A Balancing Act: The Brave New World of Social Media

Wednesday February 16, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Dr. Yvonne Kosma, Assistant Professor (Communication and New Media)

Register here

Digital technologies, and especially social media are by now a quite literal extension of self and of our social lives. They are places that we occupy simultaneously during the course of our everyday life in the material world. This renders the distinction between the virtual and the material world increasingly indistinct, and maybe it does not even exist anymore. Still, our involvement in digital worlds has contributed to a significant shift in the way we perceive social relationships. What are “friends”? How can one define the concept of “self”? What is considered acceptable etiquette? Are there any dangers?

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Wednesday February 23, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Dr. Maria Kyriakidou, Chair, Division of Humanities and Social Sciences

Register here

The proposed workshop is an experiential skills-building initiative of the American College of Thessaloniki, Greece which offers insights into the dynamics of conflict as well as on the building of competent skills necessary for its effective resolution. Such skills include conflict analysis, awareness and negotiation. Real and/or fictional case studies would be used as examples and tested in context.The output of the workshop would enable participants to gain an insight of diverse ways to identify key factors in negotiation processes and appreciate the role of dialogue, understanding and non-violence. It would also help them develop skills in communication and better understand the processes of conflict resolution.

Living with Machines that Learn in The Internet of Everything

Wednesday March 2, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenters: Mr. Pantelis Kaplanoglou, Adjunct Instructor (Computer Science)

Register here

A part of our everyday life is spent on the World-Wide-Web 2.0, inside a “social” internet that people are connecting with people. We already have “things”, other than a computer, that are connected to each other in an Internet of Things (IoT), a “machine” internet. Imagine a near future where these things are becoming more intelligent, silently present everywhere around us and available at any time. These machines will be able to learn from the data in the real world, having a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is called Machine Learning. In this future, we would not simply connect to things, because these and the internet itself would be part of our environment.

Do you feel anything artificial when you walk on a paved road, or you pass above a bridge? Exactly like these man-made structures became part of our world, we will start living with intelligent machines, so they could help us improve various aspects of our lives. The Internet of Everything will be a network of humans, machines, and data. It will be the next major milestone in the history of Computing, realizing the 20- year-old vision of Ubiquitous Computing. There will be new opportunities for Computer Scientists to create disruptive innovations. Especially after the major progress in Deep Learning, that allows us to truly make a thing “smart”.

Celebrity Endorsement in Advertising

Wednesday March 9, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Dr. Eirini Tsichla, Assistant Professor (Marketing)

Register here

Using celebrities in advertising campaigns is a fairly common practice for major companies in supporting corporate or brand imagery. Companies invest significant amounts of money in order to endow their brands with endorser qualities such as attractiveness, likeability, trustworthiness, and expertise. Celebrity endorsement is a three-way relationship connecting the star, the product and the consumer, and the internet has narrowed the distance between all parties, redefining methods, tools and tactics.

Robots trade Bitcoins: An Introduction of Machine Learning in Investments

Saturday March 12, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Mr. Damianos Lazaridis, Adjunct Professor (Mathematics)

Register here

How can the weather data help us predict Bitcoin fluctuations? With the advancements in computing power and data storage capabilities as well as in machine learning knowledge, the quantitative tools that investors can now use have increased. Today, vast amounts of data are used to timely predict the next market move. In this presentation, we explore this trend along with the opportunities and challenges that machine learning practitioners face in the investment world.

Slam Poetry in the Time of Coronavirus

Wednesday March 16, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Ms Julie Carter, Instructor (English) & Ms Elisavet Tsakiroglou, Adjunct Professor (English)

Register here

We’re all feeling a mixture of emotions in these difficult times. Discover slam poetry and express your feelings! Slam poetry is not a genre or a type of poetry, but rather a form of performance poetry which combines the elements of strong emotions, performance, competition and audience participation. The name slam came from the high energy performance style of the poets who have the power to slam personal fears and social problems.
This interactive session will focus on what slam poetry is and will then give participants the chance to create a short team-written poem on the subject of coronavirus. Let’s slam the virus together!

"Poetry to me
Is watching hood kids breakdance
on J trains,
Right next to the
Homeless, hungry and heartbroken
And the inner battle
of who to give your dollar to.
Or do I need a coffee?"
Digital Poet

Do You Know Your Personal Brand?

Saturday March 19, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenters: Ms. Despina Dimopoulou, Adjunct Instructor (Psychology)

Register here

Your personal brand is more than just the brand statement you use as your elevator pitch when you introduce yourself in real-life encounters or to market yourself in your paper and online career marketing communications (CV, LinkedIn profile, website). Your brand is your reputation – the perception of you held by the external world. It is the combination of personal attributes, values, drivers, strengths, and passions you draw from that differentiates your unique promise of value from your peers, and helps those assessing you to determine if they should recruit you or do business with you. You need to identify those qualities and characteristics within you and communicate a crystal clear, consistent message across multiple channels – online and offline – designed to resonate with your target audience.

What does Mathematics say about Black Holes?

Wednesday March 30, 2022 - 6:00 PM GMT+2 - Duration: 60' - Language: English

Presenter: Dr. Nikos Athanasiou, Assistant Professor (Mathematics)

Register here

Few notions within the realm of mathematical physics succeed in capturing the imagination and inspiring awe as effortlessly as that of a black hole. First encountered in the Schwarzschild solution, discovered a few months after the presentation of the Field Equations of General Relativity at the Prussian Academy of Sciences, the black hole as a phenomenon accompanies and prominently features within the history of General Relativity since its inception. In this talk we will lay out a brief overview of the way our understanding of black holes has increased over the past 100 years and discuss some important achievements and challenges ahead! We shall then proceed to explain the physical meaning that some of the above questions have.

September 16, 2022: Starting the 2022-2023 Academic Year

Dear Students,

May 30, 2022: Use of Facemasks on Campus

Dear ACT Students,

We hope you are all working hard toward the last week of classes and the upcoming final exams.

This is to inform you that, according to the most recent COVID-19 regulations set by the Greek government, starting this coming Wednesday (June 1), the use of facemasks will be optional across campus (indoor and outdoor spaces).

However, facemasks will be mandatory during Finals taking place on Monday (June 6) and Tuesday (June 7).

In addition, there will be no facemask requirement for the duration of the Summer Term (excluding the Finals day).

May 1, 2022: Campus Entrance Protocols Update

Dear Students,

According to the most recent COVID-19 regulations announced by the Greek Government, starting on May 1, 2022, it is no longer necessary to provide proof of vaccination nor test results for entrance to campus. However, for the benefit of our community, we still strongly advise that you complete a self-test before entering campus after the break.

If you test positive for COVID-19, please send the official results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will assist you with the next steps.

Masks are still required in indoor spaces and are encouraged when in a crowded area outdoors.

Please contact the Student Services Office if you have any questions.

Thank you.

March 29, 2022 - Self-test Update

Dear Students,

• Vaccinated individuals & those who recovered from COVID-19 and are within a valid recovery period, should conduct a self-test. 
• Unvaccinated individuals must perform a Rapid test in a testing facility.Please be reminded that COVID Certificates expire 7 months after the last dose, at which point a booster shot is required to be considered fully vaccinated. The validity period of the COVID Recovery certificate is 3 months.
• Students with a valid AMKA (Greek Social Security Number) can produce the required document through gov.gr. Alternatively, please download and fill-out the declaration form found here. A printed copy or a picture of it on your mobile phone will be requested at the ACT gatehouse. 

February 28, 2022 - Campus Protocols Update

Dear Students,

Please be aware of the COVID-19 protocols for entering ACT's Campus.

Please follow these steps: 

1. Since the week of Jan 17th, ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF are required to provide a declaration of either a negative self-test or a negative Rapid test within 24 hours prior to entering the ACT campus on TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS.

• Vaccinated individuals & those who recovered from COVID-19 and are within a valid recovery period, should conduct a self-test. 
• Unvaccinated individuals must perform a Rapid test in a testing facility.  

Please note the following update:

As of February 1st, the Greek Government announced that COVID Certificates expire 7 months after the last dose, at which point a booster shot is required to be considered fully vaccinated. 

The validity period of the COVID Recovery certificate is 3 months.

2. Students with a valid AMKA (Greek Social Security Number) can produce the required document through gov.gr. Alternatively, please download and fill-out the declaration form found here. A printed copy or a picture of it on your mobile phone will be requested at the ACT gatehouse.
3. If you test positive on the self-test, please proceed to a testing facility to verify the positive result.  Please send the official results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we will assist you with the next steps.

For any clarification please contact the Student Services Office.

January 7, 2022 - Campus Protocols for Spring I

We are preparing to open the Spring I 2022 term with in-person classes.  In accordance with the latest Government Directives, we kindly inform all students that: 

As of Monday, January 10th (and until further notice), in order to enter the ACT campus, you must declare your vaccination status and also show your relevant certificate at the Gate (alongside a photo ID).

The following are accepted for campus entrance: 

1. A certificate of vaccination against the COVID-19: at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose of the vaccine to be permitted entry.  
2.  A valid certificate of recovery within the last 3 months.  
3. A negative PCR or Rapid Test required twice a week, to be performed 24hrs before entry. For week 1, tests must be completed within 24 hours of entry to campus on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. For subsequent weeks, tests must be taken within 24 hours of entrance on Tuesday and Friday.  Have your test results ready to show the ACT Guard upon entrance.  

Protective Measures for Campus

• FFP2 or KN95 masks or double masks must be worn at all times.
• Self-tests are suggested for all individuals who are not getting Rapid tests on Tuesday and Friday before entering campus. 
• Social distancing of at least 2 meters between individuals.
• Individuals with fever or symptoms of illness should not come to campus and should contact the ACT MD, Dr. Kounti This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must email the test results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and will receive instructions from ACT about online academics during your illness and returning to campus.
• Individuals who are close contacts with a case of COVID-19, should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further guidance.

January 5, 2022 - Start of Spring I

Dear ACT students,

I hope that you had a relaxing break and you had the opportunity to enjoy the company of family and friends.

Already, our faculty and staff have worked very hard in preparing for the Spring I 2022 academic term. We keep monitoring governmental directives and based on the most recent one ACT will be operating face-to-face. For that, we have developed various protocols and mechanisms that will help assure that your campus presence is a safe one but of course we’ll need your cooperation in order to truly have a safe term.

My colleagues and I are eager to welcome you back this coming Monday. Until then, please keep yourselves safe. We want you back strong and vibrant.

Best regards,
Stamos Karamouzis

November 23, 2021 - Updated COVID-19 Measures

Dear ACT Community,

We would like to update you on the current protection measures that are in place and related to your studies and stay in Thessaloniki.

As of Monday, November 22, 2021, the Greek Government will tighten the permission to access many categories of businesses and public services.

Individuals who are unvaccinated, can not prove vaccination status or who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months are restricted as follows:

• Cannot access/enter enclosed eating areas, entertainment facilities (cinemas, theaters), museums, exhibition centers, fitness centers and sports venues.
• Can enter only by presenting evidence of a negative lab rapid test or PCR test: churches, schools, public and private sector places of work, retail shops, hair salons.
• Can enter with no documentation required: Unvaccinated individuals can enter supermarkets, bakeries, sweet shops, pharmacies and urban public transportation.

In response to challenges faced by foreigners who do not possess a European Vaccination Certificate with a QR code, as of 10 November, the Greek Ministry of Development and Investment issued a statement stating that foreign vaccination cards and proof of recovery documents that are accompanied by an official photo ID are acceptable. The statement can be found online and presented if denied entry. Work is underway for foreigners to be able to register their vaccines to the Greek national platform and to obtain a document with a QR code, further updates will be sent when the platform is active.

Campus access remains the same, with all individuals required to wear masks in all indoor spaces, have a photo ID and present one of the following documents:

• A certificate of vaccination against the COVID-19: at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose of the vaccine to be permitted entry. If not, a negative PCR or Rapid Test result will be required.
• A valid certificate of recovery.
• A negative PCR or Rapid Test required twice a week, to be performed 24hrs before entry. For week 1, tests must be completed on Saturday or Sunday and again on Wednesday. For subsequent weeks, tests must be taken on Monday & Thursday. Have your test results ready to show the ACT Guard upon entrance. Please submit your weekly results to our online platform.

There are no curfews in place at this time.

Please remember to wear masks while indoors and when in close proximity to others.

Thank you and warm regards,
The Student Services Team

October 1, 2021- Thessaloniki Curfew

Dear ACT Community,

We would like to make you aware that a nighttime curfew will be imposed on the entire region of greater Thessaloniki starting tonight.
The curfew is between 1:00am and 6:00am, additionally it prohibits music in bars/restaurants/cafeterias.
Individuals should be in their intended place of stay before 1:00 am, or risk being fined. This curfew is intended to stop the spread of COVID.

The nighttime curfew has no impact on the operation of our school and all classes and activities will take place as normal at ACT.

September 17, 2021- Fall 2021- Process for Entering Campus

We are delighted to open the 2021 academic year with in-person classes.  In accordance with the latest Government Directives, we kindly inform all students that: 

As of Monday, September 20th (and until further notice), in order to enter the ACT campus, you must declare your vaccination status and also show your relevant certificate at the Gate (alongside a photo ID)  The following are accepted for campus entrance: 

1. A certificate of vaccination against the COVID-19: at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose of the vaccine to be permitted entry. If not, a negative PCR or Rapid Test result will be required. 
2. A valid certificate of recovery.  
3. A negative PCR or Rapid Test required twice a week, to be performed 24hrs before entry. For week 1, tests must be completed on Saturday or Sunday and again on Wednesday. For subsequent weeks, tests must be taken on Monday & Thursday.  Have your test results ready to show the ACT Guard upon entrance. Please submit your weekly results to our online platform.

We are delighted to open the 2021 academic year with in-person classes.  In accordance with the latest Government Directives, we kindly inform all students that: 

As of Monday, September 20th (and until further notice), in order to enter the ACT campus, you must declare your vaccination status and also show your relevant certificate at the Gate (alongside a photo ID)  The following are accepted for campus entrance: 

1. A certificate of vaccination against the COVID-19: at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose of the vaccine to be permitted entry. If not, a negative PCR or Rapid Test result will be required. 
2. A valid certificate of recovery.  
3. A negative PCR or Rapid Test required twice a week, to be performed 24hrs before entry. For week 1, tests must be completed on Saturday or Sunday and again on Wednesday. For subsequent weeks, tests must be taken on Monday & Thursday.  Have your test results ready to show the ACT Guard upon entrance. Please submit your weekly results to our online platform.

August 16, 2021- Important Fall 2021 COVID Update: Return to campus

Dear ACT students,

Hope you are enjoying the summer.

We are reaching out to update you with important information regarding COVID and the protocols that will be put in effect from the upcoming Fall term. Very recently, new policies regarding COVID compliance for all colleges/universities have been issued by the Greek Ministry of Education. According to these:

• The delivery mode for the Fall term will be face-to-face
• All ACT students are legally obliged, by the Greek Government, to submit one of the following in order to be provided access to campus:

1. Proof of vaccination OR 
2. Proof of recovery from COVID in the past 6 months, OR 
3. Negative COVID test result (Rapid or PCR) twice a week (Monday and Thursday). The cost of testing will be incurred by the student. This includes students who are living in ACT housing.

Therefore, for your own safety and the safety of others, ACT strongly advises all students to come to ACT fully vaccinated or with a valid certificate of recovery.

In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out with more information and a link to submit your documentation.

Best wishes,
Dr. Grigoris Baglavas, Associate Dean for Student Affairs

May 25, 2021- Fall 2021: Return to Campus and Campus Expansion

Dear ACT Community,

Hope you are well!

As we are preparing for your long awaited return to campus in September, we have been active in various fields to provide you with a new, larger, campus with more facilities for your academic and extra curricular needs.

In this context, I am thrilled to announce that ACT plans to hold all Fall 2021 classes in person on our campus. During the recent months, we have acquired a new building, additional athletic facilities, and more property which will expand the size of our existing campus. The new building will be named West Hall, and some of you might know it as the 'Rigas Feraios' building. The West Hall property is connected to our existing campus and is just a 2-minute walk from Stavros Constantinidis Hall (C-Hall). Click here to see our expanded campus.

In addition, as you might know, we are doing serious construction in C-Hall. We are doubling the size of the cafeteria, building new Science labs (Biology, Physics) on the ground floor and, thus moving the administrative offices (Registrar's, IPO, Student Services, and Athletics) to the upper floor (rooms 203, 204 & 205). We have also added two really beautiful gazebos in front of C-Hall and the Bissell Library.
We look forward to welcoming you back to campus.

Sincerely,
Dr. Grigoris Baglavas, Associate Dean for Student Affairs

March 4, 2021- Spring II and Term IV Delivery Mode

Dear ACT Students,

Hope you are well and safe.

As per the Greek Government Update regarding the COVID restrictive measures, please note that both Spring II undergraduate and Term IV graduate courses will be delivered fully online.      

The Spring II schedule of courses can be found here. Next week, all undergraduate students will be receiving suggested courses from their advisors.

Best wishes and stay healthy,

December 15, 2020 - Spring Semester Update

Dear ACT Students,

In line with the latest restrictive measures announced by the Greek Government, please note that both Spring I undergraduate and Term III graduate courses will be offered at a distance (online delivery of courses). We will update our community if a change in government-imposed measures allows for access to the ACT campus, e.g., lab use, and in-person services.

Please take care,
Stamos Karamouzis

November 5, 2020 - Remote Access - OUCMS and other applications

Dear ACT students,

Hope this email finds you well and safe.

As all ACT courses have moved online and no student has access to the campus computers, this is an informational email about accessing some of our resources while online.

Remote access to the ACT campus is available through our Virtual Private Network (VPN) at the address vpn.act.edu

After logging in with your credentials (username/password, same as the ones you use for the campus computers and ACTivity), you will see a window with links to:

• Moodle Archives - Moodle courses from previous years (2008/09 onwards)
• OUCMS - The system to check your marks for the OU courses & the feedback that your instructors provide
• Z: Drive - Accessing the files on your personal folder (Z:\) on ACT's File Server
• Remote Desktop - A connection to an on-campus computer

Please note that when you finish using the vpn service, you must log off by clicking the appropriate 'Sign out' button of the interface and not by closing the browser window.

The service is also available through ACTivity, by clicking on the link Remote Access & VPN Service on the home page.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Stay safe,
Grigoris Baglavas

November 4, 2020 - Bissell Library Update

Dear Students,

I hope my email finds you all well. 

I am writing to let you know that due to the current governmental restrictions the Bissell Library building is closed but our Online Library , our resources and services are OPEN and available to you. We have been working to provide all of our services online for as long as it is necessary.

Find here instructions on how to use our online library. Also find here guidance on remote access.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. You can email the Bissell Library to book an appointment with a librarian to help you with your research and referencing queries.

Also we offer an online chat with a librarian service:

Monday - Thursday from 11-1 and 6-8 and on Friday from 11-1 and 4-6 

During these times there is a librarian online to chat with you and answer your questions. Link here to Meet with a librarian.

All fines to books have been suspended for the duration of the lock-down period. 

During the lock-down you cannot borrow books in print. However, there is a scan and email service for articles in print or chapters of books in print needed for student projects. If you need this service just email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Remember to use the wealth of content you have access to via our Online library, the ebooks and ejournals during this time.

Also visit our Online Subject guides which offer links and useful content by subject discipline.

Do not forget our Harvard Referencing guide when you cite and also the APA Referencing guide for the Psychology courses. 

For our updates regularly check our library website.

We all miss seeing you in the Bissell Library and we hope to welcome you back here soon. 

Check our stay at home guide to find ways to entertain yourselves in your free time at home. Look after yourselves and stay safe.

With warm wishes always,
Evi 

November 3, 2020 - ACT Online Services

Dear Students,

We are writing to you with some updates about ACT and our operations while we are offering classes online.

All of our ACT services remain operational and we are ready to support your needs via telephone and online.

Bissell Library - offers online access and support.
Student Services - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x242
Registrar - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IT - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Health & Wellness -
Doctor Georgia Kounti - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Counselor Nelly Florentin - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For easy reference, scan this QR code with your mobile phone's camera and you can load a contact list of ACT resources into your phone.

The Greek Government announced a general lockdown to assist in stopping the spread of COVID.

Please take note of the additional measures that became effective today, Tuesday 3/11/2020 at 06:00 am. Following these measures is important. The minimum fine for a violation is 150€.

• Curfew will be in place from 9 pm to 5 am. Between these hours, you must not be out unless you have a job or a medical reason that requires you to be out.
• Suspension of domestic and international flights and trains for 14 days.
• Suspension of non-essential retail and shops.
• You must declare the reason for leaving your home at all times by sending an SMS to 13033. The SMS must include the following information:
  • Your Name
  • Your home address
  • The number corresponding (1-6) to the reason for leaving your home
    1. Travel for health reasons (going to a pharmacy, visiting a doctor or going to a hospital or health center, if recommended after contact). [SMS - Option 1]
    2. Go to an in-house supply store, where it is not possible to send them on time. [SMS - Option 2]
    3. Go to a public service, if the electronic or telephone service is not possible only for urgent needs, after setting an appointment for which the citizen is informed in writing or electronically and under the additional condition of demonstrating the above information. Go to the bank, to the extent that electronic transactions are not possible. [SMS - Option 3]
    4. Go to help people in need. Transfer to and from the place of work of a spouse or first degree relative, if necessary, accompanying a student to school by a parent or guardian [SMS - Option 4]
    5. Going to a ceremony (e.g. funeral, wedding, baptism) under the conditions provided by law or going to divorced parents or parents who are in a dimension necessary to ensure communication between parents and children, in accordance with the provisions. [SMS - Option 5]
    6. Physical exercise outdoors or movement with a pet, individually or in pairs of two (2) persons, provided that in the latter case the necessary distance of one and a half (1.5) meters is observed. Transition for feeding stray animals, if the transition takes place within the municipality of residence of the citizen. [SMS - Option 6]
• Upon successful submission of the SMS you will receive a text message. Carry this message and your ID or Passport with you when

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us.
Best regards,
Heather Funk

November 2, 2020 - Important Update: Your graduate ACT classes

Dear graduate students:

Given the recent new measures for the city of Thessaloniki that include a night traffic curfew we have decided that as of today (Monday, Nov. 2) all graduate classes will be facilitated with synchronous online delivery. Please use your class' Google Meet link in order to join the lectures.

Stay safe,
Stamos Karamouzis

November 1, 2020 - Graduate Classes at ACT

Dear ACT graduate students,

I am writing this as a follow-up to our last communication about your classes at ACT.

With two instruction weeks left before the end of the first academic term, graduate classes will continue to meet physically; attending classes remotely will continue to be available for those of you who opt not to come to campus.

Increased social distancing and mandatory use of masks, both indoors and outdoors, will be required. I urge all of you to be diligent in following all the precautionary measures, within and outside our campus, in order to finish the term together and in good health.

My colleagues and I will continue to monitor the latest COVID developments and the recommendations by the Greek authorities and we'll be getting back to you whenever we have a change.

Please take care,
Stamos Karamouzis

November 1, 2020 - Undergraduate Students: Change on your ACT class delivery

Dear ACT undergraduate students,

I am writing this as a follow-up to our last communication about your classes at ACT.

Based on the latest directives and recommendations by the Greek prime minister and the Civil Protection Agency and by taking into consideration the safety of our community we have decided that, for the time being, that all undergraduate classes will migrate to Google Meet. Please use the Google Meet links for your classes to join the lectures. All ACT administrative offices will remain open in order to continue serving your needs.

Our priority is to take responsible actions to address the spread of COVID thus we will continue to monitor the situation and we'll be getting back to you whenever we have a change. In the meantime, I urge all of you to take all the necessary precautions so that when the time comes to reunite in physical presence all of us are in good health.

Please take care,
Stamos Karamouzis

October 29, 2020 - Classes for Friday, October 30 move online

Dear members of the ACT community,

Hope you and your families are well and safe.

Today the Greek Civil Protection escalated the COVID threat level in Thessaloniki from Level 3 to Level 4 starting on the 30th of October.

As a result and until we receive specific instructions from the Government, all ACT instruction for Friday, October 30 will be facilitated through Google Meet. We continuously monitor the situation and soon we'll be getting back to you on when and how to return to campus.

Please take all the necessary precautions so we can finish the semester together and in good health.

Stamos Karamouzis

October 23, 2020 - COVID-19 Local Measures Update

Dear ACT Community,

Following last night's announcement by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, we would like to remind everyone of the new measures that will be in effect starting Saturday, 24 October at 6:00am for all areas in Greece that are categorized as level 3 or 4 in the system used to rank the transmission of COVID-19. This includes Thessaloniki, which is currently at a level 3. The new measures that will take effect tomorrow include:

• The use of a mask is mandatory in all public places, whether indoor or outdoors
• A curfew from 12:30 am to 5:00 am.
• An increase in the inspections of compliance for the safety measures

We urge everyone to be responsible and cautious during the Fall Break, especially those of you that will be travelling. Several cities in Greece have reached level 4 in the last week (Kozani and Kastoria, both in the district of Macedonia), and extra caution is needed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The ACT MD, Dr. Kounti (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) remains available if you are unwell or have symptoms. Please contact her by email for assistance and instructions.

Let's keep our community safe by following all the guidelines.
We look forward to seeing you on campus again soon.

Warm regards,
ACT Student Services

September 8, 2020 - Arriving in Greece for International Students

Dear ACT Students,

Greetings from the office of Student Services.  We have received several questions from international students about returning to Greece, so we would like to share some resources with you.  The information links that are shared below are updated regularly, so please read them carefully and review them close to the time you will enter Greece.

Information about arriving in Greece:

Students are allowed to enter Greece despite the current restrictions to entry because of COVID 19. You must have your valid visa or Residence Permit.  You must complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to entering Greece. After completing the form, you will receive a QR code to show the immigration authorities upon entry.

• Protocols for Arrival in Greece (Land, sea and air), including the mandatory passenger locator form.
• Athens International Airport COVID 19 Useful Information
• Traveling in times of COVID 19, useful travel information in English & Greek
• Greek Embassies and Consulates in your home country

Information specific to studying at ACT:

Masks must be worn in all indoor areas.

All ACT safety measures can be found in the August 26th post below. 

If you need a Letter of Enrollment as supporting proof that you are a student, please contact the ACT Registrar's Office, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Getting to Thessaloniki from a land border

If you need transportation from a land border to Thessaloniki, you can arrange for a private or group taxi to be waiting for you. These local companies have served ACT students for many years and can provide English-speaking drivers. Prices vary, contact the company directly for more information.

Thessaloniki Transfers, Private and group transfers.
Mr. Spiros Vernezis, Owner
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +30 6936989417 

TaxiWay Taxi company
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  +30 2310 219191

August 26, 2020 - Fall 2020: COVID-19 Safety Measures

• All faculty and staff must go through a COVID-19 testing prior to their on-campus arrival.
• All residential students (on-campus and off-campus school residences) need to present a recent (last 72 hours) negative COVID-19 test prior to moving-in to their residence.
• Residential students must wear a mask in all public areas of the residence.
• Wearing of masks is mandatory in all indoor facilities.
• All individuals are required to keep a 2 meter distance in their interactions.
• Disinfection stations will be installed in all classroom and in public indoor areas.
• Separate entrance/exit in each building.

July 22, 2020 - Preparing for Fall 2020

Dear ACT students,

The completion of the Summer academic term marks the end of our 2019-20 academic year. This has been an extraordinary year characterized by unforeseen developments and constant reversals. Nonetheless, and despite the hardship experienced by students, faculty, and staff, our community managed to ensure academic continuity in a safe and dignified manner.

Now, our faculty and staff are working very hard in preparing for the Fall 2020 academic term. We are planning to deliver our normal academic offerings with very little deviation, in order for you to stay on track with your academic progress. We are planning for an on-campus delivery, but since the virus crisis is not over, we are also developing all the necessary protocols and mechanisms that will ensure that your campus presence is a safe one. Recognizing that some of you may not be able to physically join us, we are also developing the necessary infrastructure that can accommodate you with real-time electronically mediated instruction.

As we progress with our planning, my colleagues will be contacting you with the necessary details for your safe return to the campus. You, the ACT students, are the reason for all of us being here, and your recent absence from our campus has been very hard for me as well as all of my colleagues. The faculty and staff of ACT cannot wait to welcome you back this September. Until then, please keep yourselves safe. We want you back strong and vibrant.

Best regards,
Stamos Karamouzis

June 9, 2020 - 2020 Commencement Ceremony

Dear members of ACT’s 2020 graduating class,

I would like to thank you and your families for patiently waiting for an update on the 2020 commencement.

For quite some time now, we have held considerable discussions and deliberations on how to honor you, members of our 2020 graduating class, within the framework of our new and painful reality. Unfortunately, by Governmental Decree our campus remains closed and many of our students have returned to their countries.

During our numerous deliberations, we have considered various alternative scenarios, including a virtual or belated ceremony at the end of the summer, or during the fall/winter. As time went by however, it became clear that such scenarios would not be feasible. We also realized that there is no substitute to an on-campus commencement ceremony. At the same time, even a belated on-campus ceremony would have to be conducted with masks, social distancing among graduates, limited audience capacity, and no handshakes or celebratory hugs with faculty, staff and your fellow graduates. A commencement without these traditional components is not the commencement you deserve.

Out of all scenarios considered, we have decided that our best course of action for honoring you in an appropriate way, is to postpone our 2020 commencement ceremony and combine it with the ceremony of 2021. Please note that this decision was made with much regret and with a heavy heart. I cannot imagine how difficult this is for many of you to hear, and for this reason, we wish to apologize.

We cannot guarantee that a 2021 commencement will not include some of the aforementioned public health safeguards. We have, however, hope in our hearts that a ceremony in 2021 will give us the time we need to make this joyous occasion one that you, our graduates deserve.

I know you probably have questions on the logistics of honoring our 2020 and 2021 graduates in one ceremony. We do not know the details yet, but we are confident that we will work through these in the months to come.

Please know that our first priority is keeping our community safe. At the same time, we want to be able to give you the celebration you deserve. You have certainly earned it.

Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Best regards,
Stamos T. Karamouzis, Ph.D.

May 4, 2020 - Message from the Provost regarding Summer 2020

Dear ACT Students,

After careful consideration of your whereabouts, the status of our external community, the need to keep our ACT community safe, and the decisions made by peer institutions our President and I decided that our Summer 2020 academic term will be conducted online. In the following days, our deans, division chairs, and coordinators will be working on the details of operationalizing this decision. Please stay tuned.

April is the month of celebrating rebirth and rejuvenation. This is evidenced by the reawakening of mother earth that rapidly is transforming our environment with new life and vivid colors. I hope that this will bring us our own personal rejuvenation (body, mind, and spirit), as well as hope that soon we’ll be talking about this crisis as a tale of the past.

Please keep yourselves and your families safe.

Kind regards,
Stamos

April 3, 2020 - Student Services at ACT

As we continue to follow the precautionary measures, we want to encourage you and let you know that we will continue to provide quality student services. 

How can ACT help you? 

• The Bissell Library has all the online resources you need to succeed in your semester and to help you personally & professionally develop from home. Use their online services, or chat with a librarian for help. 
• The ACT MD and Psychologist are working remotely and are waiting to hear from you with your questions and concerns. The Doctor and Counselor have gathered this list of COVID-19 Hotlines as a resource for you.
• The ACT IT team can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for technical questions about your ACT email and Moodle accounts.  
• ACT Student Services & International Programs office staff is available by email and phone.
• The Career & Alumni Office will host a variety of Career Development Programs during the month of April. Stay tuned for more information.
• Stay connected to other students through the ACT Student Government

April 2, 2020 - Community Update, Commencement

As the ACT campus remains closed, I want to let you know that we remain dedicated to providing you with a dynamic education. Spring II will be delivered fully online and we are working diligently to prepare your courses.

To the Class of 2020; we know that you're already thinking ahead to graduation and wondering about this year's ceremonies. We want to reassure you that we too are thinking about it and are actively looking into our commencement plans. One thing is certain, your graduation is important to us and we want to recognize your achievements in a memorable way. We will continue to evaluate the parameters and we will be able to make specific plans during the Spring II session.

March 23, 2020 - Update to students

Dear ACT Students,

I hope that during this difficult time you and your family are safe and able to find peace.

Since the Greek Ministry of Health mandated the suspension of classroom education to all educational institutions in Greece, our president and I have challenged our faculty and staff to do everything possible in order to ensure you can complete this academic year. Whether you are completing a degree this year, or trying to stay on track with your academic progress, we want you to be able to fulfill your obligations with the least possible disruptions.

I am grateful to all members of the faculty and relevant ACT staff who quickly responded to our challenge and in record time transferred the remaining two and a half weeks of our Spring I courses into cyberspace through ACT’s Learning Management System (LMS). Please be mindful that the success of any electronically mediated instruction greatly depends on the student’s level of engagement. As such, I urge all of you to be in constant communication with your instructors and be consistent with your homework obligations.

At the same time, we have decided to push back the beginning of our Spring II academic term and deliver all Spring II courses online. ACT has a great head start in this, since our courses already have a presence at our LMS, we use e-textbooks, and our library resources are accessible remotely. Supplemental to that, our college is investing into additional technologies that will enhance our LMS with real-time communication capabilities, as well as a system that will allow our librarians to assist students in real time. Equally important is the fact that our faculty is designing the Spring II courses from the ground up, in order to apply the most appropriate pedagogical approaches to online delivery and follow a uniform approach as to the technologies used.

For Spring II, our goal is that our online courses cover the same material and meet the same outcomes in order for you to gain the same credits. Additionally, we decided that ACT will absorb the cost of online development and delivery thus we will keep the same tuition.

In the coming weeks, please stay tuned to our announcements in order for you to be apprised of upcoming opportunities for virtual connection. In the meantime, please keep your mind, body, and spirit healthy.

Kind regards,
Stamos Karamouzis

March 18, 2020 - Completion of the academic year (Spring II & Q4)

Dear ACT Community,

I hope that this email finds you and your families well.

At ACT we are dedicated to caring for our students and delivering top quality education. In keeping with this, we formed a committee that meets daily to make decisions regarding academics and services, and to ensure that students stay on track for progression and graduation.

We wish to inform you that:

Our second Spring academic term (SPII) for undergraduate students and our fourth academic term (Q4) for graduate students will both run.

• The courses will be conducted in an online format.
• Both terms will run for 6 weeks.
• Both terms will commence on Monday, May 11, 2020 and conclude on Friday, June 19, 2020.
• The ACT Residence halls will remain closed during this period.

Students should stay tuned to their ACT email for advising and registration in the coming days.

Also, I urge all of you to take reasonable precautions in order to flatten the curve sooner than later and to continue to support and care for one another.

Best regards,
Stamos

March 12, 2020 - Conclusion of Spring I

In light of the recent coronavirus developments, please note that ACT’s Spring I 2020 academic term will conclude online. Teaching and all assessments will be mediated through ACT’s Learning Management Systems (Moodle) and other means that will not require the student's physical presence.

March 10, 2020 - ACT will remain closed till March 25

Today, as a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19 the Greek Ministry of Health decided to close all academic institutions for 14 days. As such ACT will remain closed till March 25. All classes will be mediated via electronic means (Moodle and email). Further details will be forthcoming to all faculty, students, and staff.

March 9, 2020 - Community Update

Dear ACT Community,

This message is to update you on the current status of operations at ACT during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. 

• All ACT classes are meeting regularly. There are no cases of COVID-19 in the ACT community.
• If you feel unwell and are instructed to remain at home, during the week of March 9-13, your absences will be excusedregardless of the number of absences you have accumulated so far. It is still your responsibility to become informed about the course material and make up all missed work. In order to excuse the absences you must contact the ACT MD, Georgia Kounti at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   
• We continue to encourage you to limit non-necessary travel as a preventative measure for your health and the health of those around you. If you do travel outside of Thessaloniki, please complete the My Travel Form. Learn the most up to date information at the European Center for Disease Control

If you are feeling unwell, you are encouraged to contact the ACT MD, Georgia Kounti at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

March 6, 2020 - Community Update

Dear ACT Students,

This is to update you on proactive measures that ACT is taking regarding the COVID19 outbreak.

• Following a decision of the Anatolia/ACT administration to cancel/postpone all upcoming events that take place on the Anatolia/ACT campus, Career Week which was scheduled for next week will be unfortunately postponed. Based on the developments in the coming weeks, the school will try to reschedule the event for Spring II. 
• We ask you to reconsider non-necessary travel until further notice. During the time of the outbreak globally, if you plan to travel out of Thessaloniki, please register your travel using this My Travel Plans form. If you travel to a location with an ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus, you may be asked to voluntarily isolate yourself upon your return for up to 14 days.  

As a reminder, if you are feeling unwell, you are encouraged to contact the ACT MD, Dr. Kounti at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

March 4, 2020 - Community Update

The American College of Thessaloniki campus and academic programs continue to operate as normal and continue to be free from cases of COVID-19. We wish to thank the community for their effort in following preventative measures to support the ongoing good health of all.

The following preventative measures have been taken:

• During the weekend, the buildings on the ACT campus underwent a thorough disinfection process.
• On campus housing will undergo a full disinfection during the Spring Break, but weekly cleaning by professional staff has been increased.
• The cleaning staff underwent training to ensure that all surfaces continue to be disinfected during their daily cleaning.
• Off campus ACT housing will have an additional professional cleaning this week.
• Hand sanitizers were placed in each classroom.
• Signs are being posted around campus to encourage handwashing and good health practices.
• Students who had traveled to areas affected by COVID-19 completed a leave of absence from the school as a precautionary measure.
• ACT community members who travel to infected areas are asked to remain away from the campus for 14 days after their return to monitor for any symptoms.

If anyone in the community feels unwell, they should immediately contact the school doctor, Dr. Kounti (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Information in Greek and questions about COVID-19 can be directed to EODY: +30 210 5212054 Athens and more information is available in Greek at: https://eody.gov.gr/ Eθνικός Οργανισμός Υγείας (National Health Organization) and https://www.submit.kmaked.eu/.

February 28, 2020 - Community Update

At this time, there are no cases of Coronavirus in the ACT community and there are no changes to our academic plan. Nonetheless, in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, our institution has developed a response action plan that is in alignment with the governmental directives and includes the formation a Response Management Team. The Team’s charge is to monitor developments, oversee, coordinate, and carry out our institution’s response. The Team continuously monitors all directives and procedures prescribed by the Greek government (Ministry of Educational and Ministry of Health) and meets on a regular basis to evaluate the status of the events and adjust our response plan as needed.

February 27, 2020 - Community Update

As news are spreading about the global increase in cases of the coronavirus (now officially named COVID-19), we want to preemptively share some information with you.

Following the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in Greece, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kikilias, made a public announcement where he stated that there is no reason to panic. Authorities are now tracking all individuals who came in contact with the first patient, including those who were traveling on the same airplane from Italy, and information will be shared as needed.

There was no mention of additional measures that need to be taken outside of those preventive measures outlined by the World Health Organization WHO.

There are no known cases of the virus in the ACT community. ACT monitors and follows all directives prescribed by the government regarding health issues. Furthermore, the college takes additional measures annually during the flu season to pay extra attention to cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched throughout the school day, providing antibacterial gel/disinfecting sprays to all classrooms, posting good health habits around the school, and educating teachers/staff about preventive measures during weekly meetings and keeping a reasonable stock of facemasks.

As an international community, we also understand that the members of our community may travel frequently. Thus, you are strongly urged to postpone travels during the current outbreak of COVID-19. However, if you do travel, you are obliged to take the following precautions.

If you have traveled to areas with documented continuous transmission of COVID-19, upon your return:

• Notify the Student Services Office of your travel, symptoms, and actions taken.
• Contact Dr. Kounti, ACT’s physician, by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have not recently traveled but show symptoms, follow these instructions:

• Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others will allow the medical facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
• If you develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
• Notify the Student Services Office of your travel, symptoms, and actions taken.

If you show flu symptoms:

• You must remain at home until symptoms are consistently clear for 48 hours.
• Notify the Student Services Office of your travel, symptoms, and actions taken.

As the COVID-19 outbreak develops, these instructions may change. Thus, we will continue to keep you updated via email and/or social media.

Thank you for following these preventive measures to keep everyone healthy.

February 25, 2020 - Protection Measures for the Coronavirus

Within the framework of protection measures that we all need to be aware of, regarding Coronavirus COVID-19, please follow these protection measures that were announced by the Greek Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

We will stay abreast about any updates from the Greek Ministry of Health and the Greek Ministry of Education and we will adapt all necessary measures for the protection of our students and employees.

February 24, 2020 - Italy Travel Advisory- Effective Immediately

We strongly encourage you to avoid travel to Italy until further notice due to the recent increase in cases of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The Greek Ministry of Education and the Greek Board of Health issued statements today restricting schools from traveling to Italy. In accordance with this recommendation, we advise you not to travel to Italy until further notice.