Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine held its Strategic Goals Meeting, during which the faculty’s accreditation process, quality improvement efforts, and strategic objectives were evaluated. The participants exchanged views on steps that will strengthen compliance with national and international standards, and a shared vision was established to ensure the sustainability of a quality culture throughout the faculty.
The meeting took place at the İbni Sina Auditorium on Üsküdar University’s NP Health Campus and was attended by the President of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Haydar Sur, as well as faculty members and students.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Accreditation is not a label, it is an understanding”
Emphasizing that accreditation is not merely a document but a culture, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated, “Accreditation is not a label, it is an understanding. Establishing this culture within the faculty requires determination and continuity. Although it may be demanding in the short term, it brings great benefits in the long run. Internalizing accreditation helps make everything we do systematic and enhances quality.”
Awareness must be kept constantly alive
Highlighting that accreditation must be embraced by all stakeholders within the institution, Prof. Tarhan underlined the decisive role of leadership in this process. He said, “For accreditation to be sustainable, administrators and academic staff must keep this awareness constantly alive. Asking the question, ‘Is this in line with accreditation standards?’ for every implementation turns quality awareness into an automatic reflex. In this way, the process is reflected not only in documents but also in the daily operations and decision-making mechanisms of the institution.”
Prof. Haydar Sur: “We will continue this process with determination”
Stating that the accreditation process represents a turning point for the faculty, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Haydar Sur, said, “Accreditation work is a demanding and detailed process, but it is a necessary step toward reaching a point where we can say, ‘We are glad we did it.’ We will continue this process with determination in order to elevate our faculty’s quality to international standards. The dedicated effort that each of us contributes will form the foundation of future success.”
A presentation on quality processes was delivered
During the meeting, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin, a faculty member from the Department of Medical Biochemistry (English), delivered a presentation that included Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK) evaluations and comparative analyses regarding the quality processes of universities. Prof. Tekkeşin also discussed how quality and accreditation standards contribute to institutional development.
Views were exchanged on the faculty’s strategic goals
Following the presentations, faculty members exchanged views on the benefits that the accreditation process would bring to the faculty, as well as on educational quality and sustainability goals.
Evaluations were also made regarding the faculty’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Later in the meeting, Dr. Serdar Gürel, the KEYPS Coordinator from Hacettepe University, joined online and provided information about the KEYPS system and the faculty’s quality management processes.
The second session was held online
The first session of the meeting concluded with a group photo, while the second session was conducted online. During the virtual session, the faculty’s strategic goals, quality policies, and plans for the upcoming period were discussed in detail.