FEDEK success in Psychology…

Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Turkish and English Psychology Departments underwent a comprehensive four-day accreditation evaluation by FEDEK as part of their quality assurance efforts. In the evaluation process conducted within the framework of educational quality sustainability, academic competence, research productivity, and social contribution dimensions in the field of social sciences, the academic and administrative operations of the departments were examined in detail.

During the accreditation process, Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deputy Deans Asst. Prof. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin and Asst. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Asst. Prof. Hazal Ayas, Head of the Psychology Department, and Asst. Prof. Elif Kurtuluş Anarat, Head of the Psychology (English) Department, played active roles.

The evaluation process took place in the Kuzguncuk hall of the Southern Campus. 

The departments' curriculum structure, learning outcomes, assessment and evaluation systems, academic staff competencies, and quality improvement mechanisms were comprehensively evaluated.

In this context, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University and Chairman of the Foundation, and Prof. Nazife Güngör, the Rector, were met with, and the university's quality assurance approach was discussed.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Universities need to become learning organizations”

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, drawing attention to the importance of external stakeholder evaluations in the development of institutions, emphasized that quality processes should be seen not as an audit, but as an opportunity for continuous improvement. Tarhan said; “There is a beautiful saying in Anatolia, 'Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.' The quality process is similar. It may seem difficult at first. Numerous forms, rules, and procedures can naturally cause some reactions. However, once the rules and system are established, processes begin to operate more easily. Thus, faster and healthier decisions can be made. Today, universities also need to become learning organizations. For this reason, we strive to instill a project culture in our students from the very first year. In the third year, we encourage them to present their own work enthusiastically at conferences by guiding them towards practical projects. Because we are in an era where artificial intelligence can condense four years of knowledge into a few months. In such an era, we must create a dynamic education system where both instructors and students learn together, produce together, and adapt to change.”

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “We believe that our strengthening and improvement process will continue”

Prof. Nazife Güngör, Rector of Üsküdar University, stating that external evaluations are an important opportunity to identify shortcomings and develop strengths, said; “We will continue to develop with you. Thanks to your external perspective and evaluations, we will be able to see our deficiencies and areas for improvement more clearly and take concrete steps in this direction. Sometimes, people cannot perceive the shortcomings of their work from an internal perspective. It is very valuable for us that you create this awareness in us. We value your evaluations to further develop our strengths, address our shortcomings, and achieve better. We believe that our strengthening and improvement process will continue with your contributions. Because these efforts are important not only for Üsküdar University but also for the development of Turkey's academic community and scientific environment,” she stated.

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “Accreditation processes are an important part of a holistic quality culture” 

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated that the understanding of quality in social sciences cannot be measured solely by academic success. 

Kaynak pointed out that education has different dimensions such as critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and social sensitivity; “Quality in social sciences requires an approach beyond academic performance. It is necessary to develop students' critical thinking skills, ensure they gain an awareness of ethical responsibility, and support their growth as individuals sensitive to societal problems. From this perspective, accreditation processes are an important part of a holistic quality culture,” she stated. 

Department laboratories and classrooms examined on-site

Within the scope of the four-day visit, the evaluation committee conducted inspections in department laboratories and classrooms. The committee, which also met with students and external stakeholders, listened to opinions and feedback regarding the operation and effectiveness of the programs.

Also during the visit program, presentations were made by the General Secretariat, the Department of Strategy Development and Quality, the Department of Student Affairs, the Department of Health, Culture and Sports, the Department of Library and Documentation, and the Disabled Student Unit. During the presentations, information was given about the activities and ongoing work of the relevant units.

In the closing session held on the last day of the program, the exit statement of the evaluation committee was read, and the accreditation visit was completed.