16.3.2
Policy on Policymaker and Lawmaker Outreach and Education
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s framework for outreach, training, and educational engagement with policymakers and lawmakers at the local, regional, national, and European levels. Its purpose is to enhance capacity building, policy literacy, and evidence-based decision-making through structured educational programmes and expert collaboration on key public issues such as economics, law, governance, technology, migration, and climate change.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All outreach and educational programmes designed for or involving policymakers, lawmakers, and public administrators.
– All academic departments, research centers, and continuing education units providing relevant training.
– All national, regional, or EU-level cooperation frameworks involving the University in policy-related education or upskilling.
– Both formal educational initiatives (seminars, courses, workshops) and informal engagements (public dialogues, briefings, expert roundtables).
3. Definitions
– Outreach: Activities designed to engage policymakers and lawmakers in understanding current scientific, social, and economic developments.
– Capacity building: Structured initiatives that improve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of decision-makers in specific policy domains.
– Policy literacy: The ability to understand and apply scientific and academic evidence in policymaking processes.
– Stakeholders: Lawmakers, civil servants, local government officials, and policy professionals who interact with the University.
– Public education: Academic-led dissemination of knowledge to improve the quality and inclusiveness of governance.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes the vital role of education in strengthening governance and public institutions. Accordingly, the University shall:
1. Provide regular training and educational programmes for policymakers, lawmakers, and government officials.
2. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among faculties to develop policy-relevant courses.
3. Offer capacity-building workshops on emerging policy issues such as digital transformation, migration management, public health, and sustainability.
4. Organize policy briefings and evidence sessions to support legislative and administrative decision-making.
5. Cooperate with national and regional parliaments, ministries, and EU institutions in policy education and research dissemination.
6. Ensure all outreach activities maintain political neutrality, academic independence, and inclusivity.
7. Evaluate outreach and education programmes annually to ensure relevance and impact.
8. Disseminate key outcomes through the University’s Public Engagement Report and KEDIVIM activity reports.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Rector and the Office of Public Relations oversee coordination and compliance with this policy. The Center for Lifelong Learning and Training (KEDIVIM) is responsible for:
– Designing and delivering educational and capacity-building programmes.
– Ensuring that course content is academically rigorous and politically neutral.
– Partnering with ministries, regional authorities, and parliamentary committees.
– Monitoring participation data, feedback, and policy outcomes.
– Reporting annually to the Senate Committee on Outreach and Engagement.
All faculties are encouraged to identify experts and resources to contribute to training and policy-education initiatives.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
The KEDIVIM and the Office of Public Relations will jointly prepare an Annual Policymaker Education Report, detailing:
– Number and scope of outreach events.
– Participating institutions and audiences.
– Thematic areas covered.
– Documented impacts on policymaking and legislation.
Reports shall be submitted to the University Senate and published as part of the University’s annual public engagement documentation.
7. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier as required by institutional needs, national developments, or strategic updates. Amendments shall be proposed by the Rector’s Office and approved by the Governing Council.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance
– Law 3879/2010 on Lifelong Learning and KEDIVIM
– HAHE ESG 1.3, 1.4 (External Engagement and Governance Standards)
– UN SDGs 16 and 17
– OECD (2019) Open Government and Capacity Building Framework
– EUA Guidelines for University Engagement with Policymakers