindly ask you not to blame them for not sending condolences prior. However, now that the red murky spotlight is upon them, now they do their damage control.

It is of course, understandable to wait till the death toll starts. Why waste energy, time and resources on prevention when you can act? Act once the deed is done and pretend like you care. Put on your most sombre tone of voice and issue a tweet or a Facebook post – that’ll appease the justly enraged public.

An important thing to note, however, is to make sure you do not take responsibility. Issue the condolences, but call out ‘the rebels’ in the same breath. Pretend like you care but upkeep your campaign in the same breath. Ask to respect the victims but forget that your are the perpetrator in the same breath.

To all those involved, take responsibility. These ‘incidents’ are only the start of whichever doom you have inscribed our country to.

Cover Image by Miguela Xuereb

The post Dear Authorities, Take Responsibility appeared first on The Third Eye.

Tired of the same old 3 islands? Try exploring Croatia ‘s 1244 islands for a change!

S-Cubed and Operation Wallacea Malta are organising a 2-week marine and terrestrial expedition in Croatia for summer 2020. And don’t worry, it’s for all students (not just science courses!)

This is your chance to explore natural environments completely unlike what we’re used to here or what you’ll find on your average holiday. From caverns to canyons, waterfalls to lakes, you’ll find it all here and what you see in reality is nothing short of a picturesque postcard.

The plan for the 2 weeks

You’ll be scooped away for 2 weeks in the peak of summer to research land and see with experts in the field. Whether it’s diving into the fresh Adriatic or chasing wolves this expedition has it all. These 2 weeks are from 30th July to 12th August. They’re split up with a week at Krka National Park and another on Silba Island.

The first week at Krka will cover everything from fish and reptiles to birds, butterflies and mammals. The expedition is a perfect blend between hands-on research, lectures and seminars which give you all the info you need for pursuing a career in wildlife conservation.

For the second week on Silba Island, you have a choice of whether become a qualified scuba diver or learning more about Adriatic ecology.

Throughout the whole thing, you’ll be working alongside professional researchers in their own respective fields. In the end, you’ll get a nifty certificate that will look extra good on your CV!

Interested? Get in touch!

For more info about the expedition check the Operation Wallacea website and if we already have you hooked you can already apply from now!

Be sure to contact Operazzjoni Wallacea Malta either by email on malta@opwall.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/opwallmalta for further information!

Get ready to explore the world, gain experience and make a difference with Operazzjoni Wallacea Malta!

The post Explore Croatia’s hidden natural wonders as a student appeared first on The Third Eye.

In today’s KPS meeting, KSU announced the results for this year’s Room Allocation Report. MMSA placed first for their 8th consecutive year whilst SDM were runner-up, and ELSA placed third.

The entire list of the results can be seen below in comparison with last year’s classification.

It should be noted that the RAR results of 2018 are according to the original list published by KSU, whereas in reality TDM2000 was later recognised by Senate to have ranked 5th in fact (not 10th) in the RAR of 2018. All other results and comparisons drawn should be analysed with this in mind.

The classification for the first 5 spots remained the same with

The organisations that most improved from last year were JCA, ESN and Wolves.

There were some organisations that did not submit the RAR this year, in comparison with last year, which included: ICTSA, WeAre, AIESEC, UoM Racing, and MUSC.

There were some newcomers to the classification as well, which included: JCA, MIRSA, GUG, and MAKE.

The Third Eye would like to congratulate all the organisations’ on their place in the RAR classification!

The RAR is a report prepared by student organisations recording their past year. It is done so that offices and freshers’ stands are assigned according to the results by KSU.

The post MMSA places 1st for their 8th consecutive year | RAR Results appeared first on The Third Eye.

The president took a step down from San Anton Palace on Monday morning to take part in an engaging discussion organized by KSU where he answered questions posed by university students which ignited a conversation on various heated topics.

A Nigerian UM student asked the president about racism in Malta in light of last April’s drive-by shooting in Ħal Far which saw an immigrant’s death.

“This is something very sensitive,” H.E. started off. He emphasised that this is not the mentality of the Maltese rather only one extremist with racist subversions is needed to cast a negative shadow over a whole nationality.

“Be careful with social media and not to fall into the trap of exchanging what could be light remarks about foreigners and refugees,” he continued as he addressed the youths present, “these messages could be what fuels the racist sentiments within those few extremists that are out there.”

With regards to what can be misconstrued as xenphobic sentinments directed towards incoming immigrants, H.E. suggested that perhaps the case of not being willing to accept anymore people is not a case of racism but a question of not having enough space for them.

Taking the issue on a larger scale the president continued saying that he is worried because these racist sentiments and xenophobia could actually link up with the movement in the European Union of extremist parties. “A big block is uniting to be an effective political force in the next European election,” he concluded, “This grouping will definitely have its own voice in the EU Parliament.”

President Vella was also appraoched with a question on the current and future state of the built environment in Malta, a heated issue which has become increasingly topical over the past year especially.

“In Malta there is a very delicate balance between the rural and urban environment,” H.E. said, “At the very least one should see that the pertinent laws be applied [regarding planning and land regulation].” The situation presents a constant tug of war between developers and environmentalists where the government is posed right in the middle – in this case the government’s most important duty remains to make sure that laws are followed.

I personally don’t like the current quality of the built environment … It is featureless and flat with no redeeming factors, all concrete and glass.

I don’t know what we’ll be leaving the future generations. What we’re building is absolutely nothing to look forward to in the coming years.

Our quality of life will deteriorate, he pressed on, if we continue in this direction. H.E. urged students to be more active regarding this issue as he reminisced to the organisation he was part of during his time at UM called ‘Friends of the Earth’.

He finished off jokingly that if Malta were a dictatorship it would have been better since the built environment would be a lot more uniform and regulated better.

On the note of mental health H.E. expressed how the topic is close to heart to the extent that he has already started working on it despite having held office for a little over a month.

He stressed that before we can tackle mental health tangibly we need to remove the stigma. This will come about by raising awareness.

President Vella also touched upon suicide rates in Malta which albeit are not alarming, are concerning, nonetheless. He noted how “we are all keeping hush so as not to promote it or influence people that are on the break,” however, the fact that these cases are kept away from the media is doing exactly that.

The session closed off with a question regarding the ongoing investigation about the assassination of the late Daphne Caruana Galizia whom H.E. had even mentioned in his inauguration speech.

Until we find out who commissioned the murderers we should not rest comfortable

“Up to now we have been playing the game according to the rules,” he burgeoned, but the regulations set in place are not always the optimal solution. This is why the government needs to consider the local circumstances and regulate accordingly, and regulations should be improved upon.

The post President Vella Talks Racism, Mental Health and Malta’s Built Environment with Students at UM appeared first on The Third Eye.

In a press release issued by the CoE they explained how a number of meetings had been held with the Engineering Board from which the following conclusions were drawn:

• The past MCAST graduates should bridge any deficiencies through targeted bridging studies comprised of 60 ECTS credits at level 6 with examination based assessment. These bridging studies should be reviewed by external reviewers
• The new MCAST courses should have 240 ECTS credits at level 6 again based mostly on examination assessment as well as being reviewed annually by external reviewers

Regardless of these agreements, the Engineering Board informed the CoE that the pre-warrant course would be only of 30 ECTS credits Level 6. This meant that MCAST Engineering students would only be doing a total of 150 ECTS credits at level 6 rather than a full 240 ECTS credits that was required by law to get a warrant and that University students were doing.

This was a continuation from last year’s controversy which broke out because MCAST students were going to be given warrants regardless of the discrepancy between the UM and MCAST courses. Whilst the UM course is of 240 ECTS MQF Level 6, the MCAST course consisted of 120 ECTS MQF Level 5 (first and second year) and another 120 ECTS MQF Level 6 (third and fourth year).

Following talks between KSU, UESA, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects and the Engineering Board in September 2018 it was agreed upon that the underlying principle behind this process of introducing a Pre-Warrant Qualification Course must remain “one profession, one standard”. This is why UESA and KSU are in agreement that moving forward these courses should be made equivalent by any means and not have half the intended course substituted by 30 ECTS.

When contacted by The Third Eye, Matthew Xuereb, outgoing UESA President [who is in office till the end of May] gave his statement in light of how the situation is developing:

UESA believes that any solution related to this issue must be realised in a spirit of transparency such that the interests of our members are safeguarded.

Having said this, we look forward to further dialogue with the hope of resolving such a sensitive issue. In the meantime UESA is considering all options available to safeguard the interests of Engineering students at the University of Malta.

Both KSU and UESA have published press releases to voice their concerns as to how this agreement was disregarded without any further consultation with the stakeholders involved.

UESA have asked for an immediate revision of the currently ongoing Pre-Warrant Qualification Course “so as to ensure that students who complete this course are in possession of such degree of the University of Malta or an equivalent academic qualification as stipulated in the Engineering Profession Act.”

The lack of transparency, consultation and the refusal by the relevant authorities to recognize and address the serious concerns of students, graduates and warrant-holders alike risks damaging society’s trust in the engineering profession.

UESA, University Engineering Students Association

UESA continued to stress how this lack of transparency is increasingly prevalent considering that MCAST has apparently also refrained from publishing any details about the bridging studies course, with no mention of such course in its annual prospectus.

KSU echoed UESA’s laments and both stated that looking forward they are actively considering all options available to safeguard the interests of our members.

The Chamber of Engineers concluded that an EGM shall be held in the coming days to give the opportunity to everyone to express their views on the way forward from here.

The post Engineering Board Gives MCAST Students HALF the ECTS Agreed Upon For Warrant appeared first on The Third Eye.

Looking back to the past year William reflected on how his previous role gave him a good idea of how the council works. Although the work done does not really show or have an actual physical impact, it is essential for KSU to work efficiently.

You get to work on all of the issues going on behind the scenes. In this regard a highlight of last year’s was the change in GDPR, since the council had a large amount of student data, varying from parking permits to the KSU account, that needed to be updated.

“To be honest the first two months were me trying to understand what’s happening,” William said admittingly, “I’m sure I wasn’t perfect – nobody’s perfect.” Thankfully he continued, in his case there was Carla who helped him a lot in figuring out his position, having been secretary general herself.

William considered himself lucky to have been secretary general prior to becoming president, as it was the perfect set up to his newly-found managerial position. You get a clear idea of what the council is all about and knowing this makes it easier to decide what direction to take for KSU as president.

“Going from secretary general to president was easy in this regard since I already had an idea of what needs to happen”

Looking forward to the new term William credited Carla for the direction she took with the council during her term and promised to build on it. Concepts like sustainability and the environment will remain at the forefront of the council’s work, with the rights of students undoubtedly remaining at the most-inner core.

With regards to the new initiatives to be introduced William hinted at the manifesto that will be launched this Wednesday.

“No problems can be identified from the outset really,” he said when asked about issues he might foresee during his term as president. From William’s previous role, a major takeaway was that if there is no good planning the problem will not be solved.

Communication with University administration will always be a challenge, although this year it improved vastly. Still, William continued, looking back on the parking issue of last February there needs to be a proper communication system set in place so that crises like that can be avoided.

From his work as secretary general he said how the room booking system, although improved, has yet to be made more accessible. That said William expressed his faith in Christian Aquilina as the new secretary general will do a great job.

The post From SecGen to President | William Farrugia appeared first on The Third Eye.

A number of youths gave speeches to inspire action on climate change upon arriving near the Parliament, amongst them KSU President Carla Galea and KNZ President Sean Ellul.

“The youth generation has a voice,” stated Galea, “we have realised that we have a problem which will be irreparable, if not now in a few years.” The awareness we are raising today must concern every citizen, not just the youth, she continued, and especially our leaders and representatives. Only 7.5% of energy consumed in Malta came from renewable sources in 2017, Galea said, “We have a long way to go to reach the aims of the EU.”

If we continue in this manner, future generations will be deprived of the key right to live freely without the shackles our negligence is imposing on them

Carla Galea, KSU President

In his speech, Ellul announced the national task force that KNZ launched yesterday. “As a generation we refuse to be condemned to a future where climate change wins,” he emphasised. The call for the task force went out yesterday to every citizen to join KNZ in the fight against climate change.

The task force will be divided into different subcommittees focusing on different environmental topics. Proposals for policies will then be created to bring to parliament and those in power. The call is open on KNZ’s Instagram and Facebook pages. “The time to talk was yesterday, the time to act is now.”

The speeches ended with a young child addressing the older generations:

Aren’t you noticing that you are ruining the world for kids like me? Aren’t you noticing that kids like me already want to leave Malta when they are older because of how you’ve left it?

The post “The time to talk was yesterday, the time to act is now” – Sean Ellul appeared first on The Third Eye.