Dear students,
Esteemed colleagues,
I have the pleasure to welcome you to this new academic year at University Metropolitan Tirana!
I hope this day marks the beginning of a fruitful journey, during which we will altogether overcome new challenges as we grow day by day.
A special welcome goes out to the first-year students who have chosen UMT as the starting point of their careers. I assure you that we will do our utmost to provide you quality education that will help you become sought-after professionals in the job market and responsible citizens. To achieve this, we have endeavored to create a productive and innovative academic environment that encourages the development of knowledge and creativity through the implementation of projects and initiatives showcasing our potential as an engineering university that embraces innovation and progress.
UMT is a university focused on a narrow field of academic studies, and by consistently excelling in these areas, we are simultaneously evolving through improvements in study programs with new theoretical and technological developments, as well as introducing new programs in those fields that are recognized in the market as emerging specialties.
In this context, among the most significant projects we have developed are the two study programs in Artificial Intelligence. I am delighted to have with us today the first cohort of students in the bachelor’s program in Artificial Intelligence who will be the first in Albania to graduate in this field. Additionally, we have the PhD candidates in the Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems program who are conducting valuable research on how Artificial Intelligence can be applied in Albania in fields such as medicine, energy, and robotics.
I want to inform you that the academic staff of the faculties, supported by the experience of partner universities, is preparing proposals to launch next year master’s programs in Business Informatics and Artificial Intelligence. The investment made in these programs is evidence of our efforts to stay at the forefront of technological developments.
Another novelty at UMT in this academic year is the establishment of the Innovation Center, which opens its doors in this new building. The Innovation Center is a space that fosters creativity and the development of new projects. Here, you as students will have the opportunity to implement innovative ideas that have the potential to impact our society and change the world for the better.
Metropolitan University Tirana has been financing the studies of excellent students for years now, and I am very pleased that the number of those choosing us as their destination is constantly increasing. Determined to continue the provision of such support, we have established the Excellence Fund as another commitment to ensure quality. This fund offers great opportunities for the best students, helping them complete an academic year of the master’s program at one of the most esteemed universities in Europe or the USA.
Internationalization is an excellent opportunity for all of you to gain a unique experience at the most prestigious European universities. Every year, tens of UMT students travel to Spain, Italy, Poland, France, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Latvia to complete one or two academic semesters, and this has been achieved thanks to UMT’s years of work and the building of an international reputation. My invitation today is for you to take advantage of the Erasmus+ programs and explore the world with our continuous support.
In addition to this, I must emphasize and assure you that UMT and the academic staff will provide the same academic standard and support for all students to help them achieve the required standards. In each subject, professors have scheduled consultation hours and are ready to assist you in case of any uncertainties you may have. On the other hand, an academic advisor has been assigned to each course with whom you can discuss any needs related to your student life. I urge students to seek help from both the academic staff and their peers if needed. It remains in your desire and determination to make the most of these opportunities.
These are just some of the projects and initiatives undertaken for this new academic year. We are determined to continue our journey towards academic excellence and innovation. This is a challenge we take on with enthusiasm and the belief that our cooperation and dedication will bring the best results for everyone.
Thanking you for your attention, I wish you a successful new academic year!