1. Purpose and Scope

This Policy defines the institutional framework, principles, and procedures through which the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) ensures the protection of the physical, psychological, social, and digital safety of its students across all campuses and activities. The Policy applies to all enrolled students and governs all academic, research, housing, administrative, and extracurricular activities of the University.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy incorporates provisions directly related to student safety and institutional responsibility, including the governance roles of university bodies and the operation of internal regulations and quality‑assurance processes. It is adopted pursuant to:

• Law 4957/2022 (Government Gazette A’ 141), and in particular Articles 209, 210, 219, 225, 226 and relevant provisions concerning safety, student welfare, accessibility and digital governance.
• Law 5224/2025, as in force.
• Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).
• Applicable national and European legislation on health and safety, civil protection, data protection and equal access.

3. Scope of Application

This Policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, visiting students, and participants in educational activities across all HMU campuses, facilities, residences, laboratories, digital platforms, and events under the responsibility of the University.

4. Objectives

The objectives of this Policy are:

• Ensure safe, inclusive and accessible learning environments.
• Prevent, identify and address hazards, violence, harassment, discrimination and unsafe practices.
• Establish clear prevention, response and reporting mechanisms.
• Promote awareness, preparedness and shared responsibility.
• Ensure institutional compliance with regulatory obligations.

5. Governance and Responsibilities

HMU ensures clear governance structures and oversight mechanisms to support the effective implementation of this policy. To this end:

• The Security and Protection Committee is responsible for oversight, evaluation and annual review of this Policy.
• The Head of the Independent Department of Security and Protection acts as Campus Safety Officer.
• All administrative units, Schools and Departments shall cooperate in the implementation of safety measures within their areas of responsibility

6. Security and Protection Structures

6.1 SECURITY AND PROTECTION PLAN (SPP)

HMU implements an approved Security and Protection Plan based on systematic risk assessment of all premises. The University’s Security and Protection Plan (SPP), establishes as its strategic objective, the safeguarding of the lives of Staff, Students, and Visitors, as well as the protection of the University’s infrastructure. The Plan establishes preventive, operational and emergency measures and is complementary to mandatory statutory safety studies.

6.2 HEALTH CARE SERVICES

The University Health Center provides primary health care, emergency response, preventive health programs, vaccinations, medical referrals and certifications in accordance with national legislation. More specifically, the Center:

• Provides Primary Health Care services, manages emergency incidents, and refers individuals to appropriate health services.
• Dispenses medication when possible
• Issues medical certificates when required.
• Administers vaccinations in accordance with the national immunization program.
• Organizes and coordinates preventive health programs aimed at maintaining and promoting student health (awareness activities on STIs, addictive and psychoactive substances, healthy nutrition, etc.).
• Prescribes preventive screening tests.
• Collaborates with the Occupational Physician of the Institution.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are installed throughout the campuses to ensure an immediate response to cardiac emergencies.

6.3 COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT

The Counseling and Psychological Support Center provides confidential psychological assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, mental health promotion, and prevention δράσεις, with particular support for vulnerable student groups. The support services provided include:

• Individual assessment and counseling sessions for students with disabilities and other socially vulnerable student groups. The Center uses modern tools for psychological evaluation and has adopted student‑centered intervention methods and procedures that respect each student’s needs and incorporate their own decisions into their care and support plan.
• Support for everyday personal, family, academic, and other challenges faced by students, such as stress management, depressive symptoms, adjustment to the academic environment, difficulty managing academic demands, interpersonal relationship issues and conflict resolution, coping with loss, grief or separation, support with personal or career decisions, and concerns related to sexuality, discrimination, or identity.
• Prevention and mental health promotion activities within the academic community. The Center organizes seminars on current topics, as well as prevention and awareness campaigns related to student mental health.

6.4 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, Students with Special Educational Needs, AND ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

HMU operates α Unit for Equal Access of Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Special Educational Needs, ensuring reasonable accommodations, physical and digital accessibility, assistive technology, adapted educational support, social welfare measures and volunteer-based peer support for students with disabilities and special educational needs.

Core Support Actions

a.  Physical Accessibility and Transportation

• On‑Campus Transportation: Ensuring and facilitating the physical accessibility of persons with disabilities. This initiative is further supported by a team of volunteer students who, through their voluntary contribution, assist in enhancing accessibility and supporting their fellow students’ adjustment to academic life.
• Free Transportation Program: A dedicated program ensures free transportation to and from the University for students with disabilities, supporting their daily attendance.
• Barrier Mapping: Continuous accessibility assessments are conducted, allowing students to report areas with inadequate infrastructure so that corrective actions can be planned.

b.  Educational and Learning Support

To support students with disabilities and students with special educational needs, specialized support services are provided by qualified special education professionals, specifically including the following:

• Individual Sessions: Tailored support for students with learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia) aimed at improving academic skills.
• Supportive Teaching: Provision of additional instructional support in academic subjects such as Mathematics, Statistics, Linear Algebra, and Informatics, delivered by Education Advisors appointed across all academic departments of the University.
• Experiential Workshops: Organization of thematic seminars with priority participation given to students with disabilities.

c. Technological Support and Library Services

• Assistive Technologies: Library workstations are equipped with screen‑reading software (SuperNova), text‑to‑speech tools, and Braille displays.
• Accessible Course Material: Through the AMElib platform, students have access to digital material compatible with assistive technologies.

d. Social Welfare and Psychological Support

• Counseling and Psychological Support Center: Provision of psychological support for managing exam‑related stress and facilitating social integration within the academic environment.
• Priority in Housing and Meals: Students with disabilities, or those with family members with disabilities, receive special consideration in the allocation of free housing and meal services.

6.5 EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND CIVIL PROTECTION

Emergency Response Teams and Emergency Assembly Points are designated in all campuses. Special evacuation and support procedures apply to Persons with Disabilities. Emergency plans, maps and civil protection guidelines are published and regularly updated. Specifically,

• The establishment of emergency response teams aims to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters and to provide immediate assistance during safety and security incidents. These teams are responsible for prevention, preparedness, and effective response to emergency situations such as natural disasters, accidents, or other crises that may threaten the safety and health of the university community in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and Sitia.
• Directorates, Schools, Departments, and other units that share the same building or are located in adjacent facilities, depending on the number of users and the specific needs of each unit, have established joint teams. Schools and Directorates housed in multi-storey buildings have appointed a responsible person for each floor, who is tasked with overseeing the evacuation of the floor in case of an emergency and reporting any absent employees. In this context, the following roles and teams have also been designated:
• Department/Floor/Building Coordinators and their Deputies
• Rescue, First Aid, and Disability Support Teams
• Fire Safety Teams
• Network Control and Equipment/Records Recovery Teams
• Dedicated teams are to support Persons with Disabilities ensuring their safe evacuation, appropriate care, and access to necessary support services during critical situations.
• The Head of the University’s Security Department has been appointed as the overall coordinator of all emergency response teams. This individual is responsible for informing the teams and planning training activities for their members.
• Emergency Assembly Points have been designated across the University’s facilities in all five cities. Relevant maps are published on the University’s website.
• Civil protection measures and guidelines that ensure proper awareness and preparedness of the University community for handling emergency situations are published on the University’s website. These include instructions for responding to emergency incidents such as natural disasters or public health crises, as well as protocols for infrastructure protection and crisis management.
• Operational and safety procedures for users of laboratory facilities within the Schools of the Hellenic Mediterranean University are also provided.

6.6 DIGITAL SAFETY AND DATA PROTECTION

HMU applies technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of processing and the protection of personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing, as well as against accidental or unlawful loss, alteration, or destruction. HMU maintains certification under ISO 27001 for Information Security Management, and ISO 27701 for Privacy Information Management, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding information assets and ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements. The Data Protection Officer supervises compliance and incident handling.

The University implements procedures for the prevention, detection, and management of security incidents, ensures the taking of backups and the continuity of critical operations, and provides for the continuous awareness and training of staff, in line with the principle of accountability.

Moreover, the University regularly implements training and awareness programs for all users, with emphasis on the secure use of information systems, the protection of credentials, the identification of cybersecurity threats, and the protection of personal data.

7.  Prevention and Training

The University collaborates with a qualified Safety Technician, responsible for assessing technical and organizational risks, recommending preventive measures, and overseeing their implementation across the premises. The Safety Technician plays an active role in the continuous improvement of safety procedures, study, and contributes to maintaining a safe and functional environment, and conduct periodic risk assessments of all facilities (classrooms, labs, dormitories, outdoor areas).

Additionally, the University has developed a comprehensive Occupational Risk Assessment Study (ORAS) in accordance with the applicable health and safety legislation. This study identifies and evaluates potential hazards within the workplace, defines the necessary preventive and protective measures, and supports the continuous improvement of working conditions. It serves as a core component of the University’s safety policy and is updated whenever activities, facilities, or operational procedures change.

The University regularly provides training and awareness programs to strengthen student and staff preparedness. These include seminars and workshops on first aid, emergency procedures, mental health and well‑being, digital safety and GDPR compliance, as well as anti‑bullying and anti‑harassment practices. The University also offers recurring training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

8. Reporting and Response Protocols

The University maintains confidential reporting channels. Students have access to immediate support services, such as counseling, academic accommodations, and referrals. Reports are handled promptly, impartially and in accordance with data protection principles, with provision of appropriate support measures.

9. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

Τhe Head of the Security and Protection Unit prepares an annual activity report, which includes the actions undertaken to enhance the level of safety and protection of the University. The Policy is reviewed upon incident data, student feedback, and legislative or operational changes.