Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Departments of Sociology and Philosophy, underwent a comprehensive three-day accreditation assessment by FEDEK as part of its quality assurance efforts. During the assessment process, carried out within the framework of educational quality sustainability, academic competence, research productivity, and social contribution in the field of social sciences, the academic and administrative operations of the departments were thoroughly examined.
In the accreditation process, Prof.Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vice Deans Asst. Prof. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin and Assist. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Head of the Sociology Department Prof. Barış Erdoğan, and Head of the Philosophy Department Prof. Çiğdem Yazıcı took an active role.
The curriculum structure, learning outcomes, assessment and evaluation systems, academic staff qualifications, and quality improvement mechanisms of the departments were comprehensively evaluated.
The assessment process continued with meetings held in the Main Campus Senate hall. In this context, Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör and Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel were met, and the university's quality assurance approach was discussed.
Prof. Nazife Güngör: “Quality culture requires a human and society-oriented vision”
Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör made the following statements regarding the university's quality approach: In the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, we address quality alongside the principles of scientific productivity, academic freedom, and social responsibility. We maintain our institutional quality assurance system in this field, as in all our faculties, in a sustainable and transparent manner. A culture of quality requires a human- and society-oriented vision. The concept of continuous improvement is our university's fundamental management approach.”
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “Accreditation processes are an important part of a holistic quality culture”
On the second day of the visit, Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, who made a presentation, emphasized that the understanding of quality in the field of social sciences requires a multi-dimensional approach. Kaynak stated: “In social sciences, quality is not limited solely to academic performance indicators. An educational approach that encourages critical thinking, instills a sense of ethical responsibility, and educates individuals sensitive to societal problems is our primary priority. We also consider accreditation processes to be an important part of this holistic quality culture.”
Department laboratories and classrooms were examined
Within the scope of the visit, department laboratories and classrooms were examined. Additionally, the assessment committee held meetings with students and external stakeholders to receive feedback on the effectiveness of the programs.
In presentations made by administrative units, the activities of the General Secretariat, Strategy Development and Quality Department, Student Affairs Department, Health, Culture and Sports Department, Library and Documentation Department, and the Disabled Student Unit were shared with the committee.
On the final day of the program, the three-day accreditation visit concluded with the exit statement read by the evaluators.
