The orientation days for Üsküdar University’s 2025–2026 academic year have been completed. With the participation of academic and administrative staff, the orientation programs were carried out across the Preparatory School, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Communication, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Vocational School of Health Services.
The new academic year’s orientation programs, which began on September 22 with the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, concluded this week with sessions for other faculties held at the Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, Faculty of Health Sciences Ibn-i Sina Auditorium, and Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi Conference Hall.
Prof. Nazife Güngör: “At the core of being a good communicator lies being a good human being”
As part of the Faculty of Communication’s orientation program, Rector of Üsküdar University Prof. Nazife Güngör delivered a speech: “Dear students, welcome. You are excited, and that is wonderful because excitement is the most important source of motivation on the road to success. As of today, set goals for yourselves and draw your road map accordingly. If you wish to become a journalist, advertiser, or producer, you are taking the first step today. First and foremost, at the core of being a good communicator lies being a good human being. Because our profession is intertwined with people and society. It is our responsibility to contribute to society and help steer it toward the better. For this, we must read extensively, develop our culture, and stay close to art and science. The more we read, think, and question, the more versatile and visionary we will become.”
Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “You are in one of the best communication faculties in Türkiye”
As part of the programs, information was provided about the university’s overall functioning and operations, and Faculty of Communication students were also welcomed.
The opening speech of the orientation program was delivered by Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “Today is the first day of a four-year journey. Throughout this process, we will work to prepare you for the sector in the best possible way and graduate you as communication professionals. You are truly in one of the best communication faculties in Türkiye, and being a graduate of Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Communication will be an identity you carry throughout your life. For this reason, I recommend that you actively participate in classes, events, and all available opportunities. Being a university student is not only about attending classes but also about engaging with the cultural and artistic opportunities offered by the city you live in, especially Istanbul. Attend events, get to know the city, and nourish yourselves with cultural richness. Because a communicator is an individual who is well-informed and closely engaged with culture and the arts. At our faculty, we implement an open-door policy. You can always reach your advisors, department heads, and the dean’s office.”
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “You will be able to create your own synthesis by blending different disciplines”
During the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences orientation, general information about the faculty was shared.
The opening speech was delivered by Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “Today, our students are taking their first steps into university. This is an exciting beginning for both them and us. Over the next four years, we will not only transfer knowledge but also teach you how to think, question, and learn. The university is a place where you can create your own synthesis by blending the perspectives of academics from different disciplines rather than relying on a single source. What matters here is your eagerness to learn. We only guide you. University is also a strong networking environment where you will gain new friendships, interests, and experiences. I recommend that you regularly attend your classes and actively participate in clubs and seminar events. By following in the footsteps of our successful alumni, I believe you will also make a difference in your field. Remember, throughout this process, your advisors and professors will always be by your side. I wish for these four years to be productive and fruitful, spent in mutual respect and affection.”
Instructor Dilek Batur: “Our goal is to provide a strong language foundation”
At the orientation programs of the Coordinatorship of Foreign Languages and Preparatory School held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, the opening speech was delivered by Foreign Languages Coordinator Instructor Dilek Batur.
Providing information to students about the preparatory program, Batur stated: “As Üsküdar University English Preparatory School, we offer education with an internationally recognized EQUALS accreditation system. This means quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. Our education progresses through a modular system. Students advance step by step from level A1 to B2. In each module, we closely monitor your progress through regular exams, short quizzes, and teacher evaluations. In addition, with ESP courses tailored to your departments, you learn English terminology specific to your field. In short, our goal is not only to teach you English but to provide you with a strong language foundation that you can use in both academic and professional life.”
Meeting with international students
As part of the International Relations Department orientation, presentations were held. These sessions highlighted the efforts made to ensure that students from all over the world have access to the highest quality education and training services.
Prof. Osman Çerezci: “We educate competent and socially beneficial individuals”
The opening speeches of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences orientation were delivered by Prof. Osman Çerezci. He said: “By choosing Üsküdar University, you have taken an important step, and I congratulate all of you. As the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, our aim is to raise you not only with knowledge but as competent professionals who contribute positively to society. Our faculty, with its strong academic staff and research infrastructure, will provide you with every kind of support. Alongside your courses, be sure to participate in clubs and events to develop yourselves socially and culturally. You can always reach out comfortably to your advisors, department heads, and the dean’s office. I wish you all a successful academic journey.”
Faculty of Health Sciences orientation held in two separate sessions
The opening speeches of the Faculty of Health Sciences orientation program were delivered by Dean Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin. Students gathered according to their departments at NP Health Campus and Çarşı Campus.
Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “We are beginning the new academic year with excitement”
Speaking at the orientation, Ertekin said: “We are starting the new academic year together with great excitement. This morning I had my first lecture with a student from the Mediterranean, and we truly realized how much we missed you. For us teachers, being in contact with our students is both instructive and energizing. My expectation from you is to succeed in your courses, but also to benefit from the cultural and social opportunities that Istanbul offers. Build good friendships, because friendships formed at university last a lifetime. Your professors will always be by your side. Whenever you have problems or needs, our doors are open. I wish for this new term to be productive, healthy, and rewarding for all of us.”
Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal: “Courses like social responsibility will prepare you for professional life”
The orientation program of the Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) took place at Çarşı Campus. The opening speech was delivered by VSHS Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal: “You have left behind a challenging year and been placed in one of our school’s 38 programs. May this choice be beneficial for you, your families, and our country. Over the next two years, we will equip you through courses that combine theory with practice, laboratory work, field applications, and summer internships. Additionally, courses such as positive psychology, professional ethics, communication skills, and social responsibility will prepare you for professional life. You can also gain academic experience through R&D opportunities like TÜBİTAK 2209 projects. Remember, university is not just about classes but also about social and cultural development. With 93 active student clubs and various events, your participation in community engagement processes is very important. With all this, our goal is that at the end of two years, you graduate as qualified professionals who are competent in your field, strong communicators, socially developed, and well-rounded individuals. Your advisors, program heads, and the school administration will always be there for you.”
With high participation, following the opening speeches, the directorates and departments operating under Üsküdar University provided newly enrolled students with information ahead of the new academic year.
