Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1522096
16 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JUNE 2024 JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Union directives leave MCAST students in the lurch over exam results MCAST students are anxious over what could happen to their exam results in the wake of un- ion directives issued last month to all lecturing and non-lectur- ing staff. With most students having completed their end of year ex- ams, they are now in the dark as to when they will be receiving their results. The Malta Union of Teach- ers ordered industrial action at the college on 10 May follow- ing the failure of negotiations with the college on a new col- lective agreement. The direc- tives, which came into force on 13 May, have caused students to suffer anxiety. All staff at MCAST, includ- ing lecturers, student mentors, senior research officers, techni- cians, learning support educa- tors, student services, directors, and deputy directors, have been ordered not to discuss exam or assessment results with anyone, including students. Mostly, students in their final year working on their disserta- tion have been left with stress, disappointment, and anxiety, as the directives have left them without the necessary guidance and feedback as communication outside of official meetings is prohibited. One student from performing arts at the Mosta campus ex- pressed their devastation: "I'm very devastated that all I have worked for, including my dis- sertation, will not be given a mark." However, they acknowl- edged the teachers' position, stating, "I understand the posi- tion of the teachers since they provide a lot for us and are not paid enough for all the hard work they do." On the Paola campus, a sports student shared their concerns over their thesis submission date, which was rescheduled. "Communication outside of the meetings is prohibited, and work efficiency is heavily being reduced as queries can only be answered during the meetings." While not angered, they admit- ted to feeling stressed and anx- ious due to the situation. As the academic year draws to a close, the uncertainty sur- rounding the completion of coursework and the recognition of their efforts has left many students feeling disheartened and demotivated. "When the government and the teachers don't compromise, the students end up on the wrong side of the equation. They had already can- celled two of my exams, and it's like we have been working all year to reach this state," another student stated. The National Youth Coun- cil has expressed concern over the situation. In a statement it said that while it agreed with the teachers' right to strike, it is unreasonable that students are "once again victims in this situ- ation". "The council urges the Educa- tion Ministry and the MUT to prioritise the swift conclusion of these negotiations and the well-being of educators and stu- dents alike," the council said. Meanwhile, students who have completed their exams and as- signments are on tenterhooks not knowing when they will re- ceive their results.