Although we didn’t get to spend a whole week at Freshers’, all the organisation’s made sure that the two days they spent there counted. The Third Eye reached out to a few student organisations to get a quick recap on their experience at Freshers’ Week!

MHSA

This year, MHSA was present during Freshers’ Week to greet students as they began a new academic year.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly among the new first-year students. We noted as a team how enthusiastic and excited all of the students who came to our booth were to be on campus with their peers. MHSA had a booth on campus and at the Faculty of Health Sciences during Freshers’ Week to ensure that we met as many students as possible.

We had a variety of giveaways and accepted applications for our subcommittee, as well as providing new members of our organization with freshers packs. Despite the fact that it was a long and exhausting week for us, we are grateful that we were able to experience Freshers Week as it should be.

Betapsi

Were very happy with the turnout we had for freshers’. Firstly, because for the first time ever the psychology department had a record of student intake for the B.Psy course, showing that more students out there are indeed getting all the more interested in pursuing a career as a mental health practitioner. Secondly, because not only did we have first year students as freshers, but also second year students who just like freshers were exploring university and campus life for the very first time.

It was so nice to see life on campus, as someone who experienced freshers at its fullest before the pandemic began. It was overwhelming to see all that excitement happen again. In a way, with the Covid-19 restrictions, it was more efficient for us student organisations. Having students come batch by batch gave us time to focus and actually talk to them, instead of huge masses of students with no time to talk and focus on. We felt benefited by the system greatly.

Stand Feature: Campaign Promotions and A Jar of Marbles

With regard to our stand, Betapsi took on to promote its therapy campaign, its mental health awareness campaign (celebrated by an exhibition held at the library) and an upcoming sex education campaign, in conjunction with free condoms being given out, provided by the ministry of health. Students could also stop at our stand for a quick chat, while drinking a bottle of Pepsi together, kindly sponsored by Farson’s.

We also had a marble jar challenge where students could guess the number of marbles in the jar and be in the chance to win a psychology-themed hoodie. Apart from that, Betapsi also had its membership registrations. The basic membership (being €4), the tote bag package for €6 (filled with Betapsi merchandise) and the T-shirt package for €12. All of these packages are still available to order here.

S-Cubed

This years’ freshers’ week was challenging in all the right ways. Our Executive Board, like most others, had to navigate preparing for the upcoming year of physical lectures. We had to try to understand what this meant for student activism and how freshers and returning students would engage with the organisation after a year of representation being restricted to online platforms, with little to no physical engagement. To our delight, even though the past year saw a steep decline when it came to getting students interested in student activism, this year has already started to show great promise in this regard.

Side Project: Freshers’ Science Village

Alongside our annual presence at the KSU’s Freshers’ Week, S-Cubed launched its first-ever Freshers’ Science Village within the faculty of science. This was a project which took up the better part of the summer in its preparation, and one which proved to be the perfect opportunity for new and returning science students to become re-acquainted with the faculty, its research groups, and its smaller educational organisations. We, as an executive, felt that this week-long initiative during freshers’ week was the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time and help re-ignite some of the campus life that was so sorely missed within the faculty.

As opposed to previous years, we have had a great majority of freshers and returning students approach us on both of our stands wanting to get involved, asking about upcoming events, and expressing their enthusiasm to finally returning to physical learning. Despite the hardships endured by both student and organisation throughout the past year, we have definitely come out this other end feeling more passionate about what we do.

MMSA

It was exciting to finally be able to welcome and meet our Freshers’ back in personal and MMSA made sure they had a jam packed week for them! Our Freshers’ stand served as our first opportunity to meet Freshers and other University students alike to tell them all about us and our work. MMSA also held talks for our first years to give them tips on surviving medical school and also a better introduction to MMSA making sure they are ready to take on the next 5 years!

Ice Breakers: Welcome Drinks, Treasure Hunts and Raves

Welcome Meds allowed our Freshers to get to know each other over a drink or two and it was wonderful to start seeing some budding friendships already. And finally, what better way to discover University campus than through a treasure hunt? MMSA organised a treasure hunt around University which served as the perfect opportunity to discover Uni and MMSA in a fun setting while getting to know others within the group. To close it all, as part of Faculty of Sound we hosted Freshers’ Rave which as always was a great success!

JEF Malta

After weeks of busy preparation for Freshers’ Week, we were all thrilled to be able to set up our stand to meet new and potential JEF members in person. We are very grateful that many new and recurring students took the time to visit our stand, where we could show them all about our organisation, including our memberships, giveaway and the international opportunities that we’re finally able to offer again.

Given that we were able to meet our new members face-to-face again, we also got the opportunity to give out some fun freebies like our fresher’s bag, snacks and soft drinks. The entire team felt very appreciative that we could be back on campus and see university so alive with students and events again. It was definitely a refreshing experience for the students who have been doing school online for the past 2 years, particularly for first and second year students who either missed their sixth form experience or didn’t get to properly experience Fresher’s week before.

Despite the restrictions imposed due to the Public Health situation, from the limits on attendees to the two person per
stand rule, we felt that Freshers’ 2021 will still certainly be one to remember!

UM Futsal

Firstly, UM Futsal would like to thank KSU for organising this years Freshers Week, despite facing all of the challenges of the pandemic and secondly, all students that attended and visited our stand. Unfortunately, to nobody’s fault, we could not be present for all five days, however, we made the most of the slots that we were given by offering students a chance to become members of the organisations and receive, not only a freshers pack, but also a membership card which entitles students to a number of sport related discounts from a number of our sponsors.

We would also like to note how satisfying it was to once again see Freshers Week full of student activists ready to greet this years Freshers and also second year students who had their Freshers Week under different circumstances. The UM Futsal family is ever growing, thanks to each and every new member. Interested individuals should contact us on our facebook page or website to join and become a member. Lastly, we would like to wish all students all the best with their studies while also encouraging them to get behind their very own Knights in the upcoming Futsal season.

CSA

With the whirlwind of Freshers week last week and hybrid lessons becoming a thing of the future, University life as we know it has become a little different. The Criminology Students’ Association relished in the experience of being able to see some old and new faces in person rather than just over the zoom meetings, we are all very familiar with at this point. 

At our stand last week you could enjoy fun activities, competitions, tips and tricks on how to go  about the criminology course, interactive Q&A sessions with University professors; criminologists, CSA members and much more. We loved being in an inclusive space with other organisations which we are eager to grow stronger relationships with too. If you had not attended the CSA stand last week and have any questions, always feel free to reach out to us on our social platforms, you can find on Facebook and Instagram!

For some helpful tips and tricks of the ‘University’ trade for all you freshers’ out there- click here!

The post Freshers’ Recap: The Orgs Perspective appeared first on The Third Eye.

UESA has officially announced Kris Bajada’s formal resignation from the executive team where he previously held his place as board member for the past year. UESA did not give any reasons to justify the resignation whilst Bajada himself is yet to give any public statement regarding his resignation or any future candidacy. As of now, he has only shared the statement posted by UESA.

Bajada has technically run for KSU President to no avail for the past 2 years as an Independent candidate, albeit last year he dropped out half way through campaigning. Aside from being involved in student activism throughout his student life, Bajada has also been very vocal about his wishes to see an ‘independent KSU’.

KSU has never seen an independent President or a independent majority in the council, whilst SDM has always held a majority within the council. Bajada’s and any other independent candidature would come as a fresh face in the students’ council electoral scene, giving an opportunity for new voices to be heard beyond any organisational thresholds.

Upon contacting Kris Bajada in regards to his resignation he revealed no further information or plans for candidacy. This being said, this article stands as pure speculation arising from Bajada’s past endeavours in the student political scene at University.

The post Is Kris Bajada running for KSU President again? appeared first on The Third Eye.

This Wednesday 6th November the student elections for ITSC took place. A highly diverse and representative council was elected, including representatives of Pulse, SDM and also one independent candidate.

It was the first time this much of a diverse council was elected at ITS and The Third Eye would like to congratulate all candidates on being elected.

The elected members are as follows:

• Maria Ibrahim for SDM
• Keith Bonello for SDM
• Leanne Said for Pulse
• Dylan Vassallo for Pulse
• Chris Mercieca as an Independent candidate

The post Pulse, SDM and independent candidates elected in new ITS Council appeared first on The Third Eye.

Both organisations were thrilled to see that people of all ages attended this event in order to learn more about the stigma that plagues our society. The stand had several activities tied to mental health to help those who attended understand a bit more of what is trying to be promoted.

Art Therapy

Art therapy was available for those who wanted to express their ideas on how they view mental health. Many children drew pictures of superheroes helping those in need. This was very heartwarming to see as it gives us a glimpse of how children have a better grasp of the issue than most adults do.

Animal Therapy

Another therapeutic activity that was available was animal therapy and this was also another huge hit with children. It helped them relax and immediate results were clear. Those who played with the dogs, allowed themselves to be more vulnerable and discuss more about mental health.

Yoga

Yoga was also available to promote exercise and its relation to mental health. It is scientifically proven that physical exercise benefits the state of mind of every human being. This activity attracted a lot of people that either participated or simply watched.

Mental Health Tree

There was also a ‘Mental Health Tree’ which people could write beautiful and endearing thoughts they wanted to share with everyone. It was touching to see all of the messages people had to write to help others who might be going through something.

 The organisations provided them with several statements that were either myths or truths about mental health, to test visitors’ knowledge. It was surprising to see how many people did not know about basic facts on mental health but thankfully, the organisations were there to educate people on the matter and help them understand how crucial it is to break this stigma that surrounds us.

The purpose of the event was definitely fulfilled and all the expectations that the organisations had, were met. One member of one of the organisations said that it was very encouraging to see young children and elderly people, eager to learn about mental health.

It is ok to accept help from professionals. It is ok to go to therapy and it is especially ok to learn how to get help and where to get it from.

The post Mental Health Day | Together appeared first on The Third Eye.

After years of student inactivity within the Faculty of Education, Nicola Kirkpatrick and Ezekiel Xuereb wanted students to be given a voice once again. Having experienced the same futility as students themselves, “MAKE’s main intentions are always that of allowing students concerns to be heard and hopefully resolved,” said Ezekiel Xuereb, Secretary General. Thus, the Malta Association for Knowledge and Education was formed.

MAKE is already proving itself as a genuine link between faculty and student, having already aired two separate issues on behalf of two student groups. That said, they have a brimming agenda promising more student engagement this coming scholastic year. Their Freshers’ Week stand in particular is an excellent opportunity for students to meet and get to know who will be representing them!

Freshers’ Week is just the start however. “The faculty’s first ever Fresher’s Party is set to take place October 12^th and Zumba for Pink October on 19^th October,” said Ezekiel. “We are also planning something for Halloween and a stationary drive for charity in order to give back to the community.”

Excited to know what else does the future hold for MAKE? You can visit them at their stand this Freshers Week for more information, as well as snacks, sweets and freebies for interested members. Also, if the Freshers’ Party got you excited, you’re in luck – tickets for it can be won at their stand too!

Don’t feel frustrated. MAKE your change.

The post MAKE – making changes that you want to see appeared first on The Third Eye.

The majority of students are aged between 18-21 (62%) followed by 22-25 (25%). The results show that females slightly unbalance men by 5% and that out of the 62% of people aged between 18-21 two thirds were female. Almost all of the responses were made by full time students with the majority studying at UoM and Junior College. A large number of students think of themselves as active students with a score of 58%. Other students come off as neutral (28%) and other as non participants, with the latter being the least answered at 14%. The results also show that there are more male students that identify as active students than female students out balancing females by 4% difference. With regards to neutral students, females are in the lead by 21% difference. Inactive students are almost balanced.

Most of the students give 0-3 hours of work per week to their respective organisation/activity with 54% of the population; and are followed by 9+ hours of work per week with 21% of the population. Executive members give most input while subcom members and ex-executives are in the 0-3 hours of work per week range. Some stray few are in the middle range of 3-6 and 6-9 hours. Some notable comments were that there was lack of motivation to work therefore time spent working is drastically reduced – for one specific faculty based organisation. Other students are, or were members of multiple organisations and dedicate 9+ hours of work per week to their respective organisation.

Students prefer to follow current affairs and events through social media and word of mouth and chose to be active by knowing what is happening on campus. A large number of these students also choose to attend events and be active members of an organisation.

24% of participants do not want to join organisations while 51% would like to or are already part of one. The main reasons for not being part of an organisation or for not being active are as follows in order of popularity; Studying, passivity, assignments, lectures and work.

Some outstanding comments:

“Crazy lecture times which stop us from participating in our own extra-curriculars. Also money plays a huge role. Students nowadays want to be paid OR would join the organization if their stipend is increased, if it’s not then most won’t even bother considering student organizations. ”

“Organisations’ activities must be engaging. unfortunately the quality of people joining organisations and their output has fallen in recent years.”

“Maltese People are not nice to foreigners”

“The climate of current student activism…” “It’s not honest, it’s not genuine…” “not working with genuine people would annoy me…”

“Association with political parties including sdm and pulse”

“Gozitans who are currently residing in Gozo which results in not being able to attend events in Malta due to distance”

Feel free to discuss in the comments section!

The post Here is what Students think about Activism appeared first on The Third Eye.

Following February’s deadly mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, a nationwide school walkout was held on Wednesday at 10am in all time zones. Intended to last 17 minutes, representing the 17 lives lost at Parkland, thousands of students marched out of their schools in protest to get their message across; enough is enough. The March For Our Lives movement was created by the surviving victims of the Parkland shooting, and has since catapulted in fame and dialogue, creating the #NeverAgain hashtag which trended on Twitter.

After being silent victims for so long, they are bravely standing up to be counted. Adults, voters, and legislators in the United States have failed them time and time again, so when yet another senseless tragedy occurred, they retaliated in an incredible manner.  Their message is clear – they are demanding stricter gun laws, and want to be the last high school shooting in America.

The way these students have organised themselves is remarkable. What is truly exceptional is the resilient manner and maturity with which they have armed themselves. The movement quotes statistics and facts. They respond to interviews in the most composed demeanour. Even more striking; they are presenting a united front. They have managed to do what others failed to do – organise and act accordingly. While they are often dismissed in a demeaning way as ‘just teenagers’, they have managed to coordinate these walkouts all across the country, and their peers have trusted them and obliged.

It is exactly their attitude that the rest of us, students around the world, should take on. Students are supposed to be the vibrant, energetic, catalyst for change. The younger generations should be deemed as being aware of their society, of its wrongs and shortcomings. However, if one takes a look at the situation in Malta, the complete opposite comes out. Student activism is critically apathetic. We have the toxic tendency to simply align with one of the major political parties and only act up when they pull our strings. We have proven repeatedly, that we’re programmed to only speak up when it results in a political gain. Worse still, student activism is simply seen as a gateway to enhancing our CVs, without fully taking on the responsibility and intention to move our university, or our society, forward.

When push comes to shove, are we able to rise up and act as one? Or are we too politically partisan to put aside our beliefs and simply fight for what’s right?  American high school students have taught us all a lesson on bravery, maturity and justice. If the need arises, would we be able to do the same?

The post Of Student Activism and Bravery appeared first on The Third Eye.