MSc Teaching Staff Support and Development Policy

In order to fulfil its mission and in accordance with the principles set out in its Quality Policy, the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of the University of Thessaly has established a formal policy for the support and professional development of staff involved in teaching across all cycles of study.

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Purpose

A comprehensive policy for the support and development of teaching staff is essential to ensuring the quality of postgraduate education and the continuous enhancement of the teaching and research skills of academic personnel. The policy incorporates a range of strategies designed to foster professional development, academic excellence and continuous improvement.

The policy aims to:

• Improve the quality of teaching and research.

• Enhance the satisfaction, engagement and commitment of teaching staff.

• Maintain high standards of academic excellence.

• Foster an environment that promotes continuous professional and personal development.

This comprehensive approach ensures that teaching staff are provided with the necessary resources, opportunities and support to excel in their academic roles and to contribute meaningfully to the overall success of the MSc Programme.

The key principles underpinning the staff support policy, together with the actions taken for its implementation, are outlined below.

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Meritocracy and Transparency

The Department complies with all applicable provisions of Law 4957/2022, as well as with the Internal Regulations of the University, regarding the appointment and recruitment of teaching staff.

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Respect for Teaching Staff

The Department ensures that the weekly teaching workload of its academic staff is assigned and managed in accordance with the applicable legislation and the Internal Regulations of the University of Thessaly.

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Equal Opportunities Policy

The Department encourages the participation of early-career researchers in teaching activities, provided that all statutory requirements are met.

Within Postgraduate Study Programmes in particular, doctoral candidates are encouraged to contribute to teaching activities under the supervision of the responsible faculty member, thereby gaining valuable teaching experience.

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Transparency and Social Accountability

The quality of the teaching provided is systematically evaluated through student course evaluation questionnaires and through the results of the Department’s annual internal evaluation process.

The findings of these evaluations provide valuable feedback and contribute to the continuous improvement of the educational process.

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Recognition and Promotion of Good Practices

The Department of Medicine actively promotes good teaching practices and highlights the achievements and distinctions of its academic staff.

It also participates in the initiative implemented through the University of Thessaly’s Research, Innovation and Excellence Structure for the “Excellence in Teaching Award”, which is awarded annually to faculty members who have demonstrated sustained and outstanding performance in teaching.

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Enhancement of Faculty Development Activities

The Department provides opportunities for teaching staff to enrich their educational practice and remain up to date with contemporary developments in university pedagogy through a variety of training and professional development activities.

At Department level, asynchronous training is provided through an e-learning platform on topics related to teaching, instructional methodology, educational approaches and related areas. These activities are designed to enhance teaching skills and competencies, introduce staff to different educational methods, familiarise them with contemporary developments in educational science and support their application in everyday teaching practice.

At University level, all teaching staff are informed about opportunities to participate in the educational and professional development activities offered by the University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning (CEDIΜA).

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Ensuring Adequate Educational Infrastructure and Resources

The Department of Medicine records and evaluates, on an annual basis, the needs related to the maintenance, upgrading and modernisation of its educational and technological infrastructure, in order to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted delivery of its educational activities.

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Promotion of Mobility and International Engagement

The Department actively informs and encourages teaching staff to participate in information sessions and activities organised by the University of Thessaly Erasmus Office, as well as in teaching mobility and exchange programmes.

Academic staff are also encouraged to participate in scientific conferences, workshops and other academic events. The Department facilitates such participation through efficient and timely administrative procedures for the granting of the necessary academic leave.

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Continuing Education and Training​

Professional Development:
Teaching staff are provided with opportunities for continuing education and professional development through seminars, workshops and conferences at both national and international level.

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Specialised Training:
Training programmes focus on emerging teaching methodologies, educational technologies and innovative approaches to learning, including e-learning and blended learning.

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Recognition and Certification:
Teaching staff are supported in obtaining certifications, qualifications and professional recognition that strengthen their teaching and research competencies.

Promotion of Research and Innovation

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Research Funding:
Teaching staff are supported through access to funding opportunities and research programmes that promote academic research and the dissemination of research findings through publications in scientific journals.

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Interdepartmental Collaboration:
Collaboration across departments and with other academic and research institutions is encouraged in order to support the development of innovative research projects.

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Participation in Scientific Conferences:
Financial and administrative support is provided, where applicable, to facilitate participation in scientific conferences and the presentation and dissemination of research findings.

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Evaluation and Feedback

Regular Evaluation:
The Department implements systematic evaluation of teaching through feedback from students and academic peers.

Evaluation-Based Development:
Evaluation outcomes are used to identify areas for improvement and to inform the design of appropriate training and professional development activities for teaching staff.