Pulse official position on the American University of Malta by Pulse Malta

Press Release

Pulse in favour of investment in tertiary education. Following the announcement of the American University of Malta, and the subsequent reactions, Pulse expresses its satisfaction at the Government’s decision to issue a public call for alternative sites to be considered instead of the proposed area at Żonqor Point in Marsaskala. Pulse believes that the Government’s forthcoming attitude should form the basis of discussions between all parties involved in order to reach a consensus on a site which could be used to site this foreign direct investment. Throughout the past weeks, Pulse has been following the discussion and taking a proactive stance by requesting KSU’s Social Policy Commission to set up an ad-hoc committee to study the issues at hand and serve as an ofﬁcial link with all concerned parties, including by drawing up its own alternatives to the Government. Pulse is satisﬁed that its proposal has been taken on board, and that this committee will be formed. Concurrently, Pulse has undergone an internal evaluation of the key issues being discussed in order to reach an official position on these matters.

Need for regeneration in the southern part of Malta: Pulse notes with satisfaction that the Government is focusing on the need for social and economic regeneration in parts of Malta which have been lacking development in the past few years, including Gozo and the southern part of Malta. Pulse is in favour of the principle that there is a need for a serious strategy to give a new lease of life to these areas which have yet to benefit from the economic diversification, and unfortunately are still suffering the effects of post-industrialisation. Pulse in principle therefore welcomes the idea of foreign direct investment being directed to large-scale projects in these areas. In particular, Pulse agrees that the idea of having a new University campus can generate the economic activity necessary to regenerate the area and improve the social and economic conditions of the residents.

Therefore, while holding its position against the development of the project in an ODZ area, Pulse declares itself in favour of the notion of a University being set up in the south. For this reason, the organisation looks forward to contributing in the Ad-Hoc Committee to propose alternative locations in the south of Malta for the setting-up of the American University of Malta.

Pluralism in Education: Pulse in principle believes that pluralism should be encouraged if students are to beneďŹ t from the competition. However, Pulse is naturally concerned with the sustainability of the University of Malta, and therefore calls upon the Government to continue providing funding, while collaborating with the Administration and professionals to develop alternative methods of income, including a comprehensive research and innovation strategy. With all necessary assurances that the introduction of a new tertiary institution will not have an adverse effect on the overall educational standards, Pulse would be in favour of the principle of pluralism. In this regard, however, Pulse appeals to the University of Malta Administration to engage in discussions with all stakeholders, including both unions representing the academic and non-academic staff, as well as professionals in the different sectors, to develop a strategy on how to increase the competitiveness of the institution, not only with regard to the AUM but also in view of the Barts Medical School in Gozo, and the fact that a further two institutions are currently awaiting to be given a university status. The University must ensure the student body that it is able to face an-ever changing scenario where its monopoly is being challenged.

Conclusion: Pulse believes that while the discussion has been focused almost entirely on the proposed site outside development zone, there are other aspects to this

proposed project which need to be delved into. With this position, Pulse is declaring its stance on some of the most central issues. However, we look forward to continue following the developments in this regard, and contribute in all fora, including KPS to ensure that studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights are safeguarded and their opinions considered throughout the process of the setting up of a new University. `