University of Patras – Patras, Greece

The program is officially known as “Support Social Care Interventions of Students of the University of Patras.” It was initiated in 2018 by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs. The primary aim of the program is to increase the rate of timely completion of university courses and reduce academic dropout among students. The program focuses on supporting students/staff from sensitive social groups, including persons with disabilities, low-income students, students/staff with a refugee or migrant background, LGBTQ students/staff, staff/students of colour, and students with learning disabilities. These equity groups were identified by national plan/legislation and university’s internal policies.

The program encompasses a range of activities to promote equal access, inclusion, and diversity:

 

  • Support and counselling for students and university staff,
  • Lectures, workshops, seminars for students, faculty and non-teaching staff,
  • Public promotion (e.g. production of media content such as podcasts),
  • Improving physical accessibility,
  • Improving digital accessibility

 

The program management finds that improving digital accessibility and support and counselling for students are the most important activities.

 

In addition to activities to support inclusion, the Support Social Care Interventions of Students of the University of Patras is dedicated to development and implementation of recommendations and guidelines.

 

An innovative practice introduced recently is the creation of an online interactive map that highlights all the accessible points on the university campus.

The establishment of the program was primarily motivated by the desire to strengthen the Social Care Structures of the University of Patras and provide support to students from sensitive/vulnerable social groups. The program aims to ensure that all students, irrespective of their background, have equal opportunities, education, and accessibility within the university environment. Teamwork, experienced employees from different backgrounds and specialties and good dissemination practices are the main reasons why this program is considered a successful one.
The Action consists of: Scientific Director (1), Deputy Scientific Officer (1), Social Welfare Committee (11 members), Scientific Project Committee (16 members), Social Welfare Team Members (14 members). The Scientific Director in cooperation with the Committee and the Team Members contribute most to decisions regarding program design and other activities. Diversity, inclusion, and equality are explicitly mentioned both in the program and in the university’s strategies, policies, work plans etc.
The Action is part of the Operational Program: “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning”, in priority axis 6 “Improving the Quality and Efficiency of the Education System” of the European Union.
The main challenges faced in establishing a successful program were students’ hesitation to use the services offered and the necessity of promoting the program among the student community. The program is co-financed by National and Transnational Resources. It is part of the Operational Program: “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning”, in priority axis 6 “Improving the Quality and Efficiency of the Education System” which is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ECB). The funding for the program is very stable.
The program has a formal evaluation process. This evaluation process encompasses both quantitative and qualitative indicators to gauge its success. These indicators include collecting student feedback through questionnaires and interviews, as well as tracking the number of beneficiaries served. Once the evaluation is complete; a comprehensive report is disseminated to the Committee responsible for overseeing the program.

University of Patras

Patras, Greece