Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal Met with SHMYO Students…

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Director of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO), met with students within the scope of the Director-Student Meeting, evaluating many topics from education processes to practical course and internship opportunities, social activities, and career planning. Karasakal, addressing the feedback from students transparently, drew attention to the importance of being active in university life, utilizing the opportunities offered, and directly sharing needs.

Held in the Çarşı Campus Emirnebi 1 Conference Hall, the Director-Student Meeting created a sharing environment where students' demands and suggestions were directly addressed. SHMYO Instructors also attended the event.

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, at the meeting, talked about the feedback received from students, the vocational school's education and training goals, and efforts to improve the student experience.

“Receiving Feedback Is Very Valuable”

Emphasizing the importance of student opinions in improving education processes, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal said: “Vocational education is very important in the higher education system. The courses you will see in your curricula, theoretical courses, practical courses, all are very valuable. But besides these, receiving your feedback on how we can bring this process to a better position is also very valuable. That's why last week, all our program head instructors sent you some data, especially with some templates, and received feedback from you. We have turned this feedback into a report. Today we will talk a little about this report, and at the same time, we will provide you with the opportunity to ask us what you want to ask in a more open and transparent manner.”

“We Want to Graduate You from Accredited Programs”

Karasakal, underlining that one of SHMYO's primary goals is accreditation, said: “When we evaluate the mission and vision processes of our vocational school, one of our primary goals is accreditation. Last year, two of our programs were fully accredited: The First and Emergency Aid Program and the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program. This year, our Food Technology program also applied for accreditation. In the coming years, our applications will continue in this manner by the MEDEK organization, for whichever programs have the opportunity to be accredited. In other words, we want to graduate you from accredited programs. Our effort at this point actually supports all the activities you mentioned. We hold many internal and external stakeholder meetings, and through these stakeholder meetings, we collect feedback from them as well.”

SHMYO Students Are Highly Satisfied with the Guidance Process…

Evaluating the feedback received from students, Karasakal drew attention to the guidance role of faculty members and satisfaction with education. Karasakal said; “Generally, when we evaluated it, our students expressed great satisfaction with our instructors. We sincerely thank all our instructors in your presence. This is a matter that provides a great advantage for you. You can access information under any circumstances. In other words, accessing information is very, very easy. Today, you can access ChatGPT whenever you want. What is important is the guidance process of our instructors.”

 “Our Students Need to Be Active in the Process”

Stating that university life is not limited to courses, Karasakal explained the importance of students participating in social, cultural, and community contribution activities. Karasakal, pointing out that student clubs at the university offer important opportunities in this regard, said: “Currently, there are 93 active student clubs at the university. Our Vocational School of Health Services has 14 active student clubs. If we utilize these clubs, we can experience social life at the university. Because these clubs have hiking activities, Bosphorus tour activities, photography activities, mountaineering activities, social responsibility activities, and travel clubs. In other words, our students need to be active in the process.”

Participation in Practical Courses Is Very Important!

Stating that laboratory practices and field experience, in addition to theoretical education, hold an important place in professional development, Karasakal underlined that it is very important for students to participate in practical courses. Karasakal said; “Our goal of conducting a practical education process in every field of health is already our founding purpose. But there are practical courses conducted in your curricula. Do not think that these do not provide support when you go to the field. All practical courses conducted here are as valuable as your experience in the field. You should not neglect participation in these.”

“Our Goal Is 38 out of 38 Projects”

Karasakal, encouraging students to participate in scientific research projects, reminded that TÜBİTAK 2209-A and 2209-B programs also offer project development opportunities to associate degree students. He stated that students' participation in research processes with their academic advisors supports the culture of scientific production. Karasakal said; “Last year, we had 26 applications. We received 13 project acceptances. Now, this year, our goal is for all 38 of our programs to apply, with at least one project. Our goal is 38 out of 38 projects. We await applications from every student who is enthusiastic.”

 “You Need to Be Constantly Demanding”

Karasakal, emphasizing the importance of students expressing their needs and expectations throughout their education, stated that as the vocational school administration, they adopt a solution-oriented approach. He reminded students of the director-student consultation hours, stating that students' opinions contribute to improvement efforts. Karasakal said; “For this, our effort alone is not enough; you also need to be constantly demanding. We say 'student' now, but your old name was 'talebe'. This is not used much anymore. What does 'talebe' mean? It means 'one who demands'. Therefore, you will demand, and we will continuously take action for you. Beyond this, as management, we are involved in all solution-oriented processes.”

“Working Correctly Means Working Routinely at Certain Periods Every Day”

At the end of his speech, Karasakal, advising students to evaluate their educational lives efficiently, work regularly in line with their career goals, and maintain their ties with the university even after graduation, drew attention to the importance of effective time management. Karasakal said; “Time is short, but there is much work to be done. Keep your motivation alive. Take action. Two years will be over before you know it. Working intensely for a day or a week and then not looking at it for a month is not working correctly. Working correctly means working routinely at certain periods every day. Please let's not overlook these.”

The Director-Student Meeting concluded with a group photo session after students' questions were answered and mutual exchange of views.