Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) ensures and promotes quality through:
- the continuous improvement of education and research,
- the continuous improvement of all its operations, processes, and services,
- the continuous improvement of the university environment (working conditions and quality of life),
- the strengthening of transparency and accountability at all levels,
- the promotion of its work to society, the state, and the international scientific community,
- the active participation of all its members and creative collaboration with external bodies.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki organizes and offers Greek and foreign language Study Programs at all levels (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral), as well as high-standard Lifelong Learning programs in the most important scientific fields and disciplines. These programs are aligned with contemporary trends and the evolving demands of science and society, thereby enhancing the university’s academic profile and international presence, and contributing to the achievement of the National Strategy for Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and overall development.
In addition, the University is committed to fostering a creative research and working environment for all its personnel (teaching, research, and administrative staff), a vibrant academic environment for its students, and to strengthening its connection with society.
Quality is recognized as a fundamental element for the realization of the Institution’s vision and the achievement of its mission and, therefore, the continuous strengthening of a culture of quality is considered particularly important.
Implementation of Quality Policy – Quality Assurance
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is committed to the implementation of its Quality Policy, which reinforces its academic identity and orientation, supports the achievement of its strategic goals, and defines the means, actions, and methods for accomplishing them. It ensures the involvement of stakeholders and applies appropriate quality procedures with the ultimate aim of their continuous improvement.
In addition to the above, the Institution is committed to fostering a climate of communication and collaboration among all its members (staff, students, and stakeholders).
The Quality Policy is directly linked to and constitutes an integral part of the Institution’s Quality Strategy, and is based on the following pillars:
- Education Policy
- Research Policy
- Economic Policy and Development
- Lifelong Learning and Education
- Externalisation and Internationalisation
- Connecting with Society, the Economy and Fostering Innovation
- Upgrading the Quality of the Academic Environment and Sustainability.
The Quality Policy mainly supports and ensures:
- the organisation of the Internal Quality Assurance System
- the active participation and ownership of the leadership of the Institution, Faculties, Schools and other functional units, staff members and students, as well as their role in quality assurance
- the safeguarding of academic principles, research ethics, and intellectual property rights, as well as the prevention of all forms of discrimination
- humanitarian principles and respect for civil rights in accordance with those established by the International Organizations for Human Rights
- encouraging creative collaboration between members of the academic community, students and external stakeholders in quality assurance
- the continuous improvement of learning and teaching, research and innovation
- the creation of an academic environment that promotes research and project publications in national and international scientific journals of high quality
- the quality assurance of study programs and their compliance with the specific Standards of the competent Authority
- the provision of high-quality educational programs that are modern and competitive in both national and international environments
- the creation of an environment that promotes student-centered learning
- the effective organization of services and the development and maintenance of infrastructures
- the provision and effective management of the necessary resources for the operation of the Institution
- transparency and meritocracy in the selection and development of its staff
- the development and rational allocation of human resources
- the sustainability of resources
- respect for the environment through improvement actions
- the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- the recognition and reward of excellence
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki implements the established quality assurance processes/procedures outlined in the Quality Manual of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS). The coordination and implementation of the processes and procedures of the IQAS are carried out by the Quality Assurance Unit (M.O.DI.P.) of the University, in collaboration with other academic, administrative, and relevant units. The Quality Assurance Unit is responsible for the organization, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Internal Quality Assurance System.
Quality assurance processes serve as a valuable tool for the implementation of the teaching, research, administrative, and other functions and procedures of the Institution, in order to ensure the achievement of its goals and the enhancement of both its academic and research work as well as the services offered.
The continuous improvement of quality is based on:
- The implementation of a quality assurance policy, including its periodic review and revision (in accordance with the procedures of the IQAS).
- On mechanisms for feedback on strategy and goal-setting, etc. (review, undertaking actions, and corrective measures when necessary).
- On ensuring the necessary resources to meet the needs of education, research, and innovation, as well as the overall academic activities of the Institution, along with the operational implementation of the IQAS.
- On the design and implementation of outreach and internationalization activities of the Institution.
- On the design of Study Programs, with the participation of students, alumni, and collaborating organizations.
- On the design of new Lifelong Learning programs alongside the improvement of existing ones.
- On the creation of an attractive academic environment and the provision of incentives for conducting research and developing research collaborations, both at the national and international level.
- On compliance with the applicable legal framework and regulatory provisions / Implementation of the Regulations and Regulatory Decisions of AUTH.
- On the collection and processing/analysis of quality data (complete, accurate, and up-to-date information).
- On the monitoring, analysis, and comparison with national and international indicators.
- The release of information.
- The qualitative and systematic updating of the Institution’s website and Social Media.