Quality Policy of the Undergraduate Program of Studies

Quality Policy Statement

The School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki implements an updated Quality Policy for its Undergraduate Study Program (USP), aiming at the continuous enhancement of the educational process, strengthening of student-centered learning, and the alignment of the program with current scientific, technological and professional developments in the agri-food sector.

The Quality Policy is aligned with:

the legislative framework governing Higher Education Institutions;
the principles of the Hellenic Authority for the Higher Education (HAHE);
the strategic development plan of the University and the School.

1. Aim and Field of Application

The Quality Policy of the USP aims at:

ensure high-quality education across the full spectrum of Agricultural Sciences, with emphasis on student-centered learning, scientific excellence, and responsiveness to the needs of society and the economy;
continuously improve the content, structure and operation of the USP;
prepare graduates with a strong scientific background, professional competence and social responsibility.

2. Strategic Alignment

The Quality Policy is incorporated into the School’s Operational Plan (session No. 1035/6-11-2025) and supports the implementation of the School’s strategic objectives:

• continuous modernization and revision of the USP;

• strengthening the internationalization and attractiveness of the School;

• improving the School’s position in international rankings;

• strengthening the linkage between education, research and the productive sector;

• making effective use of the School’s infrastructure, including the University Farm.

3. Fundamental Quality Principles

3.1. Continuous Review and Improvement of the USP

The USP is reviewed on a regular basis, considering:

• the findings of internal and external evaluation procedures;

feedback from students, graduates and stakeholders, including the External Advisory Board;
data generated through the institutional mechanisms for monitoring the students’ academic progress (Section 3.3).

This process ensures that the curriculum remains up to date and responsive to current scientific and professional developments.

3.2. Enhancement of the Undergraduate Thesis

A structured matching process between students and academic fields of the academic staff is implemented, with the aim of enhancing the quality of the USP, achieving a more balanced student-to-academic staff ratio, and improving the quality of undergraduate theses (session No. 1049/26-3-2026).

3.3. Student-Centered Approach

The USP adopts a comprehensive student-centered approach, centered on the Academic Advisor scheme, as defined in Article 4 of the Internal Regulation of the Undergraduate Study Program (session No. 1046/29-1-2026).

The role of the Academic Advisor is being enhanced to include:

supporting students during their transition to higher education;
providing guidance in planning their studies;
monitoring academic progress and identifying learning difficulties;
advising students on their undergraduate thesis and future career;
referring students to the University’s support services;
submitting an annual report to the School Assembly, through the USP committee, thereby contributing to the quality assurance cycle and the continuous improvement of the Programme.

Within this framework, the Academic Advisor scheme functions as the primary mechanism for identifying and documenting issues relating to students’ academic progress, difficulties and educational needs.

Academic Advisors:

• systematically monitor students’ academic progress;

• identify and document issues concerning the structure, content and operation of USP;

• reporting these issues collectively to the USP Committee.

The Undergraduate Study Program Committee:

• evaluates the collected data and recommendations;

• formulates proposals for improvement;

• submits recommendations to the School Assembly regarding the necessary revisions to the undergraduate curriculum.

3.4. Engagement with the Labor Market and Stakeholders – External Advisory Board

The School systematically develops collaborative activities with graduates, professional organizations and stakeholders, including External Advisory Board, and incorporates the resulting feedback into the continuous improvement of the curriculum (session No. 1048/27-2-2026).

Within this framework, the School of Agriculture has institutionalized an annual, open, two-day outreach event involving students, graduates, employers and members of the External Advisory Board.

The event includes, in particular:

• dialogue with representatives of the agri-food sector;

• presentation of career opportunities;

• information on postgraduate study opportunities;

• presentation and dissemination of undergraduate thesis outcomes.

This initiative serves as a mechanism for:

• obtaining systematic feedback for the improvement of the undergraduate curriculum;

• enhancing graduate employability;

• fostering a culture of quality and external engagement.

Achievement of these objectives is monitored through indicators, such as:

• the number of participating entities and students;

• participation and satisfaction levels;

• the extent to which recommendations are incorporated into curriculum revision.

3.5. Applied Education

The School strengthens internship and promotes the integration of theory and practice through the effective use of its educational infrastructure, including the University Farm. The School further enhances links with the labor market through outreach activities, student participation in collaborative research projects with market entities, and the use of the University Farm as a “living laboratory” (session No 1035/6-11-2025).

3.6. Internationalization

The School promotes internationalization by encouraging student and staff mobility, fostering participation in international academic networks, and strengthening the international dimension of the USP. This includes active engagement with Erasmus+ and other mobility programs, offering courses in English, and collaborating within international academic and research networks.

3.7 Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is achieved through:

systematic evaluation of courses and teaching staff;
annual review of the curriculum;
cooperation with the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP);
public access to information.

4. Implementation Mechanism

The Quality Policy is implemented through a continuous improvement cycle (planning – implementation – evaluation – review), with the active participation of the academic community and stakeholders, including Externa Advisory Board.

5. Review

The Quality Policy is reviewed and updated on a regular basis in accordance with decisions of the School Assembly and the outcomes of the quality evaluation procedures.

6. Quality Objectives

The School of Agriculture focuses on the following quality objectives for its USP:

1. Enhancing students’ academic performance.

2. Strengthening students’ professional readiness.

3. Promoting experiential learning.

4. Strengthening the scientific and societal profile of the USP.

5. Improving student success.

6. Increasing the percentage of students graduating within the standard period of study.

7. Increasing students’ participation in Erasmus+ mobility programs.

8. Enhancing students’ awareness of career opportunities.

9. Strengthening links with the labor market.

10. Enhancing the quality of teaching.

11. Supporting the continuous pedagogical and teaching development of academic staff.

12. Increasing the research activity of faculty members.

13.Optimizing the utilization of human resources.

14. Improving quality performance indicators.

15. Enhancing the School’s website.

16. Strengthening communication and dissemination channels.

7. Publication

The Quality Policy is communicated and disseminated to academic and administrative staff, students, and all other interested parties. The policy is publicly available on the School’s website.