Actions pertaining the academic programme

These guidelines are designed to guide students in matters pertaining the academic programme as we open the College doors in this time of pandemic

Version 1 | 05 October 2020 



Second year students will start attending the College during the week starting Monday 12 October. Students will have one session per subject during the week. During these orientation sessions, your tutors will clearly explain how each department will be functioning throughout the year and what is expected of you. 

First year students will start attending the College during the week starting Monday 19 October. Students will have one session per subject during the week. Second year students do not have any sessions during this week. During these orientation sessions, your tutors will clearly explain how each department will be functioning throughout the year and what is expected of you. 

All students are required to check the JC webpage regarding the sessions they are required to attend during the respective first week at the College. Second year meetings have been published already. First year meetings will be communicated soon.

It is important that after these two orientation weeks all students are prepared to receive their tuition online. If you are experiencing difficulties with the online platforms, contact IT Services  for help and support.

In the week starting Monday 26 October only lecture sessions will be given to first and second year students online. Simply log for the lectures online through your JC VLE. 

Practical sessions start in the week starting Monday 2 November as per your timetable and as indicated by your tutors and/or Subject Coordinators during the orientation week. All practical sessions will take place at College. You will also continue with online lectures. You may follow these online lectures either from home, at the College Campus or any other places of your choice. No seminars and tutorials will be given during this week.

All small group sessions (seminars and tutorials included) start in the week starting Monday 9 November as per your timetable and as indicated by your tutors and/or Subject Coordinators. You will also continue with the other online lectures. Practicals, tutorials and small groups (including seminars) will be delivered at the Junior College. You will be given further directions about these sessions by your tutors and/or Subject Coordinators during the orientation week.

You should not come to College when you do not have sessions. This is a mitigation measure to reduce the population on the College Campus. Action will be taken against you in case of a breach. This is a safety measure taken to reduce as much as possible the College population.

When you finish your sessions at College, you are expected to make your way home.

You will receive your list of chosen subjects and group via email. Your options are also easily viewed through eSIMS.

On the basis of the allocated Group numbers (such as ADV Biology 3A, INT Sociology 1B and so on) you may find the allocated timetable for each chosen subject by visiting the departmental webpages and the timetables embedded in the current students tab. The timetable also includes the room allocation. It is important that the correct timetable is copied: such as first year, advanced English, Group 4A. 

During the first week, your tutors will explain how the timetable will work and other requirements.

Strict disciplinary measures will be taken to protect the College Community. ‘Not knowing’ will not be considered a justified reason. As a JC student, you are expected to access your official email account and your JC VLE subject/departmental platforms at least once daily for any notifications. Additional notices may be issued on the other official communication channels .

It is important that all students invest in a computer, ideally a portable one which has a camera, microphone, head/earphones and power banks. You should also have easy access to printing and scanning facilities. You should come to College with your devices fully charged; power banks included.

In addition familiarize yourself with the Student Guidelines for Online Learning and follow them accordingly. 

You should inform your parents/guardians that any communication from their part with the College Administration and staff can only be done through online services. There will be no physical meetings set up. Any meeting with parents will happen online through our official platforms.

If you have any queries or you have any information regarding COVID-19 to pass on, contact the COVID-19 Contact Person (Students) by calling 2590 7100 or via email.

Attendance to all the sessions, whether they are given in class at College or online, is compulsory.

If you fail to turn up for lectures at College without a prior valid reason, you will be considered to be absent for the missed sessions. Similarly, students who have to follow a session online will be considered to be absent if they fail to do so without a valid justification. 

Teaching and learning online will take place only through Zoom. 

In case of sickness, follow the procedure as outlined in the Important procedures and student duties. However, this year you will be expected to fill in the respective exemption form and send these duly filled to SSO via email

You should also send a copy of the exemption form (no need to indicate reason for sickness) to your respective lecturers. 

You will need to present a medical clearance certificate issued by your doctor to return to College. You must ensure that there is a 24 hour period clearance of any symptoms before you return to College.

All sessions will start on the hour and finish 15 minutes before the hour, so that everyone has enough time to relocate in time for the following session. 

You should make sure that you reach your room allocation in time for the start of the session. 

On entering the class, you will be expected to sanitise your hands and keep your mask/visor on.

You can only sit on marked seats/tables which have been pre-set at 1.5 metres from each other. Wipe down the surface of the desk and seat using your own sanitising products before sitting down and at the end of the session. Dispose of the used tissues properly in one of the bins at your disposition. Do not leave used tissues on or under the desks.

You are not allowed to move your table/chair so that the social distance is maintained at all times. If accidentally, the chair/table is moved, you should ensure that throughout the session social distance is maintained. 

Windows and doors will normally be kept open to ensure effective ventilation. 

Any kind of feedback will be greatly appreciated and will be treated confidentially. Feedback should be sent via email.  

If at any point you require help or assistance, contact one of our Counselling Service Professionals.

If at any point you require help or assistance with the online platforms or with your UM IT account, contact IT Services .


https://www.jc.um.edu.mt/services/officeoftheprincipal/backtocollege202021/returningbacktocollegeacademicmitigationmeasuresandactions