D. EDUCATION
Program Design and Approval Process
At Üsküdar University, all processes related to the establishment of new undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as the revision of existing ones, are carried out in a quality-oriented, participatory, and regulation-compliant manner.
This process progresses through the coordination of both academic and administrative units, ensuring that:
1. Needs Analysis and Justification
Before a new program is launched:
- The national and international developments in the related field,
- Labor market demands,
- Employment opportunities for graduates,
- Feedback from internal and external stakeholders (students, alumni, employers, and sector representatives),
- And the strategic goals of the institution are taken into consideration.
- A detailed needs analysis and feasibility study are conducted accordingly.
2. Program Design
When establishing a new program or revising an existing one:Bologna süreci ile uyumlu olacak şekilde program yeterlilikleri tanımlanır.
- Program qualifications are defined in alignment with the Bologna Process.
- Course structure, ECTS workload, learning outcomes, and teaching methods are determined.
- Compliance with the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) is ensured.
- A comprehensive curriculum design is developed in collaboration with the Quality Commission and relevant academic boards.
3. Academic Board and Senate Approval Process
The designed program;
- Is first evaluated and approved by the Department Board, then by the Faculty/School Board.
- Is submitted to the University Senate for final academic approval.
- When necessary, the University Quality Commission and the Education and Training Commission also provide formal opinions..
4. YÖK Approval and Program Launch
For newly established programs:
- Following Senate approval, an official application is submitted to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
- The process is conducted with all required documentation and program information forms.
- Upon YÖK approval, the program is formally opened, and student admission begins.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Revision
After program implementation:
- Programs are regularly monitored and evaluated based on student performance, faculty feedback, alumni tracking data, and stakeholder input.
- When necessary, course content, teaching methods, or program structure are updated.
- All modifications follow the same quality assurance and institutional approval mechanisms to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
Visibility and Accessibility
At Üsküdar University, all academic programs and their curricula are presented transparently, up-to-date, and accessibly through the Bologna Information System (BIS).
For each course, the system includes detailed information such as:
The responsible instructor,
The current course syllabus,
The learning outcomes of the course,
And the alignment of these outcomes with the overall program learning outcomes.
This information is publicly accessible to both internal stakeholders (students, faculty members, administrative staff) and external stakeholders (alumni, employers, quality assessors, public institutions, etc.).
Through this structure, Üsküdar University ensures that all processes related to program design, course planning, and curriculum management are carried out in line with the principles of traceability, accountability, and quality assurance.
Üsküdar University Bologna Information System (BIS): https://sis.uskudar.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/
Monitoring Processes
- To enhance the quality of education and ensure student satisfaction, Üsküdar University conducts regular and comprehensive monitoring activities, including:
- End-of-semester student surveys and various student meetings to collect feedback on program execution and overall satisfaction.
- The Student Support Center (Çözüm Merkezi) actively handles student requests and complaints, ensuring prompt and effective resolutions.
- Continuous communication with Student Representatives allows their input to be integrated into decision-making and program management
- The open-door policy enables students to directly express their opinions and suggestions to authorized personnel and units at any time.
- Weekly office hours of academic staff are recorded in the BIS, facilitating one-on-one consultation opportunities between students and instructors.
- Digital information screens, mobile applications, and SMS notifications across campus ensure that students receive timely and accurate updates.
Student-Centered Learning and Teaching
Üsküdar University adopts a student-centered learning approach as a fundamental principle in all educational processes. This approach aims to support the academic, social, and personal development of students holistically and is implemented through active participation in every stage—planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement.
Inclusive and Participatory Learning Environment
The university promotes student engagement in academic and social life through Student Representatives and student clubs. Regular meetings and feedback mechanisms ensure that student opinions are continuously gathered and integrated into administrative decisions.
Transparent and Accessible Academic Information
Course syllabi, program outcomes, and ECTS credit details are openly accessible via the Bologna Information System (BIS), ensuring students have full and transparent access to all academic processes.
Applied and Interactive Education
In many disciplines—from communication to engineering—applied courses are held in studios, laboratories, news workshops, and other well-equipped facilities. Interactive teaching methods and faculty members with sectoral experience contribute to a high-quality and dynamic learning environment.
Effective Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms
At the end of each semester, student feedback surveys and events such as “Meetings with the Rector” are organized to collect student opinions. The results are evaluated by academic boards and used to guide continuous improvement processes across departments and programs.
Internship and Internationalization Opportunities
In addition to mandatory internships, students are also offered voluntary internship opportunities, including the possibility of completing internships abroad within the Erasmus+ program framework.
Internship practices are evaluated as part of the student’s total ECTS workload, ensuring that practical experience is an integral component of academic learning.
Accessible and Inclusive Education
Necessary physical and academic arrangements are made for students with disabilities according to their individual needs.
Support mechanisms such as reader/writer assistance during exams and personalized accommodations are provided to ensure equal access to learning opportunities.
Support Mechanisms for International Students
International students are supported by the Directorate of International Relations and the International Student Affairs Office.
Courses can be offered in English upon request, and international students receive guidance and orientation to facilitate both their academic and social adaptation processes.
Advisory Systems
Each student is assigned an academic advisor from the first year through graduation.
Advisors monitor students’ academic progress, provide course selection guidance, and support their academic and personal development throughout their studies.
Digital Communication and Continuity
The university’s internal communication network, STIX, enables continuous information sharing between students and instructors.
Course materials, announcements, and academic content are made digitally accessible, ensuring uninterrupted communication and engagement in the learning process.
Competence, Specialization, and Academic Staff Development
One of the key pillars of our educational process is a qualified and specialized academic staff. In this context:
- Faculty members are encouraged to teach within their areas of expertise, and they are provided with research funds and academic leave opportunities.
- Through the university’s R&D, Innovation and Project Unit (ARGEYEP), academic staff receive active support for scientific and research activities.
- Research assistants are systematically supported during their master’s and doctoral studies, aligning with long-term academic development goals.
- Academic performance is monitored through the FTSmart (Smart Activity Tracking System), enabling data-driven improvement and development planning.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes defined at the beginning of each semester are measured and analyzed through various methods such as exams, projects, and practical applications at the end of the term.
- The quality assurance system is effectively maintained through student surveys, internship evaluation reports, and feedback collected via the STIX platform.
- In cases where program outcomes are not achieved, a root cause analysis is conducted, and corrective actions are taken through academic boards.
- The university has a dedicated Assessment and Evaluation Coordination Office, which prepares periodic reports and organizes evaluation meetings each academic term.
Program Content, Curriculum, and Methods
Curricula are developed in alignment with the university’s core values and departmental visions, shaped through input from internal and external stakeholders.
- The elective course system allows students to take courses from other departments, supporting individual academic vision and interdisciplinary learning.
- Applied courses, internship programs, and industry collaborations ensure the transformation of theoretical knowledge into practice.
- The University Culture course is mandatory for all students, aiming to facilitate their integration into social, cultural, and academic life within the university.
Graduation, Recognition, and Certification
To graduate from Üsküdar University, students must:
- Successfully complete all their courses,
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00,
- And complete their mandatory internship requirements.
All processes are carried out in accordance with the Üsküdar University Undergraduate and Associate Degree Education and Examination Regulations.
Student Rights and Feedback Processes
Student rights are protected not only by legal regulations but also through the university’s internal directive titled “Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct Principles”.
- The Directive on the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination is actively implemented to guarantee a safe and fair learning environment.
- Student suggestions, complaints, and requests are handled through the Student Support Center (Çözüm Merkezi), where the resolution process is initiated instantly upon submission.
Admission, Development, and Mobility
- Students are admitted based on the national university entrance examination (ÖSYM) results.
- Lateral transfer (Yatay Geçiş), vertical transfer (DGS), double major, and minor program applications are conducted in accordance with the relevant higher education regulations.
- Student mobility is promoted through Erasmus+ and other international exchange programs, encouraging students to gain global academic and cultural experience.
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Learning Resources, Accessibility, and Support
Üsküdar University provides a comprehensive library infrastructure designed to facilitate access to information and meet the needs of both students and academics. Our libraries, located across all campuses, operate with a user-centered service approach to ensure accessibility and academic support.
Well-Equipped Library Infrastructure
Each campus and building hosts a modern library, offering spaces designed for both individual and group study, supported by advanced technological facilities. Our libraries feature:
- LCD-screen-equipped group study rooms,
- Individual study areas with privacy partitions and power outlets,
- Spacious, secure, and comfortable reading halls.
The Faculty of Medicine Library includes a 24/7 accessible garden study area, offering a quiet, safe, and productive environment for all users.
Extensive Access to Digital and Print Resources
Üsküdar University ensures wide access to both physical and digital academic materials for students and faculty members. Available resources include:
- Up-to-date printed publications,
- E-books and e-journals,
- Multimedia content,
- National and international academic databases.
The library network operates under the coordination of the Central Library, integrated with unit libraries across campuses.
24/7 Support and Training Opportunities
Through a live support line managed by professional librarians, users can access assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition:
- Training sessions are organized on topics such as academic resource use, research methods, and database access.
- These sessions are announced on open platforms and made available in accessible formats for all students.
Continuous Improvement Based on User Feedback
The quality of library services is continuously evaluated through regular user feedback. This feedback is analyzed to ensure that all library operations remain current, flexible, and responsive to evolving academic and user needs.
Accreditation Efforts
Üsküdar University actively participates in accreditation processes at both national and international levels, aiming to make quality assurance a permanent institutional culture. Through these efforts, the university demonstrates compliance with transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement principles.
The university participates in the Institutional Accreditation Program (KAP) led by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), closely monitoring institutional development through internal evaluation reports, external reviews, and faculty quality commissions.
In alignment with this approach, Üsküdar University:
- Integrates its quality assurance system into the institutional strategic plan,
- Establishes sustainable quality representation structures within each academic unit,
- Pursues international accreditation opportunities to enhance its global academic recognition.