a specific part of the school's scientific area. Moreover, schools have substantial autonomy in educational matters and therefore they are mainly responsible for planning and implementing educational programs and granting degrees. Administrative authorities University Senate The highest administrative authority is the University Senate. It consists of the following members (senators): The rector and the three vice-rectors. The deans of the various faculties. The chairmen of the various schools. Representatives of the associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers. Representatives of the special laboratory teaching staff and the administrative staff. Representatives of the undergraduate and postgraduate students of every faculty. Rector's Council The second highest administrative authority is the Rector's Council, which comprises the rector, the three vice-rectors, one student representative and one representative of the administration staff. Each member of the Rector's Council is elected every five years. Rector The rector is the president of the University Senate and the main representative of the university in various national and international bodies. Moreover, he or she is responsible for developing an overall strategy for the development of the university and for implementing the decisions taken by the Senate and the Rector's Council. Both the rector and the three vice-rectors are elected every three years in university-wide elections where all faculty, staff and student representatives vote. Each vice-rector has different administrative responsibilities, among which are: staff management, financial planning and development, academic affairs. Faculty, school and department administrative bodies Every faculty, school and department has its own administrative body, the members of which are democratically elected on the basis of collective processes. In more detail, decisions on academic, financial and administrative matters within a single department are made by the department's general assembly, which consists of faculty members and student representatives. The decision-making process often involves the creation of ad hoc committees. Staff The university staff is divided into five main categories: Teaching and research staff: The staff in this category undertakes the majority of the teaching and research work done in the university. It comprises professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers. These four levels were established under law 1268/1982 and in order to advance to a higher level, one must show significant teaching and research work. Scientific teaching staff: This category consists of former teaching and research assistants. Their main role is to cooperate with the Teaching and Research staff and assist them in their teaching responsibilities. Special laboratory teaching staff: