1.3.4
Bottom Financial Quintile Student Support Policy
1. Purpose
The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes that equitable access to higher education must be accompanied by comprehensive support to ensure academic success.
This policy defines the institutional framework for programs and initiatives that assist students from the bottom 20% of household income group in Greece to successfully complete their studies.
It is based on the University’s commitment to social inclusion, educational equity, and the implementation of Law 4957/2022, Article 86, which provides for social and financial support for students from low-income households. This approach reflects the commitment of UTh that, regardless of financial limitations, nationality, race, gender, religion or ethnicity, every eligible student deserves access to an excellent education.
2. Principles
Equity and Retention: Admission must be followed by equal opportunity to persist and graduate.
Targeted Support: Assistance is designed to address the specific challenges faced by students from the bottom financial quintile.
Transparency: Eligibility criteria and support mechanisms are public, objective, and consistently applied.
Accountability: The University measures, reports, and evaluates progress in both retention and graduation of supported students.
Dignity and Confidentiality: All data are collected and processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
3. Scope
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate students whose family income falls within the lowest 20% of the national income distribution, as defined annually by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) or relevant ministerial guidelines.
4. Implementation and Programs
The University implements specific programs and targeted interventions to assist students from the bottom financial quintile, including:
Financial Aid: Tuition waivers, targeted scholarships, emergency funds, and grants for study-related expenses.
Housing and Meals: Guaranteed access to subsidized accommodation and free or discounted meals.
Academic Mentoring: Assignment of faculty mentors and academic advisors to monitor progress and provide individualized guidance.
Learning Support: Peer tutoring, remedial instruction, and study-skills workshops.
Digital Access: Provision of laptops, software licenses, and internet connectivity for low-income students.
Psychological and Social Support: Access to free counseling and wellbeing services.
Career Development: Targeted employability and internship opportunities for financially disadvantaged students.
Monitoring and Early Intervention: Regular progress reviews to identify academic or financial risks early and provide timely support.
5. Responsibilities
The Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs ensures policy coordination and alignment with University strategy.
The Student Welfare Office manages applications, verification, and delivery of financial and social support.
The Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) collects data on retention and graduation rates of bottom-quintile students, monitors impact indicators, and publishes results in the University’s Social Responsibility and Sustainability Reports.
Departments and Schools implement faculty-level mentoring and academic support mechanisms.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
The University maintains a comprehensive record of all bottom-quintile students receiving support, tracking their academic progress, retention, and graduation outcomes.
Annual reports are submitted to the Senate and publicly summarized in the University’s Social Responsibility Report.
These data are also used to refine support mechanisms and inform institutional planning and budgeting.
7. Review
This policy is reviewed every three (3) years or following legislative updates related to student welfare, in collaboration with the MODIP.
8. References
Law 4957/2022, Article 86 (Student Social Support)
Constitution of Greece, Article 16 §4 – Right to Education
European Standards and Guidelines (ESG 2015) – Standards 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6
University of Thessaly Strategic Plan on Social Inclusion and Sustainability
UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 10 (No Poverty, Reduced Inequalities)