Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication, which prioritizes quality and accreditation efforts, is elevating the quality of education. Following the departments of New Media and Communication, Visual Communication and Design, Advertising, Journalism, Radio Television and Cinema, and Public Relations and Publicity, action has now been taken for the New Media and Communication Department. The New Media and Communication Department has been included in the accreditation process by the Communication Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (İLEDAK). Within the scope of the process, the faculty's education infrastructure, academic activities, and quality practices were evaluated in detail.
The İLEDAK team, which conducts accreditation evaluations for communication programs on behalf of the Communication Research Association (İLAD), carried out various inspections in the New Media and Communication Department between November 10–12. Within the scope of the process, the faculty's education infrastructure, academic activities, and quality practices were evaluated in detail.
The program, held in the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Central Campus Senate Hall, was attended by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, the İLEDAK evaluation team, and the faculty's academic and administrative staff.
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: "We see the evaluation team as fellow travelers"
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, who delivered the opening speech of the program, mentioned that the New Media and Communication Department is entering the accreditation process for the first time. Referring to Üsküdar Üniversitesi's vision for research and internationalization, Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör said: "Our quality processes are not limited to merely obtaining documents. What is essential for us is to correctly determine our path with the contributions of external stakeholders. It is to progress towards goals aligned with our vision. We do not see the evaluation team as auditors, but as stakeholders and fellow travelers."
"Quality processes at Üsküdar are a team effort"
Güngör stated that five departments of the Faculty of Communication have received full accreditation to date, and two more departments will be included in the process in the upcoming period: "Quality processes at Üsküdar Üniversitesinde are a team effort. Our faculty has a growing, mutually supportive academic ecosystem within itself. It is pleasing to see this culture successfully reflected in the accreditation processes."
Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel: "We are among the top-ranked foundation universities"
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel stated that efforts towards international ranking systems are ongoing. Ergüzel said: "Our university ranks high among foundation universities in Turkey in the Impact Rankings evaluations. This success is an indicator of our academic productivity and our vision for sustainable quality."
Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay: "We internalize the understanding of sustainable development"
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay gave a general presentation of the faculty. Atalay stated that the faculty continues education with eight departments, and five departments have received full accreditation: "Our New Media and Communication department is included in the evaluation process for the first time this year. In our faculty, quality processes and the understanding of sustainable development are internalized across all our departments."
"We equip our students with new skills required by digital transformation"
Prof. Dr. Atalay emphasized that the eight departments within the faculty have added artificial intelligence-based courses to their curricula as of the 2025–2026 academic year. Atalay said: "We have integrated AI applications suitable for each department into their course programs. This approach aims to equip our students with the new skills required by digital transformation."
Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan: "I see evaluations not as audits but as opportunities for development"
Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Journalism Department at the Faculty of Communication, who spoke at the meeting, made evaluations regarding the accreditation process. Stating that they see the process as an opportunity for development, İrvan said: "Nothing is perfect; what is important is to do good work and proceed on the right path. We will complete our deficiencies together. I see evaluations not as audits, but as opportunities to develop ourselves."
Comprehensive information regarding the process was provided during the program, which was attended by the faculty management, faculty members, and members of the evaluation committee.
Second day: Facilities visited
On the second day of the institutional visit, the Faculty of Communication was toured. Evaluators visited classrooms, computer labs, the library, workshops, and studios.
Meetings were held with faculty members
Within the scope of the visit, heads of departments and unit managers also met.
During the meetings, managers answered questions about the university and the faculty.
The evaluation report was presented at the exit meeting
On the last day of the institutional visit, the evaluation team read its report based on observations and evaluations. Afterwards, the head of the evaluation team handed the report to Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication.
Process continues
In the subsequent process, a 15-day response period will first be awaited during which the New Media and Communication Department can submit its objections regarding the report. The İLEDAK evaluation team will then submit its final report, prepared considering the 15-day response, to the İLEDAK management. The İLEDAK management will review the report and present it to the İLAD Board of Directors for a decision. The final decision on accreditation will be made by the İLAD Board of Directors in light of the evaluation team's report and recommendation. The process is expected to be completed within 2 months.