Elpida Keravnou Papailiou
CS Department, University of Cyprus

Research Publications Teaching Profile Summary Educational Activities
  Educational Activities
 


Educational Reforms in Cyprus
Bologna Process
Higher Degree Recognition
Other Educational Activities

 
  Educational Reforms in Cyprus
 

 

Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was a member of the Specialist Committee that was appointed by the Government of Cyprus to examine all aspects of the educational system of Cyprus at all levels (pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary) and to submit recommendations for reforms. The Committee submitted its recommendations in 2004 [E1] and these were adopted by the state as the basis for the educational reforms that are underway. Following the Specialist Committee’s recommendations, Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was appointed in various ad hoc Committees that were asked to examine specifically the following educational matters and to submit relevant proposals: (a) the reformation and upgrading of the Pedagogical Institute, (b) the continuous education and professional development of secondary school teachers and the exploitation of e-learning technology, (c) the establishment of a Centre for Educational Research, and (d) the establishment of a National Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Recognition Agency for replacing the existing bodies dealing with quality assurance and recognition (the drafting of the legislation for the new Agency has now been completed and will be forwarded to the House of Parliament for discussion and approval). Overall, Professor Keravnou-Papailiou has had a long involvement with quality assurance and accreditation due to her participation in the Council for Educational Evaluation and Accreditation (SEKAP - http://www.moec.gov.cy/sekap/) and the Evaluation Committee for Private Universities (ECPU – http://www.ecpu.ac.cy/). At the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference that was hosted in Cyprus (December 2010) by the Ministry of Education and Culture she was invited to present the example of Cyprus in “QA in practice” [E2].

Another development, in conjunction with the pursued legislation for a new National Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Recognition Agency, is the possibility for a Unified Law Framework for Higher Education in Cyprus. An ad hoc Committee for unifying and modernizing the legislation for Higher Education in Cyprus was appointed in April 2008 and submitted its recommendations in December 2009. Professor Keravnou-Papailiou participated in this Committee from the position of Vice-Chair. The proposed legislative framework was discussed extensively at a conference hosted jointly by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the University of Cyprus in April 2010 [E3] and the dialogue with the various stakeholders continues.  

The entrance system to the undergraduate programmes of the public universities in Cyprus has been a matter of serious concern and numerous debates and discussions over a long time now, at some points even causing major disquiet amongst the school leavers and their families. In an attempt to examine this important issue holistically from all different aspects (social, academic, economic) the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT – http://www.cut.ac.cy) organized a two-day conference in October 2009 inviting speakers from Cyprus and abroad. The conference whose Organizing Committee was chaired by Professor Keravnou-Papailiou (who at the time was serving as President of the Governing Board of CUT), has been widely acknowledged as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate on the modernization of the entrance system, in conjunction with the modernization of the secondary (and primary) levels of education and the expansion of capacity, in terms of study places and specializations, at the tertiary education level. The proceedings of the conference have been published by the University of Cyprus in a special issue of the university’s periodical “endeiktis” [E4]. In addition, Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was invited to present the outcome of the conference at the 62nd Rectors Conference of Greece, in December 2009 [E5].

Selected Reports/Invited Presentations

E1.Κazamias Α., Gagatsis Α., Keravnou-Papailiou Ε., Bouzakis S., Tsiakalos G., Philippou Α., and Chrisostomou C. (2004), “Report of the Specialist Committee for Educational Reforms in Cyprus” (360 pages)
(official website of Ministry of Education and Culture:
http://www.paideia.org.cy/upload/ekthesi_epitropis.pdf
http://www.paideia.org.cy/upload/manifesto.pdf
http://www.paideia.org.cy/upload/parartima.pdf)

E2. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “Quality Assurance in Practice: The Example of Cyprus”, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on “Quality Assurance and Recognition in Higher Education: Challenges and Prospects” (organized by the Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture Cyprus), 6th December 2010, Limassol, Cyprus. [ppt]

E3. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “The need for consolidation and modernization of laws relating to public universities in Cyprus”, Joint Conference of Ministry of Education and Culture and University of Cyprus on “The proposed Unified Law Framework for Higher Education in Cyprus – what to achieve and what to avoid” University of Cyprus, April 16th, 2010. [ppt]

E4. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2009), "Towards a modern and fair system of entrance to undergraduate programs of public universities in Cyprus without social inequalities and exclusions”, Proc. Cyprus University of Technology Workshop on "Access to Higher Education in Cyprus: Challenges and Prospects ", 30-31 October 2009 (Proc. published in a special issue of the University of Cyprus periodical “endeiktis”, Vol. 20, June 2010). [pdf][ppt]

E5. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2009), “The reformation of education at secondary level and the modernization of the entrance system to the universities”, Invited intervention, 62nd Rectors Conference of Greece, Lavrion, Greece, 11-12 December 2009. [pdf]

  
  Bologna Process
 

 

Professor Keravnou-Papailiou is a member of the National Team of Bologna Experts and the ECTS/DS National Academic Contact Point. In this capacity she delivered talks on the development of internal quality culture [B6] and the rising significance of learning outcomes [B5].

During her term as Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs of the University of Cyprus (2002-2006) she was instrumental in the implementation of the Bologna reforms at the University of Cyprus [B2, B3, B7, B9]. In her Keynote Presentation, at the Erasmus Coordinators (ERACON) 2005 Conference, she discussed the efforts involved in implementing the Bologna reforms at the University of Cyprus, in the broader context of recognition and quality assurance [B8]. The University of Cyprus was the first Greek speaking university to be awarded the DS Label in 2009.

Professor Keravnou-Papailiou contributed to the National Bologna Stocktaking Reports for 2006 [B11] and 2008 [B10]. The action plan on recognition that was attached on the 2006 report was prepared by her and approved by the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of HE Qualifications. Furthermore, she has followed closely the QA Forums organized by the E4 Group, where she presented papers at the 2006 [B7] and 2008 [B1] meetings. She has developed a particular interest in the notion of learning outcomes as the cornerstone of flexibility in learning at the same time safeguarding quality. Her article in the 2008 QA Forum was subsequently published in the EUA Bologna Handbook [B1]. Previously she had published another article in the EUA Bologna Handbook about the implementation of the ECTS at the University of Cyprus [B2].

Selected Articles/Invited Presentations

B1.Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2009), Flexibility through Learning Outcomes: implications for quality, EUA Bologna Handbook, September 2009, article B 2.3-2 (pages 1-14), Raabe Academic Publishers.[pdf] [ppt]

B2.Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2007), Implementing ECTS at the University of Cyprus, EUA Bologna Handbook, December 2007, article C 3.3-2 (pages 1-22), Raabe Academic Publishers.[pdf]

B3.Keravnou-Papailiou, E. (2006), “The implementation of the Bologna reforms at the University of Cyprus”, Publications of the Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, University of Cyprus. [pdf]

B4. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2010), “The upgrading and promotion of nursing through the Bologna process”, Educational Conference of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Cyprus on the theme of "New challenges for nursing education in Cyprus: Upgrading to university level and professional recognition", Nicosia, 29th January 2010 (keynote presentation). [pdf]

B5. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2008), “The rising significance of learning outcomes”, Info Day for the Bologna Process on "New Developments in the Bologna Process", Foundation for the Management of Lifelong Learning Programs in collaboration with the Bologna Experts, University of Cyprus, April 2008. [ppt]

B6. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2006), “Internal quality assurance: developing a quality culture”, Bologna Promoters Workshop on the Bologna Process, Cyprus College, April 2006. [ppt]

B7. Keravnou-Papailiou, E. (2006): The Development of an Internal Quality Assurance Policy for Research at the University of Cyprus. In: Proc. 1st European Forum for Quality Assurance, Technical University of Munich (http://www.eua.be/fileadmin/user_upload/files/QAForum_2006/GS_I_7_Keravnou.pdf).

B8. Keravnou-Papailiou, E. (2005): “Recognition and Quality Assurance in the Bologna Process”, Keynote Presentation, Proc. ERACON 2005, June 2005. [pdf, pdf]

B9. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2005), “The challenges of the goal of developing a European Higher Education Area”, Pergamini: Annual Publication of the University of Cyprus (Volume A’), pp.211-232. [pdf]

 B10. (Keravnou-Papailiou as co-author) Bologna Stocktaking 2008 for Cyprus (official site of Bologna Process).

B11. Michael E. and Keravnou-Papailiou E., Bologna Stocktaking 2006 for Cyprus (including Action Plan for Recognition) (official site of Bologna Process).

  
  Higher Degree Recognition
 

 

Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was the Chairperson of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS), which is the NARIC of Cyprus, during the period 2005-2008 (http://www.kysats.ac.cy) and she continues to be the national contact point for academic recognition in the context of her duties as a member of the national team of Bologna Experts. The major activities of KYSATS during 2006-2008 are summarized in the Council’s Progress Report for that period [R3]. It is particularly noted that a number of significant policy decisions were taken by the Council during that period [R5, R6], accompanied with legislative reforms, in order to have a more flexible and efficient recognition process, compatible with the Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC), that Cyprus has signed and ratified.

Professor Keravnou-Papailiou attended meetings of the ENIC/NARIC Networks (http://www.enic-naric.net/) and represented Cyprus at the LRC Committee (the 16th ENIC/NARIC meeting was hosted by KYSATS in Cyprus in June 2009). In November 2007, KYSATS organized a Symposium on “Quality Assurance and Recognition in Higher Education: Challenges and Prospects” with participation from European experts, including speakers from the Council of Europe and UNESCO/CEPES (http://www.kysats.ac.cy/?page=news&id=130&lang=gr). In addition, Professor Keravnou-Papailiou participated in the working party that assisted Professor Rauhvargers and Dr Rusakova to deliver a report to the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) on the analysis of the 2007 National Action Plans on Recognition [R4], and during her 4-year term as Chairperson of KYSATS, she was often invited to give presentations on matters of academic recognition and related issues (e.g. [R1, R2]).

Selected Reports/Invited Presentations

R1.Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2008), “The Lisbon Recognition Convention: criteria and procedures, transnational education provision, joint degrees and international access qualifications”, Free University at Skali Aglanjias, October 29, 2008. [pdf]

R2.Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2007): “Student mobility: challenges and prospects from the perspective of recognition”, Proc. European Conference on “Student Mobility – Where are we going?”, organized by the Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions (POFEN) in conjunction with ESU (European Student Unions), September 2007, Limassol. [pdf]

R3.Cyprus Council on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, “Progress Report 2006-2008”, December 2008
(http://www.kysats.ac.cy/uploads/files/news/137ABOLOGISMOSfinal.pdf).

R4.Rauhvargers Α. and Rusakova A. (with assistance from: Blomqvist C. (Finland), Harutunyan G. (Armenia), Demand C. (Austria), Keravnou-Papaeliou E. (Cyprus), Profit F. (France), Lantero L. (Italy), Kelly F. (New Zealand), and Carapinha B. (European Student Union)), “Report on the Analysis of the 2007 National Action Plans on Recognition”, DGIV/EDU/HE (2008) 9, Strasbourg, 5 June 2008.
http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/actionlines/documents/Analysis_of_2007_RecognitionNAPs.pdf

R5.Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2007), “Academic recognition: new developments and its multiple dimensions”, Publications of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, July 2007. [pdf]

R6.Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2007), “Academic qualifications and specializations with respect to the levels of academic recognition”, Publications of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, February 2007. [pdf]

  
 
 
  Other Educational Activities
 

 

The drafting of the Strategic Development Planning of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT – http://www.cut.ac.cy) for the period 2010-2020, with the contribution of the whole university community, was one of the targets that Professor Keravnou-Papailiou had set forward when she was appointed President of the Governing Board of CUT in January 2009. The Strategic Development Planning was completed in 2010 and approved by the Governing Board at its 54th meeting on July 2nd [O1]. The nine strategic goals of the University and their analysis in terms of priority hierarchies have been presented to the various stakeholders, starting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and were positively received. The Minister of Education and Culture called a press conference on November 5th 2010, and invited Professor Keravnou-Papailiou to present the strategic goals of the Cyprus University of Technology. At other meetings organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was given the opportunity to present ongoing and future plans of the Cyprus University of Technology, for example, the university’s initial efforts in developing a quality culture [O7], as well as the promotion of technology and applied sciences in Cyprus [O8]. At the 2010 Annual Seminar of the European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC) that was hosted by the Education Council of Cyprus, she was invited to deliver the opening presentation titled “Investing in Education: the case of Cyprus” [O5].

The formation and sustainability of knowledge societies and economies, research and innovation, applied research, employability, and ICT skills, are some of the topics for which she was invited to give presentations or participate in panel discussions [e.g. O2, O3, O4, O6, O9]. Society, educational reforms and globalization, quality and flexibility in learning, the development of higher education in Cyprus, and adult education in Cyprus, have also been addressed in keynotes that Professor Keravnou-Papailiou was invited to give at conferences and other meetings [e.g. O10-O14].

Selected Reports/Invited Presentations

O1.Strategic Development Planning of the Cyprus University of Technology 2010-2020 [pdf]
Presentation at the Ministry of Education and Culture, 5th November 2010
http://www.paideia.org.cy/upload/04_11_2010_stratigikos_programmatismos_tepak.pdf)
Keravnou-Papailiou (2010), “The strategic goals of the Cyprus University of Technology until 2020, in the context of the development of higher education in Cyprus and the challenges at European and international levels”. [pdf]

O2.Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “Enhancing employability and creating new work positions through research and innovation: the role of a modern university of technology”, Economic Forum: Job Market, Career Guidance, Unemployment, Cyprus 2020: Development and Solidarity, 29th November 2010, Limassol. [ppt]

O3. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “How a knowledge society is formed – the role of research and education”, Joint seminar of the Reflection Group on the Modernization of Society (OPEK) and the Cyprus University of Technology, 1st July, 2010. [ppt]

O4. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), Invited panelist on the “Impact of the economic crisis on knowledge societies and ICT skills, and educational reforms”, Innovative Education Forum 2010, organized by Microsoft, June 24th, Nicosia.

O5. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “Investing in Education: the case of Cyprus”, Opening presentation at the Annual Seminar of the European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC), on the theme “Education and Training in a period of economic crisis”, hosted by the Education Council of Cyprus, Limassol, 31st May 2010 (Report of the seminar of EUNEC, pp.9-16). [ppt]

O6. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2010), “Applied research and benefits for the development of Cyprus”, Proc. Conference of the Ministry of Education and Culture on “Research as the driving force for economic and social development in Cyprus”, University of Cyprus, March 5th, 2010. [pdf]

O7. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2009), “Internal Evaluation Procedures at Cyprus University of Technology”, Quality Assurance Seminar organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the British Council, October 2009.[ppt]

O8. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2009), “Promoting Technology and Applied Sciences in Cyprus”, Meeting on HE and Research jointly hosted by the Ministers of Education of Cyprus and Austria, Nicosia, Cyprus, July 2009. [ppt]

O9. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2008), "Frameworks for enhancing the employability of human resources in Europe", Colloquium of Student Party Protoporia on "Europe and I: Opportunities for education, employment, participation”, University of Cyprus, November 6, 2008. [ppt]

O10. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2007), “Society and Educational Reforms”, 21st Panhellenic Educational Conference, Paphos, April 2007. [pdf]

O11. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2007), “Quality and flexibility in learning focusing on the students and teachers”, 9th Greece-Cyprus Conference on "Chemistry and Sustainable Development", Larnaca, April 2007 (keynote presentation). [pdf]

O12. Keravnou-Papailiou E. (2005), “Adult Education in Cyprus”, Keynote Talk, Grundtvig 3 Conference: Quality of Training Activities, Ministry of Education and Culture, Paphos, Cyprus, November 2005. [ppt]

O13. Keravnou-Papailiou, Ε. (2004), "The development of higher education in Cyprus in the light of European and global reforms”, Proc. Conference of the Cyprus Educational Reforms Society, Nicosia, May 2004, pp. 33-61. [pdf]

O14. Keravnou-Papailiou Ε. (2004), “Education reforms and globalization”, Proc. 18th Panhellenic Educational Conference on "Globalization and Education: The Public School in the New Environment”, Rhodes, Greece, April 2004. [ppt]