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CONTENTS

04 Financial Support: An Ongoing Commitment

06 Quality Assurance in Higher Education: A Priority for KSU

09 KSU Goes International Once Again

12 Students’ Fest 2010 Robin Hood

14 Interview With…

16 The Faces of KSU

20 The Betsson Malta Student Gaming Award

23 Examination Stress: Remaining Within The Motivating Stress Zone

26 Kokka Night & The KSU Alumni Society

29 Vox Pop

Il- Kunsill ta’ l-iStudenti Universitarji

Students’ House, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080

Tel: 2134 3085 Fax: 2133 7517 Email: info@ksu.org.mt

Editor: James CassarContributors: KSU Executive

hile thinking about which subject this editorial should present, one particular theme which pops out recurrently in the life of university students is examinations. A short

reflection on this important, yet many a time rather uncomfortable topic, is in order when one considers that examinations are once again just round the corner as this academic year comes closer to its end.

Examinations have been a matter for discussion and controversy for as long as I can remember. Questions such as: ‘Should there be examinations?’ ‘Are there viable alternatives to exams?’ ‘Are examinations fair?’ and so many other, related, thoughts and reflections, have dominated the agenda about testing and assessment. Whatever the right answer to such questions may be – if there is any correct answer that is – students up to now have continued to face the pressure, stress and anxiety which examinations create, especially in the days and months immediately leading to examinations and tests.

Looking at one ‘positive’ point which examinations may have, it can be argued that an examination is over and done with, in an hour or two (or maybe three). It does not drag on over a whole year, and if one studies hard, one should have the conviction that the yearned for mark may somehow be accomplished. Of course this has its counter argument that to get that longed for grade one needs to study for weeks – if not months, before.

Yet, we need to keep in mind that nothing comes easily. Striving for success is part of life and we are all part of the same social system. No student can dream of a special status or an exemption. Examinations form an integral part of the educational system in Malta and we as students have to follow the rules as they are set. So let’s put our goals in the right direction in order to successfully make it through the finish line. That is the only way we can get our qualifications, and this should convince us to do our best in the coming exams.

Good luck to us all.

James Cassar Public Relations Officer

EDITORIAL

Front cover photo by: Pierre D. Zammit | pdzphotography@gmail.com | www.pierredz.com

04

tudents from every faculty are faced with substantial costs when it comes to

completing projects or assignments, like in the Architecture Faculty to give but one example, where a lot of money is spent on the materials necessary for the construction of models and so forth. Carrying out research for the purpose of one’s thesis is, unfortunately, also bound to be a costly affair. Students may also wish to attend conferences overseas which could be of help to in relation to their course work. All these activities come with a cost and this is why the Student Opportunity Fund came into action during the academic year 2009-2010.

This Fund, amounting to €25,000, was set up to be allocated to students who have incurred any such costs related to their course at the University and was immediately a success in its first year of operation. During the first semester of this academic year, 35 students applied to benefit from the Student Opportunity Fund, and all students were

found eligible. KSU was glad to award these students the significant amount of €8085. The board handling the allocation of funds is currently reviewing the applications of the students who are to be awarded at the end of the second semester.

As can be seen in the bar chart, which incorporates applicants from both semesters, the students who applied to benefit from the Fund came from a wide range of different courses. The highest percentage of applicants was from the Bachelor of Commerce course, closely followed by students from B.Sc. Biology and Chemistry and B.E & A.

After the success of the Student Opportunity Fund throughout this academic year, KSU is proud to be extending this plan and promoting it further in the hope of making many more students aware of what they stand to gain from it.

In addition to the Student Opportunity Fund, next academic

year will see the introduction of the New Resources Fund. This is a new fund amounting to €10,000 which will be specifically allocated to the enhancement of the resources in the University library. The greatest benefit of this new Fund is that it is the students who are going to request the material to which these funds are allocated. If a student is in need of a particular text for the purpose of his or her studies or research, which is unavailable in the library, that student will be able to fill in a request form for the required text. After the review and acceptance of the request, KSU will purchase the book using the New Resources Fund and place it in the library for the use of all students. This Fund not only satisfies the present needs of the students but also ensures that the benefits of the investment will continue to be felt by future students making use of the library’s resources at the University of Malta.

Martina GaleaFinancial Officer (Elect)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: AN ONGOING COMMITMENT

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Being a student often comes with stretched bank accounts and with that familiar feeling

of relief at the end of the month when stipends finally come in. Though we are very

grateful for that financial aid, more often than not; it is

simply not enough.

06

Quality Assurance (QA) has always been at the forefront of KSU’s Agenda. It is also something which the University of Malta should improve

if it is to attract private investors. In return this will ensure that Malta’s reputation for excellent

further and higher education is safeguarded.

QUALITy ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A PRIORITy FOR KSU

n the March edition of @KSU I spoke about the ‘Anonymous’ Study-unit

Feedback Campaign that KSU has launched. First and foremost I would like to thank all those students who participated in this exercise. KSU has now also met with the Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs and the staff from APQRU to discuss the outcome of this project and what actions are being taken following the feedback given by students.

Two months later the topic is once again QA yet, at a more generic level. In fact; whereas the aim of the Study-unit feedback was to assess particular Study-units and their lecturers, the project discussed below was conducted to study the general situation on campus.

In April 2010 the Education Commission launched a project to study the level of accountability vis-à-vis lecturers and related issues at our University. This study is being carried out because KSU received several complaints

directly related to the study through the You Complain You Gain campaign.

A survey was prepared by the Commission as a result of several discussions and meetings. Hard copies of this survey were available at the KSU office, and from all student representatives. The survey was also available online on the KSU website. A campaign was initiated to encourage students to participate in this study.

The survey consisted of fifteen statements for which students had to choose an answer ranging from: strongly agree, agree, strongly disagree, disagree, not applicable. The necessary precautions were taken so that only one answer could be submitted from one particular computer. Apt to note is the fact that this study was also extended to Junior College.

The results of this survey are now being analysed and will be published in a report by the Education Commission. This report

will be presented to the relevant authorities later on this year.

No one should consider this project as a mud-slinging campaign against lecturers. We truly believe that several lecturers carry out their work with dedication and in a professional way. However as pointed out above, numerous complaints regarding certain issues have been received. These have to be tackled for the benefit of the students and the University per se.

This project is one of the several other initiatives which have been conducted this year in the field. This shows that Education remains the main pillar and aim of this council.

On behalf of KSU I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Student Organisations and Student Representatives for their support.

Students with any queries can contact us on education@ksu.org.mt Karl AgiusEducation Commissioner

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09

his convention was organised by NIUS (National Israeli Union

of Students), the National Union of Students (NUS) in Israel. It was aimed to enhance the relationships between the MedNet members, who share a common vision and history, as well as discuss MedNet priorities during the coming year.

KSU was one of the founding members of MedNet and is very active within such a network, therefore it was vital for the incoming International Officers to be introduced to the other Mednet members so as to maintain the strong relationship, that other KSU officers have

established, and continue working in the better interest of these NUSs. Other NUSs which participated in this event include FAGE (France), FAIRe (Portugal), SUS (Serbia), CSE (Croatia), UBS (Bulgaria), NASC (Bulgaria), LUS (Luxembourg).

The first part of the Board Meeting (BM) consisted of a series of brainstorming activities and workshops in order to come up with what MedNet should be. This resulted in a number of proposals that could improve the network. It was decided that the structural aspect of MedNet should be improved: amending the statute and translating it in all the languages of the Unions

represented in MedNet, so as to have this network even more close to all the students of the participating countries. A secretariat will now be set up in Malta, mainly dealing with finance issues such as tapping funds in order to organise activities, and also dealing with other general issues like the uploading of MedNet’s new website. After tackling the structural priorities of MedNet, the goals of the network were discussed.

The first goal of MedNet will be that of more dialogue by introducing a common platform where all members could gather information that would ultimately lead to more cooperation between the Unions.

The second goal will be to define MedNet and its Coordinating Committee (CC): the role they should take in order to serve the students they represent in a better way.

KSU GOES INTERNATIONAL ONCE AGAINKSU International Officer Nadya Papagiorcopulo, KSU incoming International Officer, Larkin Zahra and KSU incoming International Coordinator, Francesca Scicluna attended a MedNet Convention held in Israel between Thursday 22nd April and Wednesday 28th April in Israel.

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The third goal is to keep history of MedNet, as to build-up on the good things that have been done.

The fourth and last goal that came out from the Israel BM is that MedNet should be more active in issues that are related to the Mediterranean, including student mobility.

These priorities will be achieved by several tools. The main tool is the appointment of a director for MedNet in order to lead the network in order to achieve the abovementioned goals. There will be an update of the information if old NUS’s while there will also be a search for new NUS’s so that MedNet would be more representative. A calendar of events for the upcoming year was discussed and approved during the BM as well. There will also be the sharing of best practices between the NUS’s, thus directly benefitting the students.Three final projects were agreed

upon. In the near future, every NUS will organise a MedNet Day: a day where the network will be promoted in several ways. Including guest speakers and information stands amongst others. A number of training sessions will be organised between different NUS’s, both on a local level and on a national scale. This will ultimately lead to more mobility of students. The last project what the NUS’s within MedNet committed to do is to try and find a sponsor. The income that will be generated will help MedNet organise such activities.

NIUS, the hosting NUS, balanced the meeting between BM discussions and cultural visits around Israel. The students had a chance to visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, two very contrasting cities. Nights at the kibbutz “Gaddot”, an agricultural community synonym with traditional Israeli life, also featured. A visit to the town of

Sderot, which is only 800m away from Gaza, was characterised with visits at diverse shelters all around the town. The Maltese delegation also had a chance to meet the student Union at the Sapir College. A number of lectures were also included, one of which was with the Israeli Minister of Minorities Prof Avishay Braverman about Human Rights. The student representatives also had the opportunity to meet the vice major of Tel Aviv Mr. Assaf Zamir.

In the last part, the external representation of MedNet was discussed. It was decided that the MedNet countries should unite in their mission to secure the best interests for their students. The MedNet Board Meeting was focused on establishing goals. Priority was given to define what MedNet is and what/ who it represents. Geography, history and polices is what therefore brings MedNet together. A continuous dialogue is fundamental for the network to improve. Communication is important and exchanging information between the different NUSs is considered a very important platform.

Nadya Papagiorcopulo International Officer

Larkin ZahraInternational Officer (Elect)

Francesca Scicluna International Co-ordinator (Elect)

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tudents and ex-students alike look forward to taking part, helping,

rehearsing, socializing and simply attending the event.

Year in year out, the show changes in concept. This year we dared to embark on the challenging task of writing an original story that took a spin on Robin Hood. We dare to say that it turned out to be quite a Pantomime and a good one too, considering that it was produced in a matter of three weeks!

The performance was colourful, energetic and hilarious. The role of Robin Hood was played by Franklin Cachia whose voice and talent in dance suited the merge between Elvis and the classic character of Robin Hood. Flanking Robin was Big Boy Little John played by Rodney Gauci whose comic timing cracked the audience up at every entrance. In our case the real boss of the Merry Men was Dun Tuck, played by Luke Galea, who took our breath way with his interpretation of

the Eurovision Song ‘Dum Tekk Tekk’. Narrating the original story was Ronald Briffa who needs no introduction and who made the twenty seventh edition of Students Fest an inexplicably funny one; together with Sean Buhagiar, Chris Scicluna and Frank Zammit.

Helping Maid Marian (Martina Galea) marry Robin was Stephanie Soler playing the Role of Miss Luscious. The duo amazed both the audience and the cast with their amazing voices and charisma. Fighting good were the talented and convincingly Evil Gang which consisted of Prince Norman, Consie and Daffy (Mirko Portelli, Petra Sant and Daphne Ann Grech).

What is Students’ Fest with out a man in tights and lipstick? Luke Dalli was the man…or should I say the woman?? Mr Dalli played the role of Miss Lil’ Fufu; Robin Hood’s mother who surprised the audience with her bombastic costumes. Miss Lil’ Fufu towered over the rest of the cast with her 6 inch heels and

6 foot chubby body… let’s just say that her presence on stage was more than evident. Last but not least is the 100 plus amazingly talented cast and of course Daniel ‘l-ghasfur ta Thea’.

Friends, random dancing fits, endless hours spent together and waking up on campus and picnics in Herbush Forest are a few of the memories that we will be left with after this year’s performance. We would like to thank all those who made it possible especially our families whose patience is much appreciated.

The enthusiasm of this year’s cast hasn’t yet fizzled out, and their presence on stage will be seen in the coming months, some in various productions around the island and some in productions they are currently working on together.

Our suggestion is to look out for these people because Students’ Fest was just a launching pad for them and their amazing talent.

Neil FerrisCulture and Entertainment Officer

Samaria BezzinaCulture and Entertainment Co-ordinator

STUDENTS’ FEST 2010 - ROBIN HOODLike every year many are those who look forward to the annual Students fest organised by the culture and entertainment office at KSU.

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What are the most important things that one must take into consideration when applying for a job? One must make sure that his Covering Letter and Curriculum Vitae are a good representation of oneself. Therefore, prior to applying, review these documents and make sure that they give value to your profile. It is important that one applies for jobs that are really of interest to him/her, therefore prior to applying understand what the advert is saying and also research some basic information about the company. The collected information may also be used during the interview.

When would the best time be for students to consider job-hunting for summer opportunities?April would be the best time to start looking for a summer job. Easter time marks the beginning of a steady increase in demand within the tourism industry; therefore in April companies would be looking to start recruiting for the summer period.

In your opinion, what would be an ideal summer job for a University student?The use of a summer job is to provide the student with vital entry level experience. From each experience one will learn different things. For example, jobs in the tourism industry provide students with customer relations and team work skills. On the other hand an office based job gives students an insight on how an office and a business operate.

Why do you think that students often complain about having difficulties with finding summer jobs?The working world is somewhat different from the academic world. In the initial stages of the working life it is normal to find difficulty in finding a full-time job; this is also true for summer jobs. Students would prefer to find summer employment in their field of specialisation; however, they must keep in mind that they would gain valuable skills from all jobs they work in. Some of these are: working in a team, dealing with clients and customers as well as multi-tasking.

Do you believe that there is a sizable number of students who participate in the labour market without paying NI contribution? If so, why is this happening and what can be done to regularise this issue? Authorities are trying their best to make sure that all participants in the labour market are paying their NI Contribution. Students should keep in mind that paying the NI contribution and regularising their position is in their own interest. Education here plays an important role in order to instruct both employers and employees what benefits such a contribution offers.

What safeguards should be implemented to ensure that temporary workers are not exploited? Recent changes in legislation are aimed at bringing parity between full-time workers and part-time or temporary employees. These changes will give more rights to all employees alike.

Michela BoffaEducation Commissioner (Elect)

INTERvIEw wITH…As the second semester quickly draws to an end, and exams are looming on the horizon, beyond the panic of coping with assignments, presentations and studying for exams, many students start looking forward to the summer season. Sun, sea and lazing about, are what students look out for at this time of year. However, many of us need a job to sustain our lifestyle, and this is when job hunting becomes a major issue. With this in mind, I asked Gerhardt Camilleri, HR Executive at MISCO some questions about summer jobs…

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THE FACES OF KSU

Name: Carl GrEChAge: 21Course/ year: LLD 1st yearRole: PresidentFavourite Song: X&Y - ColdplayRole Model: CiceroRandom Fact: I’ve always wanted to learn how to fly planes, I just haven’t gotten around to doing it, yet.

Name: JamES CaSSarAge: 21Course/ year: B.Ed Italian and Geography 3rd yearRole: Vice PresidentFavourite Song: The 15th - FischerspoonerRole Model: All my friends who live a normal life.Random Fact: I hate the beach and water.

Name: Karl aGiuSAge: 22Course/ year: M.Sc. (Biology) 1st yearRole: Secretary GeneralFavourite Song: Ordinary World - Duran Duran Role Model: ConfuciusRandom Fact: I spend most of my free time studying about plants and their distribution.

Name: marTiNa GalEaAge: 21Course/ year: Bachelor of Commerce 3rd yearRole: Financial OfficerFavourite Song: Iris - Goo goo dollsRole Model: Not exactly my role model but someone I admire very much for her drive, business sense, consistency and pure talent is Beyonce.Random Fact: I played the piano for most of my life until I was 16 years old

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Name: raChEl CaSSarAge: 21Course/ year: Masters in Creativity and Innovation Role: Public Relations OfficerFavourite Song: Not Me Not I - Delta Goodrem Role Model: My dad Random Fact: I’m orange belt in Aikido (Martial Arts)

Name: mariO CaChiaAge: 20Course/ year: LL.B. with European Studies 2nd YearRole: Culture and Entertainment OfficerFavourite Song: Nessun Rimpianto - 883Role Models: My ParentsRandom Fact: Used to teach Catechism at MUSEUM until a couple of years ago.

Name: STEphaNiE SOlErAge: 19Course/ year: Law with European studies 2nd yearRole: Culture and Entertainment Co-ordinator Favourite Song: I don’t have any one in particular… I like loads!Role Model: My parents Random Fact: My nannu was born 99 years before me!

Name: larKiN ZahraAge: 20Course/ year: B. European Studies (Hons.) with Geography 3rd yearRole: International OfficerFavourite Song: All the right moves - One RepublicRole Model: Roberto Saviano - one of the few who are ready to risk their lives for saying the truth.Random Fact: Travelling is the thing I look forward to most.

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Name: miChEla BOffaAge: 19 Course/ year: European Studies with Communications 2nd yearRole: KPS Commissioner Favourite Song: Collide - Howie DayRole Model: My parents Random Fact: I like to go scuba diving in summer.

Name: aNGElO miCallEfAge: 24Course/ year: LLD II 2nd yearRole: KE CommissionerFavourite Song: Tell Me Why - SupermodeRole Model: My parents for upholding their values.Random Fact: I have almost any item imaginable in red since I adore it as a colour.

Name: fraNCESCa SCiCluNaAge: 21Course/ year: Bachelor of Architecture & Civil Engineering 3rd yearRole: International Co-ordinator Favourite Song: All these things that I’ve done - The KillersRole Model: Le CorbusierRandom Fact: When I was a child, I used to draw most things in purple and yellow.

Name: maTThEw BONETTAge:19 Course/ year: European Studies with Communications 2nd yearRole: KPS Co-ordinator Favourite Song: Meet me Halfway - Black Eyed PeasRole Model: Nelson MandelaRandom Fact: Sunny weather makes me feel good.

Name: rOBErTa riZZOAge: 21Course: Bsc Biology and Chemistry 3rd yearRole: Education Co-ordinatorFavourite Song: Come What May - Moulin RougeRole Model: My motherRandom Fact: I love cooking especially sweets and chocolates!

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etsson Malta Ltd establishes annual student award and

cash prize to the best gaming related dissertation. With a long history in the gaming industry and established in Malta since 2006 Betsson has decided to create a Student Award that focuses on recognizing achievement in gaming research.

Social responsibility is an important aspect of Betsson’s day to day operations in relation to customers as well as employees. In fact Betsson won the Most Socially Responsible Operator of the year award in London, 2009.

Betsson already supports research into gambling and problem gambling and is very happy to announce the launch of the student award in Malta. Betsson is working in association with the University of Malta and has the support of the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA). The Malta University Student Council (KSU) is helping to raise awareness of the award amongst students.

The University recognises social responsibility as one of its main missions and views its collaboration with Betsson as an important contribution towards this objective. It invites other companies involved in the industry to participate in similar initiatives by supporting collaborative research with the University in related areas. The

University also welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the LGA.

The LGA acknowledges its commitment towards responsible gaming and gives utmost priority to the social perspective of gaming. It is dedicated to preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable groups, and encourages research and implementation of effective programs for prevention and education.

To be eligible, the applicant must have submitted their dissertation as part of their work towards a university degree at the University of Malta. Dissertations from all disciplines are welcome as long as the research relates in some way to gaming. (For the purpose of the award “gaming” is defined according to the Malta Lotteries and Other Games Act, 2001, which implies that it relates to a game of chance and skill, that is “a game for money and, or prizes with a monetary value, the results of which are not totally accidental but depend, to a certain extent on the skill of the participant”.) For this, the very first issue of The Betsson Gaming Award; submissions of all dissertations relating to gaming, irrelevant of which year they were approved and graded by the University of Malta, are welcome. All submissions must be sent in soft copy (in pdf format) to studentawardmalta@betsson.com together with a single

page document providing the participant’s contact details and explaining the contribution of the dissertation to the field of gaming.

Deadline for submission for the 2010 award is the 9th of July. The submissions will be assessed by an independent interdisciplinary panel of experts on the basis of their relevance and their applicability to the gaming industry. The panel will judge the overall quality of the dissertations with particular emphasis on the following points:• New research• Relevance• Applicability to practice• Applicability to theory• Demonstration of knowledge• Analytical ability• Is the dissertation stimulating and challenging.

The best candidates will be selected and invited to present their work to the panel at an event open to the public, which will be held during September 2010. The winner will be announced and the prize of €1,500 will be awarded during this event.

The winner will be selected on the basis of both the dissertation and presentation, and the panel’s decision will be final.

Kindly forward any questions regarding the award to:Ms. Hillevi Stuhrenberg,Manager for Responsible Gaming and CSR, Betsson: hillevi.stuhrenberg@betsson.com

THE BETSSON MALTA STUDENT AwARD

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manda, an outgoing, cheerful and lively student, appeared to

have become a different kind person in a matter of weeks. She become more withdrawn, moody and irritable, finding it difficult to concentrate, with worrying and preoccupying thoughts constantly on her mind.

She feels frequently tired and has recurring headaches, while an unusual lingering cold refuses to go away. Her sleep has become more disturbed, her eating less healthy with constant nibbling and more coffee and alcohol, while she abandoned her visits to the gym.

Thoughts of inadequacy and failure frequently cross her mind, and she has become very sensitive and easily touched by remarks and comments by those around her. Nobody seems to care. She has been having frequent arguments with her mother and older sister. She finds herself thinking whether these examinations are worth it after all.

If you find yourself identifying in some way with Amanda and her high level of anxiety now that examination time is drawing near, this should not come as a surprise. About two-thirds of Maltese university students

find student life stressful or very stressful, while over 80% find tests and examinations the most stressful aspect of University life. The examination period can be a difficult time for many students, resulting in negative thoughts and feelings, unhealthy habits and depressed performance in examinations.

Psychologists Janice Kiecolt Glaser and Robert Glaser have repeatedly shown that university students are more bothered by physical symptoms such as colds at the end of the semester when examinations are due. They also found however, that psychological resources such as sense of control and optimism provided protection from the adverse effects of stress. Amanda’s experience in the face of final examinations is not an inevitable reality, but the experience of a student who is finding it very difficult to cope.

Stress can actually be good for students, helping them to mobilise their resources to use their study time more effectively and to get better grades. Having no exams and deadlines may lead many of us to take a laid-back, laissez-faire, can-wait-till-tomorrow kind of attitude.

The Yerkes-Dodgson curve in psychology suggests that no

stress might lead to lack of effort and motivation, while moderate levels of anxiety usually lead to optimal performance. The curve also shows that a high level of stress on the other hand, can be counterproductive and disempowering, with our energies focused on dealing with the anxiety it generates than on solving or alleviating the problem. The secret therefore is to know your threshold between motivating stress and disabling stress, seeking to keep within the motivating stress zone, to control and manage stress rather than being controlled and overwhelmed by it. Stress is inevitable in student life, particularly during exam time, but we can use it to our advantage if we know how to manage it effectively.

Know your body and recognise the messages it is sending you. The first step in dealing effectively with stress is to recognise that you are stressed and how your thoughts, feelings and behaviour are being influenced by it. This will help you to determine your optimum level of stress, being able to decide when stress is no longer good for you and becomes a problem, and

EXAMINATION STRESS: REMAINING wITHIN THE MOTIvATING STRESS ZONE

TIPS FOR REMAINING wITHIN THE MOTIvATING STRESS ZONE

24

thus being able to return to the stress-as-motivator zone.

Use a balanced mode of coping, matched to your needs, taking action to reduce the stressors while seeking to regulate your emotions, calm your nerves and relax your body.

Make a plan on what needs to be done, how this could be done, and how the time available to do it can be managed effectively. This will not only serve to solve the problem directly, but will also give you a sense of control, a very good antidote against anxiety. Find your most useful way to learning, such as using flow charts to organise information, studying with a friend, teaching important material to your cat, virtual pet or sibling (against a donation in the latter case), organising a live presentation on the webcam, and using mnemonic techniques to cope with those 100 multiple choice questions. Reward yourself for your efforts with frequent

breaks engaged in pleasurable activities, and visualise every now and then the holiday time just round the corner.

Find time to regulate your emotions, such as seeking emotional support from a close relative or friend, going out with friends, reaching out to your iPod, chatting, surfing, or watching a favourite tv programme or a dvd, taking care of your body and exercising (see below).

Know your weaknesses and strengths in seeking to cope with the situation. If you find yourself overeating when under pressure, make sure you have around you lots of varied fresh fruit and water, while making unhealthy, fatty foods less accessible. Be careful about comparing yourself with others, everyone has his and her own ways and methods of dealing with the situation. What works for your colleague may not necessarily work for you.

Take care of your body, and recruit its support to help the brain work more efficiently and productively: get enough sleep; avoid drugs and alcohol and other quick fix solutions; have a balanced diet with plenty of water and fruit (caffeine increases the anxiety level, while water relaxes the body and helps concentration); engage in regular exercise (it helps to remove psychological toxins from the body while replenishing the brain with creative energy); and engage

in body and mind relaxation, such as progressive relaxation, meditation or yoga.

Make good use of your social support network. This not only helps to see things more in perspective and as less stressful, and to feel better about yourself, but it also enhance your coping skills, such as providing instrumental support with your studies.

Challenge irrational and catastrophic thoughts about yourself and your ability, and see such thoughts for what they really are-one of the negative side effects of stress. Remind yourself frequently that things are under control, that you are going to make it, that you are able to make it, and that you have what it takes to do it, while keeping your expectations realistic. You have been there before. Do your best and that is what matters.

Finally surf the net for more information on exam stress and stress management. There are hundreds of sites offering practical tips on dealing with exam stress. The counselling services also offer a stress management programme for students just before exam time - why not give it a try?

Carmel CefaiDirector European Centre for Educational Resilience and Socio-Emotional HealthUniversity of Malta

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he night consisted of an award winning ceremony, as it was only appropriate

to award such students for their hard work and efforts. Students were allowed to nominate their fellow students or organizations for such an occasion. These nominations were then passed on to a judging panel responsible to select the right candidate for each award.

The following are the ten awards that were presented on the night:

Kokka Sportiva was offered to that student who has shown great appreciation and commitment to the sport performed. This award was given to Alessandra Pace who earlier this year broke a national record in athletics.

The Kokka Internazzjonali was intended to reward that International student who shows great involvement in local activities and this year the award went to the Italian student Andrea Girardi who has always shown active participation during his time in Malta.

What’s Their Names were the winners of the Kokka

Kulturali award. Starting off as a collaboration between a group of friends and fellow actors, this organization continues to increase its publicity amongst University students as well as finding alternative ways of engaging the student population in theatre.

Kokka Ekologika was aimed at a student or student organization mostly active in promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. The award this year went to Malcolm Borg, on behalf of Greenhouse, who has worked hard to promote a greener policy on Campus making University students more conscious of the need to take care of the environment.

Kokka Ħabrieka was awarded to Abigail Cremona who throughout this year has shown great

enthusiasm and determination in her work as president of Għaqda Studenti tal-Kriminologija (GħSK), transforming a practically dormant organization into a very productive one.

Kokka Innovattiva was awarded to a new voluntary organization Get Up Stand Up that has moved away from the general aims of most student organizations and took a more holistic approach to society. The initial focus of the group has been on improving the conditions of immigrants, spreading awareness about human rights and campaigning for improved inter-cultural relations. Other social issues it tackles are the environment, education and poverty.

Kokka Qalbiena acknowledges social conscience, charity or

KOKKA NIGHT &THE KSU ALUMNI SOCIETyFor the second time round Kokka Night was another success. It was held at the Grand Salon, Museum of Archeology in Valletta on Sunday 2nd May with the aim of acknowledging the great participation and enthusiasm of students towards several activities held on Campus throughout the year or others that give their heart and soul within student organizations.

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voluntary work carried out by a student. This year it was Simon Mifsud’s turn to receive this award. During an educational trip to London organized by the Association of Students of Commercial Studies (ASCS), one student was seriously injured. Simon, being the president of the organization, has shown great leadership skills and maturity in dealing with such a situation and out of his own will offered to remain with the student till he was perfectly fit to travel back.

Kokka Akkademika was given to Luke Lapira, an architecture student who apart from being extremely studious, shows genuine interest, which he applies wholeheartedly to his studies.

Kokka Onorarja was specifically aimed at a KSU Alumni. This year it was only appropriate to present this award to Professor Gwido DeMarco who was a KSU member for six years during his time at University. Professor DeMarco has always shown immense dedication and interest towards law students, whom he lectures with great enthusiasm and devotion, and other students in general.

The prestigious award Kokka tas-Sena was awarded to Janet Barthet who throughout the years has never ceased to help out in various initiatives. Apart from the voluntary work carried out, Janet has also raised awareness by donating her hair to the Locks of Love charity foundation in America, a foundation that uses

locks of hair to transform them into wigs for children afflicted by cancer. Through her generous deed Janet has also encouraged several others to do the same.

Another remarkable moment of the night was the launch of the KSU Alumni Society. Throughout the years and in most events organized, KSU has always sought the help, guidance and approach of those Executive members who in previous years have diligently served the Council and the students it represents.

Statutorily, one may serve in the Executive Committee of the Kunsill ta’ l-iStudenti Universitarji for a period of one year. However by personal choice and through popular vote, some may decide to serve another year in the KSU Executive Committee. The KSU Alumni Society will thus create an environment whereby those Executive members who have served their term but who still wish to aid the Council and the University student body in general can do so.

As the oldest student council in Europe, KSU has through the years contributed to an integral part of Malta’s political, social and educational history. KSU started out in 1901 as the Comitato Permanente Universitario on the initiative of Arturo Mercieca (later Chief Justice). During the British colonisation of Malta the Council changed its name to Student Representative Council and later became known as il-Kunsill ta’

l-iStudenti Universitarji until this present day. Many prominent Maltese professionals including politicians, entrapreneurs, businessmen, philanthropists, historians and others have all been active student representatives within KSU.

Another intiative which KSU this year has taken in order to commemorate its prestigious history is the publication of a collection of memoirs, contributions and historical notes which highlight its past. This publication aims to be the first one of its kind which narrates the Council’s 110-year old history.All in all, the Alumni Society will help to highlight the importance of student activism in today’s social sphere.

By bringing to light those episodes, both good and bad which mark the development and progress of University students throughout the decades, the Society wishes to renew the sense of continuity and belonging that students nowadays should experience with regards ex-students who have shaped University culture as it is today.

Neil FerrisCulture and Entertainment Officer

Samaria BezzinaCulture and Entertainment Co-ordinator

vivienne BajadaSecretary General

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vOX POP…Name: DEBOrah VEllaCourse/ year: LL.B 1st yearHow do you tackle stress during exams?Stress is rather difficult to put aside, but as for myself I try and keep myself as busy as possible with things that I love doing such as promoting events which consumes quite a lot of time and whenever possible escaping from getting in contact with any notes.Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?Yes, will be working same place as last summer. what factor do you think hinders students working in summer most? Students hinder working in summer either because they want to catch up on every possible party to relax and enjoy summer or else because they were not able to find a suitable working job that they desired.

Name: SimONETTE farruGia Course/ year: B. Psy (Hons) 2nd yearHow do you tackle stress during exams? Either over-eat or under-eat, phone or meet up with a friend, do a boogie dance in my room to a nice song whilst I’m studying or go for a jog.Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?Not yet, but I filled in an application to work at Skola Sajf, fingers crossed! what factor do you think hinders students working in summer most? Some apply too late for jobs, others may prefer not to work, since it is the only time of the year we have to enjoy ourselves. Maybe because some may opt to go abroad, whatever the reason may be and cannot be guaranteed to have their job afterwards and it is also difficult to find a job in the middle of summer due to this same reason.

Name: myKEl fENECh Course/ year: BA. History and Geography 1st year

How do you tackle stress during exams?Take cold showers and go for nature walks or along the coast.

Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?Yes I have, as an English teacher to foreign students. what factor do you think hinders students

working in summer most? Probably their desire to relax after a year of studies.

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Name: SaSCha rEiff Course/ year: MD 4th year

How do you tackle stress during exams?I spend a day stressing out unable to study, then I panic a bit more, revise

my study timetable, then get back to work.Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?

Yes, I’m working at the same place as last summer.what factor do you think hinders students working in

summer most? Being picky maybe? I think whoever really wants a summer job can

find one. Don’t only think “I don’t want to be a waiter” there are loads of other opportunities! Try finding something which you find interesting or

is related to your future dream job!

Name: liSa aBEla Course/ year: B.Eng. Hons (Mech) 3rd yearHow do you tackle stress during exams?I try to get as much work done as possible before the actual exams start so I don’t panic so much by leaving things for the end. However it is not always possible so I take short breaks and do activities that take my mind off studying, as well as having a good nights sleep. Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?Yes I have. I knew what I wanted to do, so it was pretty easy. what factor do you think hinders students working in summer most?The fact that some employers are not willing to take people just for 3 months. Also since some courses are very demanding compared to others, students might want to relax and have some time off and possibly travel.

Name: lawrENCE farruGia Course/ year: B.Eng. Hons (Mech) 3rd year

How do you tackle stress during exams?Usually I spend some time playing the violin/viola.

Have you found a job for the upcoming summer?No. I am still looking for a job.

what factor do you think hinders students working in summer most?

Probably, the fact that we have quite a stressful course, at least in my case.

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