The government has announced a new plan to tackle violence in universities, setting strict deadlines and measures. The Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharakiat the Rectors Summit in Halkidiki, he emphasized the mandatory submission of updated security plans from all HEIs to the end of July and the installation of controlled access systems, as a matter of priority in schools with frequent cases of lawlessness, by the end of the year. The possibility of providing additional financial support to institutions to implement these measures was not ruled out.
The ministry will monitor progress through a digital platform. At the same time, there will be a tightening legal framework for students who commit crimes within universities, with the aim of accelerating judicial procedures and restricting suspensions. In the event of arrest for serious offenses, it will be foreseen to suspend the student status for up to 24 months, and in the event of an irrevocable conviction, a definitive deletion will be followed.
In order to accelerate disciplinary procedures, the establishment of disciplinary councils is transferred from the level of schools to the central administration of universities. The rectors will be responsible for the implementation of the measures, with possible sanctions, and even a discount from the office, in the event of non -compliance. However, the minister expressed her conviction of cooperation with the Rectors.
The basic measures include the compulsory creation of a single disciplinary council per HEI, the immediate start of disciplinary proceedings and their completion within two months, the automatic suspension of student status for acts of violence or destruction, strict sanctions for rectors, Identity for access control and installation of technological logs. There is also a special criminal framework for university violence and the obligation to repair student damage.
The minister emphasized the need for all responsibility to tackle violence and lawlessness in universities, noting that the government would be strict in compliance with measures. He also referred to the ministry’s intention to consider requests for emergency funding and to support internationalization programs for HEIs.
Finally, it was announced that legislation would soon be submitted to distinguish active and inactive students, with the aim of implementing the law on the deletions of those who have exceeded the highest time of study, but giving a second opportunity to those who are of real interest in completing their studies.