KSU is still planning to give us a taste of all that freebie goodness in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the health authorities of course. We wouldn’t want our lord and saviour Professor Charmaine to shut us down (although personally, I wouldn’t particularly complain, I’m in need of another week of peaceful slumber before the assignments hit).

Here’s all you need to know about this year’s socially-distanced Freshers’ Week!

First things first, if you didn’t already know, Freshers’ Week will take place between Monday 19th till Friday 23rd October between 9am and 15:30pm.

This year, this glorious week will be set up slightly different as KSU wish to emphasise on the virtual aspect of things in order to ensure the students’ safety. Nonetheless, KSU will still be setting up stations in order to distribute the KSU Fresher’s Pack and parking permits.

More good news! Student organisations will also have the opportunity to be physically present during Freshers’ Week!

This will be done by means of a roster to man the 5 stands which will be available on site. Student organisation will be allotted a specific time-frame during which they will be present and will have the opportunity to interact with the students.

Don’t worry however! All of the organisation’s members who will be manning the stand are obliged to wear a mask or a visor and they will have to provide students with hand sanitizer.

On the other hand, as stated before, KSU are trying their best to shift things onto a virtual platform. Therefore, just like every other year, KSU have set up a Facebook event where all the content created by KSU and student organisations can be shared amongst students within the very same event.

It’s not exactly everything we’ve ever dreamt of when we mention the phrase ‘Freshers’ Week’ but in light of the current circumstances, KSU and all student organisations are doing their best to keep the University expiernece alive.

Hopefully, in the coming years we’ll be able to meet and interact with you whilst scarfing down some popcorn and cake as we always do.

Until then.

Welcome to University.

The post Welcome to University | KSU launches their Virtual Freshers’ Week appeared first on The Third Eye.

Zoom is not just infamous for online lecture but lately, it’s been a common ground for Annual General Meetings. One of them being JCA’s! The Junior Chamber of Advocates have just unveiled a fresh new team for the upcoming term.

Long-standing Paula Briffa will be leading the new executive as President of the organisation through the upcoming term. Supporting her will be Julia Blake who will be taking on the role of Vice-President.

Roberta Attard will now be assuming the role of Secretary General and Jake Buttigieg will be this year’s Financial Officer. The Academic Office will be headed by Rachela Saliba and Warren Farrugia was elected as Projects Manager.

Last but definitely not least, Gabrielle Portelli will taking on the role of Public Relations Officer whilst Krista Spiteri Lucas was elected as Social Policy Officer.

Eight out of the ten candidates were elected with the most votes from an election which had a turnout of 55.2% of the eligible voters.

The Third Eye got in touch with newly elected president Paula Briffa to get her thoughts looking forward to the new term:

I am truly honoured and humbled to have been elected as President of JCA. JCA has always been an organisation close to my heart ever since I joined the law course, and I have seen it grow and reach new heights.

I’m completely committed to continue on all the work that has been done ever since JCA’s inception and to push the organisation forward. I’m incredibly looking forward to work with the rest of the team!

They’re all so enthusiastic and hardworking and I’m happy to be a part of this.

The Third Eye would like to express its best wishes to the newly elected executive for their coming term!

The post Paula Briffa to lead JCA for 20/21 term appeared first on The Third Eye.

Definitely not the quote we expected to see when long ago in a quaint village in our sister island Gozo, The Third Eye executive was brainstorming for freshers’ ideas.

Nonetheless, it is one of our most favourite quotes which will forever be etched upon our little book of quotes filled by students alike and a number of distinguished guests.

President

Starting at the very top of our social cast system, the Maltese President, George Vella wrote with a proper doctor’s handwriting, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” We’re quite sure that he was not referring to anyone in particular during Freshers’ Week, many of whom were sweating and sweltering under the scorching sun.

Prime Minister

Next up, we have “il-Kbir” or “il-King ta’ Malta”, formally known as the Maltese Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat who wrote a short but telling quote.

“Who dares, wins.” I don’t particularly think that this quote needs additional remarks. It tells enough and speaks volumes. Hats off Prime Minister.

Opposition Leader

On the other hand, Opposition leader and current holder of the University push-up champion title, Adrian Delia wrote, “One man can change the world and that one man is you.” Definitely, a motivating quote for any person in any situation looking for inspiration in life. Cheers, Dr Delia.

MPs and MEPs

The gods have smiled down upon us this week and nudged our representatives to grace our stands during freshers’ week and whilst we appreciate their presence on a sunny day once a year, we encourage them to visit and exchange pleasantries more often with this generation of change that is currently trotting university grounds.

Maltese MEP and Politico’s Eco-warrior Miriam Dalli shared with us some of Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom and wrote, “Be the change you want to see”. If anyone knows something about change, it would definitely be Dr Dalli.

Her colleague Alex Agius Saliba went for a short and definitely sweet quote, “Always dream big.”

He also wished the student body the best of luck for this academic year along with a number of MPs such as Aaron Farrugia, Edward Zammit Lewis and David Agius.

UM Rector

University of Malta Rector Alfred Vella paid tribute to the past 250 years of University life by writing, “250 years old and many more years to come.” We only hope that in the next 250 years to come, there will be at least one parking space left assigned to students.

US Ambassador

US ambassador Mark Shapiro surprised us all with an ever-inspiring quote which says, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” A quote by Harry S. Truman, the 33^rd American president succeeding Franklin Roosevelt after his death.

The man of the hour, everyone’s favourite president and student of the year, William Farrugia wrote, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

Honourable mentions:

“Poverty is manmade. Therefore, man can undo it.” President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca quoted the beloved Nelson Mandela and continues, “Let’s be the generation to undo poverty as one human family”.

Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina wrote in Maltese, “Not what the country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” (translated)

One unsigned quote says, “Wash your hands (inspired by Pontius Pilate – 33AD) …NB. Use 70% ethanol for enhanced results.” Whoever you are, you have truly changed our lives.

The post Pregnancy & Opportunities – here’s Malta’s top guns’ messages to students appeared first on The Third Eye.

For the first time, the manifesto is NOT being printed for public distribution, and can be solely found on the internet as they further continue to lobby for a greener campus.

At first glance, one can see that in this year’s manifesto student organisations will be given a little bit of a nudge in the right direction. In relation with their green campaign, they will initiate a recycling scheme inside student’s house for organisations’ offices.

In accordance to the manifesto, KSU vows to assist organisations get their VO (voluntary organisation) status. On top of that, SDM in KSU will push to get students accredited for student activism.

The cherry on top of the cake would definitely be offices for organisations which provide adequate space within the new campus hub residency project as well as the reintroduction of the collaborative organisations’ party.

On the other hand, the manifesto promises that KSU will start lobbying with University Administration to allow students to carry their belongings on library premises. This news comes alongside with the promise of an addition in locker availabilities around campus including faculties.

KSU assures that it will continue working to ensure the safety of the Msida skatepark underpass and it will also work to have two bus routes which will work in conjunction with the Gozo Ferry Timetable.

To push further their green campaign KSU will lobby for online assignments to be the only submissions needed. This goes hand in hand with the proposition to reduce KSU paper printing in an effort to go paperless. On top of that, KSU will push for a zero plastic agenda especially in establishments within students’ house.

With regards to academia KSU vows to ensure the supply of past papers for all study units. Furthermore, they will consult with administration for a 24/7 library as well as extending opening hours for engineering labs.

A truly innovative idea which might be a huge life-saver for many students is the proposition to make timetables more student friendly to increase productivity.

On the other hand, the social policy office will be hosting a much-needed Sexual Health Education week and will moreover continue to provide First Aid and Mental Health first aid courses. Furthermore, it will attempt to campaign for increased awareness on ADHD similarly to the approach taken towards Autism by the outgoing KSU.

The international office promises more international opportunities including internship and it will provide the opportunity to go on a trip overseas beyond the European borders.

For all those that are more athletically inclined KSU is thinking to recreate the Sports Festival in collaboration with sport organisations on campus.

KSU is looking towards making Sir Temi Zammit Hall more accessible and will work to achieve 24/7 access to Student’s House.

Finally, here are some propositions which are making a comeback for yet another year: a 24-hour study area, an apartment rental database for Gozitans and everyone’s favourite grants which are the Motor bike lessons and the Pedelec bikes and 125cc motorbike subsidies.

Here are some other proposals that might interest you:

Student Body

• We will ensure that KSU is consulted with regards to the ongoing progress of the five infrastructural projects across Campus.
  
• New rental equipment for student organisations.
  24/7 on-call, direct, KSU helpline for all students & student organisations.
  

Environment

• Planting of new indigenous trees.
• Encourage authorities to engage with architectural & urban planning student research to implement sustainable urban projects, nationally.
• Implement an effective, logistical solution for recycling on campus.

Education

• Pressure on the administration to carry out maintenance and upgrading of lecture theatres.
• Consult with all stakeholders on the possibility of extending placement opportunities to more courses to increase work- based education.

Policy

• Frequent blood drives in collaboration with UM.
• Closing a decade – Vision 2030. Organise a year-long holistic campaign envisioning the next 10 years of our University.
• Organise large scale clean ups.

Junior College

• Continue providing the Junior College project fund.
• Expand KSU’s sustainability agenda to Junior College.
• Further educational events on JC Campus.

Comebacks

• KSU International Opportunities Fund.
• KSU Welfare Fund.
• Longer opening hours of KSU Office.
• Green Fund.
• Sports Fund.
• Alternative Transportation.

The full manifesto can be accessed here.

The post Improved Timetables, Better Library, Greener Campus and more | SDM in KSU 19/20 appeared first on The Third Eye.

There’s always room for diversity; we’re all sisters. It’s about all of us trying to understand each other from our different circumstances. There is space for all of us.

Panelist Francesca Fenech Conti addressed the conversation regarding women’s rights, abortion as well as contraception.

“Criticism helps us grow” said the activist. She spoke about how criticism is good and if someone proves her wrong she’s willing to change.

The morning after pill was discussed and Fenech Conti stated if a woman is menstruating and has a risk of pregnancy she should be allowed to purchase a morning after pill regardless of her age whilst always discussing with specialists and emphasised the importance of education in this matter.

She expressed that it is important to talk about contraception despite it not being discussed on a national level and she stressed that contraception should be free and readily available for those in need of it.

She continued by saying that legalisation of abortion is the end product of a very tough journey which includes a number of diplomatic talks and a lot of compromise.

The right to life comes from a very religious background back when ensoulment was very important. It’s the biggest moral dilemma and it is a very personal and private issue. The right to life is a very moral concept. She emphasised that it is such an important choice for a woman. A woman has a right to life as well.

Decriminalisation would also be a very good start said the activist. Ideally abortion should enter as a policy but politicians are too scared to take this leap. Policies should be there to cater for all our citizens and not just those who can afford to leave the country to commit the act.

Fenech Conti stated that no one is forcing anyone to have an abortion. Quite to the contrary she wishes that no woman would be in a state to consider abortion however, it is a reality which we have to act upon. Making the act unlawful would only prevent women from accessing a safe abortion rather than banning abortion throughout.

Statistics show that 92% of abortions happen when the woman is less than 13 weeks pregnant and the next 7% happen between 14% to 20% because they get diagnosed with a severe anomaly whilst the very few left happen after 20 week mark.

To add on, a member of the audience stated that the current situation right now does not allow women to discuss their experiences which lets them grow.

This conversation was a part of JEF’s campaign, JEF Talks which President Nicola Mangion described as, “an idea to have students discussing issues they feel are relevant in an intimate context.”

The post Abortion, a Reality We Have to Act Upon | JEF Talks appeared first on The Third Eye.

Due to the way the course is designed law students are bound to learn in the English language however the court’s official language is Maltese. Students are only taught about the Maltese legal jargon in their fifth year whilst studying court procedure.

JCA President, Matt Micallef St John, stated during a seminar entitled, “Maltese v English: Legal Inquisition“, that the organisation have conducted a survey with regards to the language question which had 66 respondents and was quite reflective of the reality in the law course.

The survey shows that 58.5% of the students’ preferred spoken language is Maltese and 27.7% prefer the English language. This is whilst 13.8% of the respondents have no language preference as they are comfortable communicating in both languages.

It is interesting to note that 21 respondents expressed that litigating in Maltese is harder than litigating in English. On the other hand, 24 students find no difficulty to litigate in Maltese over the English. Meanwhile, 15 students are quite neutral about this question.

In turn 45 of 66 respondents agree that the Maltese language as well as English should be utilised during the lectures whilst 9 students do not agree that both languages should be used.

Moreover, 51 students agreed that those legal terms which are studied in English are in turn difficult to use in Maltese whilst practicing the profession.

The seminar had a panel of 4 speakers starting off with Dr Joseph Izzo Clarke who travelled to Malta from Luxembourg specifically for this seminar, stated there currently is an undergoing effort for language to be accessible to the citizens.

Dr Charlene Gauci who is currently a freshly-warranted lawyer and a past JCA President talked about the imposition of learning and thinking in English for approximately five years and then you find yourself in a workplace where you don’t just need to use the Maltese colloquial language but in court a lawyer is bound to use a specific Maltese legal jargon.

She continued to say that in the law course Maltese in mainly used during the fifth year when the students are studying the law of procedure used in court. She advises the use of Maltese throughout the course. She expressed her disappointment that such jargon is not used most specifically in the first year of the law which could be an essential foundation for the student to build on.

Dr Michael Spagnol who is a lecturer in the Department of Maltese here at university who emphasised on the use of all languages in the court house especially due to multilingual clients. However he criticised the fact that some individuals see the Maltese and English language as competitors. Such reasoning impoverishes us. Despite this, he did notice the irony that the highest educational institution which is supposed to provide us with tools is depriving students of such an essential device.

Dr David Zammit who is the Head of the Civil Law Department at the Faculty of Laws who admitted that this seminar reminded him of the national Language Question back in the 1930s when Malta was a British colony and light was being shed on the importance of the Maltese language. He stated that this question empowers us to be what he called “cultural brokers” as interpreters.

To conclude, Micallef St John shared his organisation’s thoughts on the matter and stated:

It is very clear, both from the survey conducted and the discussion take took place during the seminar, that students wish to see the increased use of the Maltese language in the law course, alongside English. We echo this sentiment and hope that the relevant authorities will take note of what was said, and that JCA is willing to follow up and work on the matter.

The post Law: Taught in English, Practised in Maltese appeared first on The Third Eye.

On top of the absolutely magical destinations, how would you feel if I told you get to experience first-hand the natural beauty that lies beneath the acres of untouched land? A hands-on opportunity to experience some of most magnificent waters of the world and being in spitting distance of some intricate critters.

Thankfully, Operation Wallacea is always on the forefront to offer students such incredible opportunities to experience the wonders of the world up close and personal.

The Third Eye contacted a few lucky ones who in the next coming weeks are going to a whole new world of pure bliss and wonder.

Timmy will be going on a two-week expedition to Peru.

“The thing that intrigued me most is the sheer isolation and that I shall be doing what I plan to do in the future, which is biodiversity research on exotic animals.”

Timmy describes the Amazon Rainforest in Peru as the perfect place to experience isolation.

“Out of this expedition I hope to get more experience in the field I mentioned above and hopefully I will be able to work with Wallacea in the future also. Plus as mentioned before, being in the Amazon alone is an amazing experience in itself.”

Jeremy is currently studying medicine at university and he’s off to Honduras for a pre-Med expedition!

“It interested me because I’ve always wanted to do something revolving around adventure and the fact that it was also medicine related made me even more interested in going.

I hope that when I go there, I get to learn how to be able to do certain things that are required of me as a student doctor and also I hope to enjoy and spend the length of the expedition absorbing the knowledge that I do not possess at the moment.”

Joining him will be James who’s also going to Honduras for four whole weeks.

“I was interested in joining as I have already been on another shorter expedition and I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge as well as the expeditions are fun. Also, I am a nursing student and therefore being medical oriented I think it would academically prove to be helpful.”

James hopes to get a greater knowledge about conservation techniques as well as learns the importance of conservation. This whilst understanding the what the field of medicine entails.

Lastly, we meet Daniel who will be taking a trip a little closer to home. An expedition across the Carpanthian meadows and ancient forests of Transylvania, Romania.

“What interested me most was the chance to acquire experience as a field biologist through an established organisation in a more or less pristine location, seeing as how this is extremely limited in Malta. That you get to travel to the wilderness and observe nature up close is also extremely rewarding, and a must whenever possible!”

He adds, “In addition to furthering my biological knowledge I hope to improve other aspects of myself, including networking and leadership skills. I also want to take some time and relax a little and have fun after I finish my MSc!”

Images by Operation Wallacea

The post Experience The World With Operation Wallacea appeared first on The Third Eye.

A concept of uniting students regardless of their abilities through the medium of sports.

University student organisation Pulse organised this event for the fourth consecutive year with the aim of brining student organisations together to experience sport from another perspective. A perspective which might be overlooked a little by society at large.

The event involved around 15 student organisations on campus who came together to play a game of basketball with a small twist. In aid of awareness towards differently abled people, the participants had to play whilst they were sitting on a wheelchair.

Pulse president, Owen Grech, with a sense of delight, stated that the organisation is trying to be on the forefront to raise awareness on social inclusion. Grech also emphasised on the importance of awareness and accepting people irrespective of their abilities.

Through the involvement of student organisations, this event was a stellar opportunity to bring together some of the most active students at university to raise awareness of every platform.

Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Anthony Agius Decelis, praised the organisation for relaying a message towards student body of a more inclusive society through the dynamic of sport and stated that Pulse are setting a standard even in the sector of Sports.

Furthermore, Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary in charge of Youths, Sports and Voluntary Organisation profusely thanked Pulse for organising such an event whilst stating that the future is in the safe hands of the students who gave their all to be present and to help raise awareness about Social Inclusivity.

The post Leading the way in Social Inclusion appeared first on The Third Eye.

Contrary to popular belief, reliable sources say that he will be contesting for these elections with the student organisation Pulse.

Having said that, President Johnluke Ellul just confirmed at the organisation’s 21st anniversary celebrations, that this year Pulse, will be contesting for this year’s KSU elections.

The post Jacob Portelli constesting for KSU Elections with Pulse? appeared first on The Third Eye.