4.3.4
The team of volunteers of the University of Thessaly consists of members of the university community. The need to create such a group arose in 2015 in the context of the organization of a Conference of the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Since then it has participated in three other conferences and various actions of the University of Thessaly, such as the organization of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the University of Thessaly, 1st and 2nd Great celebration for children in Volos, Help to Evia: University of Thessaly etc.
Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus Policy
The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes its critical role in extending educational opportunities beyond its campuses, fostering a culture of learning, curiosity, and civic responsibility throughout the wider community. This policy formalizes the University’s commitment to education outreach activities in schools and communities, aiming to strengthen public engagement, inspire younger generations, and promote academic and research excellence.
Purpose and Objectives
This policy seeks to:
Promote lifelong learning and educational participation within the local and regional community.
Build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organizations to enhance learning opportunities.
Encourage voluntary engagement of students and academic staff in community-focused educational activities.
Support the transition from secondary to tertiary education, particularly following the national Panhellenic Examinations, by familiarizing prospective students with the academic and research environment.
Enhance the University’s social impact and public service mission, in accordance with Law 4957/2022 and the principles of open and inclusive education.
Scope
This policy applies to all faculties, schools, departments, research centers, and administrative units of the University of Thessaly. It includes outreach activities conducted:
In local and regional schools, both primary and secondary,
In community centers, municipalities, cultural institutions, and
In online or hybrid formats reaching the wider public.
Key Provisions
Departmental Engagement
Each department shall establish a structured collaboration with local schools to organize educational visits, thematic lectures, laboratory demonstrations, workshops, and open discussions.
These activities should be especially emphasized during the period following the Panhellenic examinations, supporting students’ transition and orientation toward higher education.
Voluntary Student Participation
Student-run initiatives and volunteer groups are encouraged to participate in educational outreach, acting as mentors and ambassadors of the University.
The University may offer official recognition (e.g., volunteer certificates, ECTS credits in service learning contexts) to students contributing to outreach programmes.
Faculty and Researcher Involvement
Academic staff and researchers are encouraged to design and deliver tailored outreach lectures, science demonstrations, or workshops relevant to their disciplines.
Participation in outreach shall be included as part of broader academic service and public engagement responsibilities.
Collaboration with External Partners
The University will develop formal agreements (MoUs) with schools, municipal education departments, NGOs, and educational authorities to coordinate outreach activities.
Partnerships should promote inclusivity, gender balance, and engagement with rural or underserved communities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Directorate of Social Responsibility and Outreach will maintain an annual registry of activities, including participating departments, schools, and numbers of beneficiaries.
Each School shall submit an annual outreach report summarizing activities, outcomes, and proposed improvements.
Visibility and Dissemination
Outreach activities should be communicated through the University’s official website, press releases, and social media platforms to highlight public engagement and institutional impact.
Governance
The Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Welfare shall oversee the implementation of this policy, working with:
The Deans of Schools and Department Chairs,
The Office of Public and International Relations, and
The Directorate of Social Responsibility and Lifelong Learning.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy shall be reviewed every three years to ensure alignment with evolving educational priorities, community needs, and national policies on public engagement and lifelong learning.
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its mission as a public educational institution committed to knowledge dissemination, inclusivity, and social progress, extending the boundaries of learning beyond its campuses.