Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has established an Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), which is implemented across all academic units of the University and is fully aligned with:
- the principles and quality standards of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education,
- as well as the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015).
The implementation of the IQAS is supported by the University’s Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP), which, following the guidelines of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education, has incorporated the necessary processes for internal evaluation (Process 4) and external evaluation and accreditation (Process 7) of study programs—both undergraduate and postgraduate—into the Quality Manual. MODIP collaborates closely with the Internal Evaluation Groups (OMEA) of the Schools, providing guidance, technical support, and oversight of quality procedures, ensuring both compliance of Undergraduate Programs and English-taught Programs with the institutional framework and their continuous quality enhancement.
In accordance with Article 74(9) of Law 4957/2022, the Program Steering Committee is responsible for systematically monitoring the implementation and operation of the Program. The Committee works closely with the School’s Internal Evaluation Group, which is responsible for internal and external evaluation processes and their integration into the broader quality assurance framework, ensuring continuous improvement.
The Joint Undergraduate Program of Studies in English (JEUPS) will systematically monitor and evaluate both qualitative and quantitative indicators, aiming at the continuous improvement of its operation and effectiveness. Indicative indicators include:
- program attractiveness (number of applications/candidates),
- quality of applicants,
- student evaluation of courses and lecturers,
- student mobility (incoming and outgoing students, including Erasmus+),
- implementation and quality of internships,
- average duration of studies and graduation rates,
- participation of students and graduates in evaluation processes,
- graduate feedback and program evaluation,
- collaboration with social partners and professional organizations,
- research activity of teaching staff (based on platforms such as Scopus, Google Scholar, etc.),
- graduate skills (based on satisfaction surveys).
Particular emphasis is placed on monitoring indicators from the Integrated National Quality Information System (OPESP), which provides objective data and reports used to support evidence-based decision-making. MODIP, in cooperation with OMEA, will monitor the annual progress of these indicators, record observations and best practices, and identify potential issues or deviations.
Aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan and Quality Policy, the participating Schools have developed a Quality Policy and set of quality objectives for the English-taught Program, including:
- monitoring the achievement of learning outcomes,
- aligning program content with labor market and societal needs,
- evaluating the student experience,
- promoting internal and external accountability.
MODIP prepares an annual Internal Evaluation Report for the JEUPS, documenting the findings of quality assessments, identified best practices, areas for improvement, and proposed corrective or preventive actions.
The JEUPS is committed to fully implementing the recommendations arising from internal evaluation processes and integrating them into its continuous improvement policy. Through scheduled meetings, the Program informs stakeholders about evaluation findings and planned corrective actions.
Within the framework of periodic internal evaluation, the JEUPS applies a comprehensive quality assurance cycle (planning – implementation – review – improvement), through which evaluation findings are translated into concrete, evidence-based improvement actions. The analysis of quality indicators, student evaluations, and feedback from graduates and external stakeholders leads to the development of an action plan with clearly defined priorities, responsible parties, and timelines. The progress of these actions is systematically monitored by the Program Steering Committee in collaboration with OMEA and MODIP, while their outcomes are reassessed in the next evaluation cycle, ensuring continuous improvement and the achievement of the Program’s strategic objectives.