4.3.1
The Open Academic Courses platform of the University of Thessaly includes a large number of open digital courses, available free of charge to both students of the University of Thessaly and the general public. The platform includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses from the University of Thessaly and the former TEI of Thessaly which were developed before the merger between the two institutions. of the project “Strengthening and acceleration of merger procedures and reorganization of structures of the University of Thessaly” of the Operational Program Administrative Reform (NSRF 2014-2020). There are currently 189 free courses available to the public.
Also, members of the academic community of the University of Thessaly make free academic textbooks available through the KALIPPOS platform to the general public. To date, their number is close to 500.
Public Access to Lifelong Learning Resources Policy
The University of Thessaly (UTh) affirms its public mission to advance education, innovation, and social inclusion by providing free or low-cost access to educational resources and programmes to individuals beyond its enrolled student body. This policy codifies the institution’s commitment to lifelong learning, open knowledge, and community engagement, leveraging the infrastructure of the Training & Lifelong Learning Center (K.E.DI.VI.M.) and related platforms.
Rationale & Strategic Alignment
This policy supports the University’s strategic goals of regional impact, equity in education, and knowledge dissemination. It aligns with:
Law 4957/2022, encouraging higher education institutions to serve broader social needs;
UTh’s role as a regional anchor institution;
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), especially target 4.3 and 4.4 (lifelong learning, skills for work);
The European agenda for open education and lifelong learning.
Scope & Beneficiaries
This policy applies to all members of the public, including working adults, the unemployed, retirees, informal learners, and other non-enrolled individuals. University staff and students may also benefit under specific provisions. Programs and resources included may entail:
Non-degree certified training programmes (e.g. via LLC)
Open educational modules via e-learning or blended formats (via the LLC’s e-class platform)
eclass.llc.uth.gr+1
Workshops, seminars, public lectures, and community courses
Access to digital repositories, recorded lectures, MOOCs, teaching materials where licensing permits
Principles & Provisions
Free Access & Inclusivity
A significant portion of lifelong learning offerings shall be free of charge or only charge a minimal fee to ensure broad accessibility.
Priority access for underserved or disadvantaged populations (e.g. unemployed, low-income, rural areas).
Quality Assurance & Accreditation
Courses must adhere to University academic quality standards and, where relevant, lead to recognized certification.
Use external accreditation or alignment with national qualification frameworks when possible.
Open Licensing & Content Sharing
Educational materials should use open licenses (e.g. Creative Commons) to allow reuse and adaptation.
Encourage faculty to publish lecture notes, recordings, and learning resources in open repositories.
Digital Infrastructure & Platforms
Operate and maintain e-learning infrastructure (such as LLC’s e-class) for open and blended delivery.
eclass.llc.uth.gr
Ensure usability, accessibility, and technical support, especially for non-traditional learners.
Partnerships & Community Outreach
Collaborate with municipalities, NGOs, public institutions, local businesses, and community centers to deliver in-person or hybrid learning opportunities.
Establish satellite learning hubs in underserved areas.
Promotion & Awareness
Actively publicize available lifelong learning opportunities through media, community networks, UTh sites, and partner organizations.
Funding & Sustainability
Allocate University funds to support free or subsidized courses and platform maintenance.
Seek grants, EU funding, philanthropic support, or cost-sharing models.
Monitoring, Assessment & Reporting
Track participation rates, demographic reach, completion rates, learner satisfaction, and impact on employment or skills.
Report annually in the University’s Sustainability Report.
Periodic review and updating of the policy (e.g. every 2–3 years) based on feedback and changing needs.
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its role as a public educational resource, expanding access to knowledge and skills beyond campus walls and strengthening lifelong learning as a pillar of regional and national development.