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 union directives issued last month to all lecturing and non-lecturing staff.

With most students having completed their end of year exams, they are now in the dark as to when they will be receiving their results.

The Malta Union of Teachers ordered industrial action at the college on 10 May following the failure of negotiations with the college on a new collective agreement. The directives, which came into force on 13 May, have caused students to suffer anxiety.

All staff at MCAST, including lecturers, student mentors, senior research officers, technicians, learning support educators, 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 dissertation 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 expressed their devastation: “I’m very devastated that all I have worked for, including my dissertation, will not be given a mark.” However, they acknowledged the teachers’ position, stating, “I understand the position 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 admitted to feeling stressed and anxious due to the situation.

As the academic year draws to a close, the uncertainty surrounding 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 cancelled two of my exams, and it’s like we have been working all year to reach this state,” another student stated.

The National Youth Council 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 situation”.

“The council urges the Education Ministry and the MUT to prioritise the swift conclusion of these negotiations and the well-being of educators and students alike,” the council said.

Meanwhile, students who have completed their exams and assignments are on tenterhooks not knowing when they will receive their results.