Quality Policy

ΠΟΛΙΤΙΚΗ ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΑΣ
του Προγράμματος Προπτυχιακών Σπουδών

Quality Policy of the Undergraduate Program

1. Mission and Vision of the Department of Occupational Therapy

   Mission:
   The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to promote, develop, and disseminate knowledge in the field of Occupational Therapy through comprehensive theoretical teaching, extensive laboratory and clinical practice, and applied research. This is aimed at providing students with the essential tools to ensure their comprehensive education for a successful scientific and professional career, as well as their development as Occupational Therapists. The goal of the Undergraduate Program (UP) of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to always offer a distinct, innovative educational program based on the latest scientific advancements, where students are effectively trained to excel in the practice settings of Occupational Therapy. Our objective is to foster excellence, education, and research in a collaborative environment that facilitates innovation and is grounded in the principles and practices of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

   Vision:
   The vision of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to establish and solidify a distinguished position both in the Greek and the international academic community. This involves striving for excellence and outreach at educational, clinical, and research levels to effectively serve individuals and communities, acknowledging that participation in projects contributes to health and well-being.

    

   Quality Policy and Strategic Objectives of the Department of Occupational Therapy

   Quality Policy:
   The quality policy of the Department of Occupational Therapy aligns with the quality policy of the University of Western Attica and aims at achieving quality objectives related to its operation, specifically in the organization and functioning of the UP, with a focus on providing high-quality education, producing internationally impactful research outcomes, and disseminating these outcomes to society. The quality policy is shaped through consultation with the academic community of the Department, and its implementation is monitored by the Department’s Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).

   Strategic Objectives:
   The strategic objectives of the Department are aligned with those of the institution and include:

   1. **High-Level Education:** Providing high-quality education with a focus on student-centered learning, continuous upgrading of the UP through the established review process, and updating and standardizing academic functions.

   2. **Human Resource Utilization & Infrastructure Improvement:** Systematic enhancement of the processes for effective utilization of human resources and expertise, alongside continuous improvement and expansion of infrastructure and services, aiming to create an optimal material and technical environment.

   3. **Knowledge Production & Dissemination:** Enhancing the production, acquisition, and dissemination of high-quality knowledge in an academic environment open to creativity and innovation.

   4. **Outreach, Internationalization, Networking & Quality Assurance:** Strengthening the outreach and internationalization of the Department through excellence, visibility, and competitiveness in the national and international academic community, while adopting commonly accepted norms with accountability and transparency, aiming for continuous adaptation to scientific ethics and integration of international trends and developments. Additionally, enhancing activities for connecting with the socio-economic environment through collaborations, aiming to improve education and research, contribute to social development, and support the professional rehabilitation of graduates.

   Key Areas for Quality Improvement in the Department of Occupational Therapy

   Key areas for quality improvement in the undergraduate program include:

   – Enhancing student-centered learning.
   – Providing knowledge with an emphasis on both basic sciences and clinical work through designing and implementing best educational practices such as problem-based learning and integrative teaching, aiming for the acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to the scientific and professional careers of graduates.
   – Focusing the educational process on learning outcomes through:
   a) Applying knowledge in practice,
   b) Seeking, analyzing, and synthesizing data and information using technological tools,
   c) Adapting to new situations and making decisions,
   d) Independent work, and
   e) Critical and self-critical skills.
   – Continuously revising the curriculum to follow developments and international compliance requirements, ensuring the degree meets European standards.
   – Improving connections with the job market, scientific bodies, and the Department’s graduates.
   – Emphasizing research with the aim of increasing the number and quality of research programs, scientific publications, and international research collaborations, becoming a center of innovation.
   – Pursuing national and international research programs.
   – Promoting the Department’s outreach through enhanced collaborations at national and international levels on current academic and research issues.
   – Utilizing alternative funding sources (participation in international programs, self-financing programs, grants/donations).
   – Employing new technologies in education, research, administration, and communication.
   – Leveraging the Department’s alumni network for broader academic and social goals.
   – Enhancing programs for international collaboration that foresee student and faculty mobility (e.g., ERASMUS+ programs).
   – Designing and implementing appropriate intervention methods and optimizing existing educational strategies to acquire skills essential for students’ professional careers, and developing suitable technical infrastructure crucial for the scientific and professional identity of students.
   – Strengthening activities connecting with the socio-economic environment through partnerships with productive entities and facilitating professional rehabilitation for graduates.
   – Offering occupational therapy services to special populations through collaborations with health organizations and within research projects.
   – Assessing the effectiveness of administrative processes and continuously improving the Department’s infrastructure.
   – Ensuring students’ access to information related to their studies and continuously upgrading the electronic handling of administrative and academic processes.

Essential Prerequisite for the Functional and Effective Implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System

An essential prerequisite for the functional and effective implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System is the clear commitment of both the Administration and the Academic Community of the Department to ensure quality. The Department’s quality policy is posted on its website, communicated to faculty members, academic fellows, as well as administrative staff and students. Additionally, the quality policy of the Department of Occupational Therapy is presented to new students at the start of each academic year during their orientation event.