17.4.2
Policy on Education for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Specific Courses on Sustainability
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s commitment to providing dedicated academic programmes and courses addressing sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to integrate sustainability as a central pillar of teaching and learning, ensuring that all students have access to specialized education that promotes environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and responsible innovation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in sustainability and related fields.
– Elective and interdisciplinary courses focused on the SDGs across faculties.
– Lifelong learning, continuing education, and professional training modules related to sustainable development.
– Collaborative programmes developed in partnership with other universities, industries, or public organizations.
3. Definitions
– Dedicated Sustainability Course: A course whose primary learning outcomes focus on sustainability principles, environmental management, or the SDGs.
– SDG-related Programme: A degree or specialization that systematically incorporates the UN SDGs within its curriculum, learning objectives, and assessments.
– Elective Module on SDGs: A standalone or optional course available to students of any discipline to enhance sustainability literacy.
– Interdisciplinary Learning: Educational design that integrates knowledge from multiple fields to address complex sustainability challenges.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes that higher education has a critical role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the University shall:
1. Develop and maintain dedicated degree programmes in sustainability, environmental science, and sustainable engineering.
2. Offer elective and interdisciplinary courses focusing on the SDGs, accessible to students across all Schools.
3. Encourage Departments to integrate SDG content into existing courses through case studies, applied projects, and seminars.
4. Collaborate with international institutions to offer joint sustainability degrees and mobility opportunities.
5. Support faculty development and training in sustainability pedagogy.
6. Ensure that all courses addressing sustainability adhere to the University’s academic quality standards.
7. Promote public awareness and community engagement through educational activities on sustainability themes.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The rector is responsible for implementing this policy in collaboration with:
– Departmental Curriculum Committees
– The Center for Sustainable Development and Climate Policy
– The Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP)
Responsibilities include:
– Designing and approving new sustainability-focused programmes and courses.
– Ensuring integration of SDG-related competencies and learning outcomes.
– Monitoring student enrolment, participation, and learning achievements.
– Supporting faculty through workshops and educational resources.
– Preparing annual reports for the Senate Committee on Academic Quality and Sustainability.
6. Quality Assurance and Evaluation
– All sustainability-related courses and programmes shall undergo academic review every three (3) years.
– The MODIP shall evaluate SDG course alignment and effectiveness through student feedback, peer review, and external benchmarking.
– Data on SDG-related courses shall be included in the University’s annual academic quality and sustainability reports.
7. Ethical and Educational Principles
The University upholds the following principles in its sustainability education:
– Academic integrity and evidence-based learning.
– Interdisciplinary and inclusive education.
– Global citizenship and ethical responsibility.
– Continuous improvement and innovation in teaching practice.
– Commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by developments in sustainability education or national legislation. Revisions shall be proposed by the Rector and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance
– UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 4, SDG 17)
– UNESCO ESD 2030 Framework
– European Green Deal and Skills Agenda
– HAHE ESG 1.3 & ESG 1.4
– EUA Charter on Sustainable Universities