Quality Policy of the Hellenic Open University
The Hellenic Open University adopts a holistic approach to quality, founded on values that promote lifelong learning, equal opportunities, and academic excellence. The revised Quality Policy expresses the University’s commitment to:
- Continuous improvement of educational and administrative services, through transparent and participatory evaluation processes.
- Development of modern and scientifically substantiated Study Programs, aligned with social needs and labor market developments.
- Strengthening research, innovation and internationalization, through collaborations with academic and research institutions in Greece and abroad.
- Promoting equality, diversity, and social responsibility, with respect for the principles of sustainability and transparency.
The Quality Policy of the Hellenic Open University is fully aligned with the applicable legal framework and the ESG principles for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area. Its effectiveness is systematically assessed through internal and external audits, indicators, and feedback mechanisms, ensuring continuous improvement and strategic reorientation of the University.
Revised Quality Policy Statement of the Hellenic Open University
Since its establishment, the Hellenic Open University has been based on a philosophy of a holistic approach to quality, which can be described as adherence to fundamental values:
- Lifelong learning and the provision of Higher Education exclusively through distance learning, aiming to broaden access to knowledge and promote equal opportunities in Higher Education.
- Commitment to the advancement of science and the dissemination of knowledge, emphasizing interdisciplinarity and connection with society, with the goal of enhancing research activity and producing high value-added scientific work.
- Optimal satisfaction of the requirements of its students and other stakeholders, through transparent and participatory processes of evaluation and service improvement.
- Academic freedom in teaching and research, as well as free expression and circulation of ideas, within the framework defined by the Constitution, State Laws, regulatory obligations, and relevant standards, with respect for diversity and equality.
- Promotion of gender equality and the elimination of discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, health/disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or characteristics, in all functions, processes, and activities of academic life.
- Respect for meritocracy, the code of ethics, and the integrity of the University.
- Technical and scientific integrity and the promotion of innovation through collaborations with research and technological centers, as well as social and productive stakeholders.
- Social responsibility regarding the University’s work and outcomes, aiming at sustainable development and strengthening social cohesion, with emphasis on promoting and disseminating the University’s work to civil society.
The practical implementation of these values constitutes the subject of this Quality Policy and the mission of the Quality Systems developed and applied by the University, which govern its structure, organization, and operation.
The commitment of the administration and all staff of the Hellenic Open University to the continuous improvement of services and the assurance of academic excellence is a strategic choice and a fundamental value of our Organization. In this context, the Administration of the Hellenic Open University undertakes, towards students, teaching staff, collaborators, administrative staff, alumni, and all stakeholders, to allocate the financial, technical, and human resources required for:
- Developing modern Study Programs, scientifically substantiated and aligned with social needs and labor market developments.
- Revising existing programs to ensure continuous improvement and updating.
- Enhancing the internationalization of Study Programs and academic activities, by promoting collaborations with international educational and research institutions and participating in European and international networks.
- Implementing and continuously improving the effectiveness of Quality Systems.
- Ensuring excellent cooperation among all members of the University Community.
- Evaluating and utilizing documented proposals from all stakeholders.
- Continuously strengthening the development of the University, through strategic planning that incorporates principles of sustainability and social responsibility.
Supporting and empowering the academic and administrative staff of the Organization is also a key priority for the continuous upgrading of educational and research work, in line with the administration’s commitment to creating a dynamic and innovative working, academic, and research environment that ensures continuous professional development, free scientific expression, and research advancement in critical scientific fields. Through modern management practices and continuous staff support, the Hellenic Open University fosters a culture of respect, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The measure of success of this policy and the effectiveness of the University’s Quality Systems is the satisfaction of students and staff (academic and administrative), achieved through close and productive collaboration, guided by:
- Creating a model institution for teaching and research.
- Continuously investigating, recording, analyzing, and reviewing their needs, aiming at optimal learning experience and satisfaction.
- Leveraging the University’s and its staff’s experience in new distance education technologies.
- Establishing, monitoring, and updating quality assurance objectives, fully aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan and the principles of transparency and accountability.
- Continuously monitoring compliance with agreed requirements throughout the collaboration and evaluating the degree of satisfaction.
- Optimally utilizing resources to ensure financial sustainability.
- Timely and effective problem-solving, through systematic risk prevention and management mechanisms.
This approach constitutes the core of every Quality System of the Hellenic Open University, defining its internal structure, organizational framework, and governance and control processes. These principles are specified in all key processes, which are regularly updated to respond to the constantly changing social, technological, and academic environment.
The Quality Policy of the Hellenic Open University is fully aligned with the applicable legal and regulatory framework and complies with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015). The Hellenic Open University is committed to the continuous review, redesign, and upgrading of its quality policy, aiming to improve its performance in all areas of operation.
The effectiveness of its implementation is evaluated through internal and external audits/reviews, using indicators, recording complaints, and analyzing deviations from the established Quality Systems. The results of the evaluation processes are systematically incorporated into the Management Review, serving as a key feedback mechanism for continuous improvement and strategic reorientation of the University’s directions.
26th Senate Meeting (07-11-2025)
Documentation History
For transparency and archival purposes, the previous version of the Quality Policy remains accessible here.
