About Us

THE ORGANISATION

Making change easier – Tibdiliet maghmulin ehfef. This is the slogan adopted by the new executive of GUG whose main aim us to facilitate the lives of Gozitan students. This slogan reflects the changes in the Gozitan students’ lifestyle, which can be challenging at times.

GUG (Gozo University Group) originated in the 1980s and was then officially recognised in 1987 as a student organization by the Senate of the University of Malta. Since its foundation, GUG has expanded to become more useful and flexible. It became the sole voice for Gozitan youths, students on campus and on a national level, doing its best to work for their interest and safeguard their rights. The Group tries to cater for the particular problems and needs which students may encounter.

It is affiliated to various committees and organizations including the Regional Projects Committee part of Ministry for Gozo, the KPS (Commission for Social Policy), the KNZ (Youth Council of Malta), Agenzija Zghazagh and the Gozo NGO Association. GUG is also striving to affiliate itself with other organizations on a European and global level.

The GUG can also be found on Facebook. There one finds information and news on the Organization and also upcoming events. The updated website also includes information on available apartments in Malta for rent, so as to facilitate the transition of Gozitan students. Additionally, in the website one finds adverts of second hand books or things for sale which can be useful to other students. For more information feel free to contact us on info@gug.org.mt.

This executive is trying hard to accomplish the projects set out in its agenda, to develop new ambitious projects and carry them out. Important values for this executive are impartiality and freedom of expression. Executive members come from different courses resulting in a team that has a wider view and diverse ideas. The Group, being a voice for Gozitan youths, promotes organizations and youths to plan for Gozo’s future. So as to meet the demands of all Gozitan youths and students, GUG attends important meeting, fully participates in discussions and gives its opinion in relevant public consultations.

DIVISIONS

Gozo Liaison Officer

GUG requested that there should be an officer who directly addresses challenges which Gozitan students face in the Council of University Students (KSU). GUG, which represents around 900 University students (10% of all the students), believes that there should be more direct communication between the 2 organizations so problems are solved more efficiently. This was achieved through a proposal for the creation of the post of Gozitan Liaison Officer in the AGM of the KSU in March 2012.

Annual Events

GUG strives to create a balance between entertainment and educational activities catered towards Gozitan Students. A number of our annual events include:

The GUG Grand Annual Christmas Ball
Wicked Wednesdays
Ritzu Saturdays
Gozo Week

A number of interesting talks and discussions in collaboration with other organisational entities are also planned throughout the year, to encompass the various interests of students.

Student Grants

GUG is the only student organization providing support to Gozitan students studying at the University of Malta. Should you have any queries on how to apply to the available grants, please do not hesitate to contact us through our social media or any member of our executive.

Gozo Campus / Exams in Gozo

GUG has always stressed and pushed for the need to invest more in the Gozo campus. A step forward was when Prof. Joe Friggieri was put in charge of the Gozo campus, as Pro-Rector. GUG also achieved the proposal for exams which was held in Gozo in May 2012, through months of hard work, pressure and discussions with the University Council.

For the May/June 2014 examinations the percentage of Gozitan students who have the opportunity to sit for their examinations in Gozo has reached 100%. We will continue working until all of the Gozitan students have this opportunity. Hard work truly pays off!

With regards to the assignments that need to be handed in during the exam period, Gozitan students are able to send a soft copy to the lecturer, once they have commuted to Malta, they can hand in the hard copy. This will make it easier for students who are sitting for their written exams in Gozo as they will not need to spend time travelling in order to hand in a hard copy of their assignment.

Transport

In the wake of public transport reform, GUG has continually attempted its best for there to be a route from Cirkewwa to University and vice versa, which would operate in line with the Gozo Channel’s schedule. After many years of constant meetings and discussions, GUG is proud to highlight its recent achievements in improving transport services over the past years, which include:

– Introduction of a direct bus route from Msida to the Fast Ferry via the 300 bus route
– Introduction of a direct bus route from Msida to Ċirkewwa via the X300 bus route
– Currently working to arrange specific times for the X1A route to cater to MCAST Paola students

We acknowledge that the service is still far from perfect, and we remain committed to listening to any complaints and working to the best of our abilities to improve the transport experience for all students.

Gozo Week

Every year, GUG organises Gozo Week at the University Quad. For a whole week, one could notice six stands which portrayed Gozitan life. The events during the week were aimed at promoting Gozo and Gozitan culture. GUG organises a number of talks and debates regarding the current topics which affect Gozitan students and youths. GUG believes in youths being the driving force for the improving future of Gozo and aims to make them more aware of their role in society and urges authorities to take the same approach. On showcase, were also some examples of Gozitan talent which kept the students entertained throughout the week.

Fresher's Week

On a yearly basis, GUG is present on Quad within KSU’s Fresher’s Week. During this week, we are best able to hear your complaints and suggestions for us to work harder and disseminate your complaints and proposals to the relevant authorities. This time is also utilised to accept applications for our Membership Card, which includes within it various freebies, discounts and our locally designed tote bag.