Deadline Set for Campus Security Overhaul: No More Delays, Ministry Warns

In a sweeping move to strengthen campus safety, the Greek government has given universities a hard August 31 deadlineto comply with a newly enacted campus security law, making it clear there will be no extensions, no excuses, and that enforcement will be closely monitored.

Universities that have yet to submit comprehensive security plans must do so within three weeks, while institutions with existing frameworks are required to update and prioritize their infrastructure, surveillance systems, and personnel needs by the end of the year.

A special task force, led by Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Deputy Minister Nikos Papaioannou, has been formed to supervise implementation. The ministry emphasized it is determined to prevent the law from “remaining on paper,” a criticism leveled at previous, weakly enforced policies.

Disciplinary Reforms and Accountability Measures

The law introduces university-level disciplinary councils, replacing the fragmented school-by-school structure that officials say enabled delays and obstruction in dealing with misconduct. Under the new system, students facing prosecution for violent acts on campus may face immediate suspension of student status if restrictive conditions are imposed by the courts. Rectors will be required to issue suspension orders within 10 days, cutting off access to university facilities, services, and academic privileges.

In cases of vandalism or equipment damage, students will be legally obligated to provide full financial compensationto the institution.

At the same time, the legislation introduces strict penalties for university administrators who fail to enforce these measures. Sanctions range from written reprimands and heavy fines—up to six months’ salary—to suspension without pay for as long as a year, or even permanent dismissal.

New Oversight Tools and Legal Mechanisms

To ensure transparency and swift justice, the government will assign dedicated prosecutors in Athens, Piraeus, and Thessaloniki to investigate and prosecute campus-related crimes and violent disruptions targeting the academic community.

An electronic monitoring platform will record all incidents and institutional responses. Each university will be required to submit annual progress reports, which will be used to evaluate compliance.

Crackdown on ‘Eternal Students’ Also Underway

In a related move aimed at modernizing the higher education system, the ministry will proceed with the permanent removal of over 300,000 so-called “eternal students”—those enrolled far beyond the expected duration of their programs—immediately after the upcoming fall exam period. Only 22,271 students who have shown recent academic activity will be exempted from the purge.

A Pivotal Academic Year Ahead

Government officials view the start of the new academic year as a critical test for the reform package, warning of potential resistance from “dynamic minorities” who may attempt to disrupt enforcement.

However, ministry sources argue that the real political cost would be to tolerate lawlessness and institutional decay, not to confront it decisively.

The message from the top is clear: universities must deliver – or face the consequences

Source: pagenews.gr