With concern over the negative impact that mass student expulsions would have, the Senate of the University of Patras issued a unanimous resolution today, Thursday, March 13, urging the State to reassess the conditions and criteria for implementing Article 76 of Law 4957/2022.

Specifically, after reviewing all relevant data and necessary information regarding the extension and abandonment of studies, the Senate determined that a blanket and indiscriminate application of the law would also harm active students, who not only renew their enrollment but also actively participate in exams.

Protecting Students at Risk of Expulsion

Recognizing the vulnerable position of these students, the University of Patras aims to ensure they do not lose the opportunity to complete their studies while also increasing the rate of degree completion. The university has outlined a series of potential reasons that should be taken into account, including:

• Academic factors
• Health issues or personal circumstances
• Financial difficulties
• Study conditions and university operations

These factors often derail students’ academic progress and should not be overlooked in policymaking.

The Unanimous Resolution of the Senate

The University of Patras approaches the issue of prolonged student enrollment with sensitivity, both towards students striving to complete their degrees and their families. The university emphasizes maximizing degree completion rates, taking into account a range of challenges—some stemming from the students themselves, while others relate to study conditions and the broader operational framework of universities, as shaped by state policies.

The Senate of the University of Patras, after carefully reviewing all available data on the extension and abandonment of studies, unanimously decided to request that the State reassess the implementation criteria of Article 76 of Law 4957/2022.

A blanket, indiscriminate enforcement of this law would result in the loss of student status for individuals who renew their enrollment, participate in exams, and are in the final stages of completing their studies. The Senate argues that this deserves and requires reconsideration, with an emphasis on the consequences for students, their families, and their academic future.