In addition to the RAR results, another important update was that for this year’s Freshers’ week the organisation’s tent is set to be located between Sir Temi Zammit Hall and the Library, as opposed to the parking area that has been commonly used in the past. The relocation of the organisations’ tent should serve to increase traffic towards the various organisations’ stands, therefore generating  greater exposure.

In the light of the RAR results, The Third Eye has taken the liberty of briefly analysing the Room Allocation Results in relation to last year’s results.

It is to be noted that the original result list photograph taken during today’s KPS meeting and  published on The Third Eye’s Facebook page  contained an error since the organisation SIERA is in fact Senate recognised and therefore ranks at 27th place and not 31st place.  â€‹

Organisations that maintained  their ranking:

Mirroring  last year’s RAR results, MMSA, SDM and PULSE maintained their ranking.  

• MMSA (1st)  
• SDM (2nd)  
• PULSE (4th)  

Organisations that  achieved a higher ranking:

In this ranking classification, GħST performed best by moving up the ranks a total of 11 places, from 26th to 15th place. On the other end of the spectrum, Insite moved up 1 place from 17th to 16th place, and IAESTE also moved up one place from 20th to 19th place.  

• ELSA – From 5th to 3rd  
• TDM2000 – From 12th to 6th  
• ICTSA – From 16th to 8th
• ESN – From 19th to 12th  
• GħST – From 26th to 15th
• Insite – From 17th to 16th  
• HoASA – From 27th to 17th
• DESA – From 21st to 18th
• IAESTE – From 20th to 19th    
• ESO – From 30th to 22nd  
• MUHS – From 33rd to 26th  
• SIERA – From 32nd to 27th  

Organisations that moved down to a lower ranking:  

In this classification, We Are performed worst, falling down the ranks a total of 14 places from 14th to 28th place. On the other end of the spectrum, GħMU only slipped down one rank from 6th to 7th place.  

• MHSA – From 3rd to 5th  
• GħMU – From 6th to 7th  
• SCUBED – From 7th to 9th  
• JEF Malta – From 8th to 10th
• BetaPsi – From 9th to 11th  
• The Third Eye – From 11th to 13th  
• ASCS – From 10th to 14th  
• GUG –  From 13th to 20th
• AIESEC –  From 18th to 21st  
• MUSC –  From 22nd to 25th  
• We Are –  From 14th to 28th  
• AEGEE –  From 23rd to 29th
• IEEE –  From 29th to 31st  

Organisations that did not submit  a RAR this year:

• MPSA – Ranked 15th in 2016
• Y4TE – Ranked 25th in 2016
• UoM Rowing – Ranked 34th in 2016
• ICE – Ranked 35th in 2016
• Comma – Ranked 36th in 2016  
• GħSL – No RAR submitted in 2016
• MKSU –  No RAR submitted in 2016
• SACES –  No RAR submitted in 2016

The Third Eye would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU), all organisations and active students for a great year, and wishes all the best for this academic year.  

The post 2017 RAR Results: The Analysis appeared first on The Third Eye.

The University General Election Debate was the perfect recipe for disaster. Although initially very well received, with over 600 individuals showing an interest within the first 24 hours of the Facebook event being published, the positive vibe was to be short lived. Little did the organisers know, when they voluntarily signed up to this logistical nightmare, that they would end up being thrown into the eye of a media storm, be faced with countless allegations of political bias, interference and manipulation, as well as finding themselves on the receiving end of multiple threats of legal action and prohibitory injunctions.

Nonetheless, each and every obstacle was strategically and successfully overcome. In just over two weeks since the snap election being called, Sir Temi Zammit Hall was packed with University of Malta students as eagerly awaited the majority of Malta’s political party leaders to step onto stage.   Despite all the criticism the organisers had faced, it soon became evident to all that the debate was truly well planned and, to the nation’s surprise, the debate was not a repeat of its predecessors.

Save for the press, a few members of academic staff and the limited seats offered to the political parties, the rest of the audience was composed solely of University of Malta students, which more or less turned out to be politically balanced crowd. The tripartite structure of the debate allowed for pre-planned questions, social media questions and questions from the floor. Furthermore, the debate’s moderator maintained control throughout and enjoyed just the right amount of humour to keep the audience content. Last but not least, behind the scenes, the technicalities related to sound, vision and timekeeping were efficiently prepared and flawlessly executed.

The University General Election Debate also set a milestone online, being professionally directed, filmed and streamed live for the world to tune in. With more than a total of 1.4 million minutes of the debate being watched, the debate’s live stream reached over 220,000 people, with over 100,000 unique viewers. The debate was truly made available and open for all, with the video post collecting over 125,000 reactions, comments or shares.

Once the debate came to an end, the audience calmly exited the hall. There was no sense of tension, but rather a general feeling of relief, success and pride. The student body came together to show that against all odds, and despite our country’s polarised culture, educated and civil discussion is in fact possible. At times, belief is lost in our youth, but let this set a responsible example of how political discussion should be practised, taking us beyond the limits of bipartisan beliefs and towards the objective of mature, unbiased conversation.

The University General Election Debate was organised by the University of Malta Debating Union (MUDU) and The Third Eye.

The post When Students Unite: A Milestone for National Politics appeared first on The Third Eye.

The main concern raised by those present was the fact that they had enrolled for the law course with the legitimate expectation that they would be graduating with the same “Dr” title as all those who had entered the course before them. Furthermore, many are angered at the fact that since the course has been shortened to five years, they will be graduating in parallel with the current sixth-year law students who will be acquiring the “Dr” title. It is argued that this will create an unfair distinction between the two types of law graduates that may lead to unintended  professional discrimination, thus effectively creating an unlevel playing field.  

Prof. Aquilina effectively maintained the stance previously held in the past that the issue regarding the “Dr” title is not in the hands of the Faculty. It was also mentioned that as the structure of the course is  a second cycle course, then a “Dr” title cannot be awarded, as in such scenarios the “Dr” title is being phased out.  

Although Prof. Aquilina did provide useful  information and details regarding the method of assessment and “Professional Practice Portfolio” that must be prepared by students, those present were frustrated as there is a general consensus that their true concerns are not being adequately addressed.

A source who shared information on the basis of anonymity informed The Third Eye that, allegedly, Prof. Aquilina did not allow for all the students’ arguments to be heard. Furthermore,  when  students began expressing their general disappointment in relation to the course, the Dean did not answer any further questions and left the meeting.  

When contacted by The Third Eye for her feedback on the outcome of the meeting, Student Representative, Ms Mariah Mula replied as follows:

Several of our pressing concerns, such as the issue of whether we will be receiving the Dr title upon graduating, have been left in the dark since the Dean has stated that they do not fall within his remit. Hence, as Student Representative I will do my utmost to raise these issues with the appropriate authorities and Minister.

At this point, this portal has been made aware that discussions  for a meeting with the Justice Minister, Hon. Owen Bonnici, are underway. Furthermore, it is evident that the students concerned, their respective Student Representatives and all law student organisations (ELSA Malta, GhSL and JCA) are up in arms and shall continue to work together to tackle the situation.  

Main Image Source:  http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/interview/59027/to_judge_in_ones_own_court__kevin_aquilina#.WKMp0_krK00  

The post Meeting with Faculty of Laws’ Dean Leaves Questions Unanswered appeared first on The Third Eye.

In their first year, students were faced with an Introduction to Legal History exam that raised so many justifiable concerns and complaints that every single student, including those who had passed, were offered the opportunity to retake the exam as a first sit in September. Later, in their third year, students were presented with an exam question about a legal notice that did not exist when sitting for a compulsory Industrial Legislation and Employment Law exam.

Although the overall course journey has been littered with other incidents and unnecessary hurdles that should have been avoided, the point of this article goes beyond highlighting previous faults and instead intends to shed light on these law students’ current and primary concerns.

Having barely survived through the newly redesigned and experimental five year course, which is now in line with the Bologna process, students are still faced with substantial uncertainties about their professional future and career. Rather than expressing my personal opinion, all law student organisations on campus were forwarded the following question:

What is your organisation’s position in the light of the issues and doubts that current Master of Advocacy students are facing, particularly in relation to the final professional title to be acquired and warrant?  

Each organisation’s response on the matter is quoted below and the responses have been presented in alphabetical order as per the organisation’s name.

ELSA Malta

ELSA Malta believes that students should be given what they were promised. Throughout the past years, ELSA Malta, other respective law student organisations, student representatives and students themselves, have enquired on the matter numerous times.   Although the changes being implemented make sense on a holistic level, there should have been more planning and a better coordinated effort.

With regard to the professional title to be acquired, and more importantly the warrant, ELSA Malta believes that the uncertainty and the fact that no information was given to the fifth year law students prior to them entering the law course, are reasons enough to treat the fifth year students as the sixth years in terms of the professional title and the warrant exam.

The upcoming bill, if enacted prior to the warrant exam in December, should cater for those provisions that impact the fifth year students to allow them to sit for the warrant exam in December 2017 and to also maintain the professional “Dr” title. There is a legal concept, known as legitimate expectation, which in this matter has not been followed. Give the fifth year students the certainty they deserve.

GhSL

Due to the fact that the meeting with the dean regarding this issue has not yet taken place, a definitive statement from GhSL cannot be given at the point in time. However, what can be said at this point in time is that whatever the outcome, GhSL always put the needs of the student first. The need for clarity and certainty is not only essential to those studying for their Master in Advocacy, but also to those who are in earlier stages of law course. It is for this reason that the organisation is dedicated to protecting the students’ interests in this matter.

The organisation will be scheduling a meeting with the minister concerned so that all stakeholders on this issue are met with and are given the opportunity to discuss the issue. Once this meeting has taken place we will be able to proceed from there and take all possible actions in order to create certainty for students and safeguard their interests.

Junior Chamber of Advocates  

From its inception, the Junior Chamber of Advocates (JCA) has sought clarification with respect to these concerns. JCA has always been at the forefront in arguing in favour of the Doctorate title being awarded to all law students, particularly if one takes into account the legitimate expectation all law students had when they enrolled in the law course.

Unfortunately, despite publishing guidelines in collaboration with the Chamber of Advocates concerning the Prattika requirement, students are still uncertain as to how they will be affected with the enactment of the Lawyers Act. Although JCA looks favourably upon its introduction, which aims at the betterment of the legal profession, it emphasizes the importance that this should only be done with the proper safeguards for those students currently enrolled in the Master of Advocacy and LLD courses. Any changes introduced by this Act should only be made applicable with respect to students who are yet to start the law course. Ultimately, this would ensure a smooth transition, in which clarity is achieved and the current confusing situation done away with.

In the following weeks, the Junior Chamber of Advocates shall be following up these issues and seeking clarification from the Authorities concerned. It is high time that students finally get clear answers as to what they are to expect in their immediate future.

The post Law Students Left with Serious Doubts about their Future appeared first on The Third Eye.

Whilst having  added a number of fresh faces to its team, a total of six  previous executive members did not contest for this year’s election. The outoing executive members are Charlene Gauci, Luisa Cassar Pullicino, Stefania Degrabiele, Christopher Bergedahl and Francesca Ferrando.

It is noteworthy to mention that outgoing members  Christopher Bergedahl and Francesca Ferrando were two of MaltMUN’s founding members. On the other hand, founding members James Camilleri, Warren Ciantar and Clara Chetcuti will maintain an  executive role for this term.  

Moving forward, MaltMUN’s  2016/17 Executive team is as follows:

• Clara Chetcuti – President  
• Saman Bugeja – Vice President  
• Jon Gudmundsson – Secretary General  
• Patrick Farrugia – Financial Officer  
• Melanie Bonnici Bennett – PRO  
• Pamela Cann Rodgers – Conference Management Officer  
• Sean Portelli – Events Officer  
• Maria Ellul – Logistics Officer  
• Neil Bugeja – Education Officer  
• Sean Portelli – Social Policy Officer  
• Yandrick Agius – Website Content Administrator  
• James Camilleri – I.T. / Media Officer  
• Warren Ciantar – Strategic Planning Officer  

With regard to the organisation itself, it was founded on the 3rd of March 2013 and its mission statement is as follows:

The MaltMUN Society is an autonomous, international, non-profit organization committed to securing close ties among the most diverse of its members, investing in their personal development and nurturing leadership skills, whilst embracing the spirit of the United Nations throughout.

For more information about MaltMUN visit  http://maltmun.org.mt/ or get in touch with the team on  maltmunsociety@gmail.com.  

Main Image Source:  https://www.facebook.com/MaltMUN/photos/pb.275307562605460.-2207520000.1481745159./966418710161005/?type=3&theater

The post New Executive Team for MaltMUN appeared first on The Third Eye.

Unity proudly launched its free-of-charge carpooling service for everyone on the Maltese Islands to use.  The website,  www.quotamalta.com, was launched at the Costa Coffee branch in Balzan, where people were invited to see a live demonstration of the website.  The company received very encouraging feedback from all those who attended the event and customers expressed that they cannot wait to make use of the service.

During the launch, the team highlighted the numerous benefits of carpooling and the potentially positive effects on Maltese roads should this carpooling system be taken up.   Enquiries were also made on whether modifications can be made for large companies to encourage their employees to carpool to and from work.  

The website is freely accessible to all with an Internet connection and to all those above the age of sixteen. QUOTA, with its easy-to-use interface, has never made carpooling so accessible till now. All you need to do is:

1. Access the link www.quotamalta.com;
2. Create your free account by filling in some details about your requirements as a passenger and driver, such as those relating to whether you prefer a non-smoking vehicle or loud music played;
3. Start posting your trips so that others can carpool with you, or if in need of a lift, just find a trip where someone else is offering to carpool for you.
4. That’s it!

Be sure to check them out on Facebook or any other form of social media — "UNITY — a JAYE company’ (contact –  filippovassallokirpalani@gmail.com).

The post QUOTA — Malta’s Free Carpool Service Application appeared first on The Third Eye.

The Third Eye  got in touch with the delegates from the Czech Republic Team asking them  share some details about their experience. The Czech Republic team  are  this year’s MEA winners, under the guidance of their Advisor Charles Mercieca, and will be travelling on a fully funded prize tour to visit the European Institutions this summer.  

Maria Ellul

This being my first experience taking part in the Mini European Assembly, I did not know what to expect. Now that’s it’s over, I can say that this experience has been very fruitful all throughout. Not only did we get to increase our knowledge on various EU issues and increase our debating skills, but it also left me with new friendships. Winning MEA was something we always wished and aspired to do however never imagined it would actually happen. All in all, this is an experience I would definitely recommend to all!

Jessica Napier

Winning this year’s edition of NSTF’s Mini-European Assembly is surreal. Through countless hours of work and dedication, our team strived and fought for this placing, always keeping in mind the topic at hand. I strongly encourage everyone interested in debating about current issues to sign up for such an experience as it is guaranteed to be advantageous and beneficial.

Jacqueline Grech Licari

The NSTF Mini European Assembly is a golden opportunity for anyone willing to challenge  themselves and improve on their public speaking, debating and teamwork skills.   This MEA season (2015-2016) was the second time I took part in this simulation of the European Parliament, so I was no stranger to the level of commitment required to participate in the committee meetings and plenary sessions that constitute this competition.   Representing the Czech Republic with an entirely different team proved to be both enjoyable and challenging as I had to compete against my former team mates.   However, all in all, it has been a privilege and an honour to participate and win this competition for yet another time alongside my new team, and it has let me grow in ways that academic learning alone does not allow us to.

Gabriel Mamo Drury

After my first experience in sixth form, I was determined to re-enter MEA in my first year of University. Throughout these 7 months, I improved my speech-giving and debating skills and found a new confidence in how I presented myself. Cooperating with all the other competitors served as a great means of meeting and working with new people, and representing a country such as the Czech Republic helped me in becoming more well informed overall. The MEA provides an engaging and dynamic experience and encourages teamwork and hard work. I would definitely encourage all sixth form and first year University students to take part in future competitions as the experience is unforgettable.

Bexy Attard Trevisan

The Mini European Assembly, I found, was a very enlightening experience. Through it, I learnt how to improve my debating and speech-giving skills as well as becoming more informed, meeting new people and having the pleasure of being part of an amazing team. We all worked hard and pulled our own weight and, as a team, we worked very well together. It was a phenomenal experience which I would not have traded for anything! I would definitely encourage sixth form and first year University students to partake in future MEAs because it has been a formidable journey!

Charles Mercieca

This year’s edition of MEA was like no other. The year started by seeing an increase in the convention team limit of 5 to 7 team members. This posed new challenges and obstacles which were thankfully all overcome trough a strong team mentality and sheer determination to see the challenge to the end. From Resolutions, to speeches to spontaneous amendments, this year’s MEA was definitely a learning curve. The Team showed consistency and a knack for European debate that ultimately led them to a deserved victory.

The experience is definitely one to be recommended and taken up by any avid debater or anyone who likes to be one. Students participating range from Science students to Law students. And MEA has treated them all with great memories and experiences.

The post The MEA Experience: Czech Republic Place First appeared first on The Third Eye.

To date the JCA has organsied several successful seminars on tackling various issues which young lawyers face as well as the first ever moot court involving both a Criminal and a Civil case based on the same set of facts which was held at the Courts of Malta and presided over by sitting judges.

Next week, on Friday 22nd April 2016  the outgoing Executive of the Junior Chamber of Advocates will present their final report to members during the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Courts of Malta.   This will be followed by elections for the Executive Board 2016/17.

Early voting will take place on Wednesday the 20th April 2016 at the University of Malta.   Members wishing to vote in the early voting session will need to register with the electoral commission, composed of Warren Ciantar, Matthew Cassar and Miguel Cassar, or via the Junior Chamber of advocates page:  https://www.facebook.com/Juniorchamberofadvocates/?fref=ts

Nominations were open up until last Friday 8th April and only persons who became members on or before such date will be eligible to vote.

The 9 candidates for the upcoming election are:

Lisa Camilleri – Current Student Outreach Officer

Roberta Carabott

Paul Caruana Turner – Current Public Relations Officer

Damian Cassar

Gabriella Chirchop

Nicholas de Gaetano

Charlene Gauci

Rebecca Mercieca – Current LLB Observer

Mariah Mula

The Third Eye wishes the best of luck to all contesting candidates.  

The post JCA: One Year Later appeared first on The Third Eye.

There are a number of ways to make sure you don’t get yourself hurt or in trouble. Since choosing a designated driver might not always be an option, you can always organise transport in advance, call a cab, sleep over at a friend, or if you’re left with no other choice, I’m sure your parents or loved one’s  would prefer picking you up drunk than visiting you in hospital or even worse, never seeing you again.

On a lighter note, we’ve put together what we consider to be the top 10 don’t drink and drive ads. We really hope that we’ll make you reconsider getting in the driver’s seat tonight or getting a lift with someone who has had too much.

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 10

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 9

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 8

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 7

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 6

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 5

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 4

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 3

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 2

Don’t Drink and Drive Ad No. 1

The post Top 10 Don’t Drink and Drive Ads appeared first on The Third Eye.

What is your initial reaction to tonight’s budget?

I am happy about the fact that full-time mature students will be getting a stipend, as this was proposed on SDM for KSU’s electoral manifesto this year. This was subsequently lobbied for by KSU with the minister for education and employment, Evarist Bartolo, and has now materialised.

What, in your opinion, are the best outcomes of this budget?

The fact that Gozitan students received an increase in their grant is a positive move. Additonally, the reduced tax rates on sports will also be of benefit to students, whilst the cheaper licenses on motorcycles and scooters will go hand in with another one of SDM for KSU’s proposals for discounts on motorcycle lessons.

What are your thoughts on the stipend increase?

Whilst acknowledging the increase in stipends, I feel that the Government has once again disregarded the need for investment in research. In order to address this concern, KSU will be launching a research fund for students to voluntarily donate an amount of their stipend to research. Just €1 per month by all students will roughly raise an impressive €120,000 in one scholastic year. 

Is there anything in this budget that you hoped to see but wasn’t included?

As I have already mentioned, I hoped to see investment in research. Furthermore, the fact the we need to have a more holistic approach when it comes to transport was not adequately addressed. Although the number of police and traffic wardens will increase, as well as fines for contraventions, this is not enough and we need a plan for a more efficient transport system and safer roads so that students will not be afraid of riding a scooter or bike to university. The idea of carpooling should have been taken more seriously with incentives that encourage the general public to carpool. In this respect, KSU already has a fully functional carpool app on their website and is constantly working on getting more people to use it.

KSU will also be launching a detailed report on the budget in the coming days.

The post KSU President, Rebecca Micallef, Reacts to Budget appeared first on The Third Eye.