Program Design and Approval Process
At Uskudar University, all processes related to opening new undergraduate and graduate programs and updating existing programs are carried out in a quality-oriented manner, open to stakeholder participation and in compliance with the legislation. This process advances through the coordinated work of both academic and administrative units.
1. Needs Analysis and Rationale
Before a new program is opened, the following are considered:
the development of the field at national and international levels,
the needs of the labor market,
graduate employment opportunities,
the views of internal and external stakeholders (students, graduates, employers, industry representatives),
and, taking into account the institution's strategic goals, a detailed needs analysis and feasibility study is conducted.
2. Program Design
When a program is opened or changes are made to an existing program:
Program qualifications are defined in line with the Bologna process.
The course plan, ECTS workloads, learning outcomes, and teaching methods are determined.
Alignment with the National Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ) is ensured.
A detailed curriculum design is carried out in cooperation with the Quality Commission and members of the relevant academic boards.
3. Academic Board and Senate Approval Process
The designed program:
Is evaluated and approved by the relevant department board, followed by the faculty/school board.
Is submitted to the University Senate.
When necessary, the University Quality Commission and the Education and Training Commission also provide their opinions.
4. YÖK Approval and Launch
For new programs:
After Senate approval, an application is made to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
The process is formally carried out with the required documents and program information forms.
Once YÖK approval is obtained, the program is opened and student admissions may begin.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Updating
After programs are opened:
They are regularly monitored and evaluated in light of student achievement, teaching staff feedback, graduate tracking data, and stakeholder views.
When deemed necessary, course content, teaching methods, or program structure are updated.
These changes are also carried out through the same quality process and institutional approval mechanisms.
Visibility and Accessibility
At Uskudar University, curriculum information for the programs offered in all academic units is presented transparently, up to date, and accessibly through the Bologna Information System (BBS).
For each course, the following are included in detail in the system:
the responsible instructor,
the current course syllabus,
the course learning outcomes,
and their alignment with the relevant program outcomes; this information is shared openly with both internal stakeholders (students, faculty members, administrative staff) and external stakeholders (graduates, employers, quality evaluators, public institutions, etc.).
In this way, program design, course planning, and curriculum management processes at Uskudar University are carried out in line with the principles of traceability, accountability, and quality assurance.
Uskudar University Bologna Information System (BBS) https://sis.uskudar.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/
Monitoring
At Uskudar University, regular and comprehensive monitoring processes are carried out to improve the quality of education and ensure the satisfaction of our students.
Through student surveys conducted at the end of each academic term and various student meetings, our students' views on general operations and the conduct of programs are obtained.
Our university's Solution Center deals with student complaints and requests in real time and plays an active role in resolving problems quickly and effectively.
Through continuous communication with Student Representatives, students' views are taken into account in university management and the conduct of programs.
Thanks to the open-door policy, our students can always convey their requests and suggestions directly to the authorized persons and units.
The weekly office hours of academic staff are recorded in the Bologna Information System, making it easier for students to meet one-on-one with their instructors.
Through digital information screens on every floor of our university, mobile applications, and SMS announcements, our students are instantly informed with current and accurate information.
Student-Centered Learning and Teaching
Uskudar University adopts a student-centered approach as a fundamental principle in its education and training processes. This approach, which aims to support students' academic, social, and personal development holistically, is based on active participation in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement stages.
Participatory and Accessible Learning Environment:
Our university encourages students' active participation in academic and social life through Student Representatives and student clubs. Student views are regularly obtained in meetings held regularly with students and through Solution Center feedback, and are integrated into management.
Transparent and Accessible Academic Information:
Course syllabi, program outcomes, and ECTS credit information are made available through the Bologna Information System (BBS), so that students can access all academic processes openly and transparently.
Practical and Interactive Education:
At our university, practical courses in many disciplines, from communication to engineering, are conducted in well-equipped spaces such as studios, laboratories, and news workshops. A high-quality learning environment is created through interactive teaching methods and academic staff with industry experience.
Effective Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms:
Student feedback is collected through student feedback surveys administered at the end of each term and events such as “Meetings with the Rector”; these data are evaluated by academic boards and guide improvement processes.
Flexible and Customizable Course Selection:
With a rich pool of elective courses, students are encouraged to choose courses that suit their interests and career goals. Students can select their courses, and each student is supported by their advisor throughout this process.
Internship and Internationalization Opportunities:
In addition to compulsory internships, voluntary internship opportunities are also offered, and students can complete internships abroad under the Erasmus+ program. Internships are counted within the student's total ECTS workload.
Barrier-Free and Inclusive Education:
The necessary physical and academic arrangements for students with disabilities are provided according to individual needs, and accommodations such as reader/scribe support in exams are offered.
Support Mechanisms for International Students:
Our international students are supported by the Department of International Relations and the International Student Relations Office.
Courses are also offered in English upon request, and the necessary information and guidance are provided for students' academic and social adaptation.
Advising Systems:
Each student is followed one-on-one by their academic advisor from the first year until graduation, and their academic and personal development is continuously supported.
Digital Communication and Continuity:
Through the university's internal communication network STIX, continuous information sharing is ensured between students and instructors, and course materials, announcements, and other academic content are made available digitally.
Competence, Specialization, and Academic Staff Development
One of the cornerstones of our education process is a qualified and specialized academic staff. In this context:
Instructors are supported in teaching courses in their areas of expertise, and funding and leave opportunities are provided for scientific research.
Through our university's ARGEYEP (Research, Development, Innovation and Project) unit, academics receive active support in their scientific activities.
The master's and doctoral studies of research assistants are systematically supported with the goal of academic development.
Academic performance is monitored through the Smart Activity Tracking System (FTSmart), and data-driven development plans are made.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes of each course, defined at the beginning of the term, are measured and analyzed at the end of the term using various methods (exams, projects, practical work):
The quality assurance system has been put into operation through student surveys, internship evaluation reports, and feedback received via the STIX software.
If program outcomes are not achieved, root cause analysis is performed and corrective actions are taken in academic boards.
Our university has an assessment and evaluation coordinator's office, which conducts reporting and meetings for each academic term.
Program Content, Curriculum, and Methods
Curricula are prepared in line with our university's core values and department visions, and are shaped by the views of internal and external stakeholders:
Our elective course system allows students to take courses from other departments and aims to help them develop an individual academic vision.
Theoretical knowledge is turned into practice through practical courses, internship programs, and industry collaborations.
The University Culture course has been made compulsory to ensure students' integration into social, cultural, and academic life.
Graduation, Recognition, and Certification (The process for graduate schools should be evaluated and written separately).
In order to graduate from our university, students must:
successfully complete all their courses,
have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 out of 4.00,
and complete their compulsory internships.
All processes are carried out on the basis of the provisions of the Uskudar University Graduate Education, Training and Examination Regulation and the Council of Higher Education Graduate Education and Training Regulation.
Student Rights and Feedback Processes
Our students' rights are protected not only by legal regulations but also by the “Directive on Student Rights, Responsibilities and Code of Conduct” prepared specifically for our university.
The “Directive on the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination” is applied against possible cases of harassment and discrimination, guaranteeing a safe and fair learning environment.
Students' suggestions, complaints, and requests are evaluated through the Solution Center, and the resolution process is initiated immediately.
Admission, Development, and Mobility
Students are admitted according to the results of exams administered by ÖSYM.
Applications for lateral transfer, vertical transfer, double major, and minor programs are carried out within the framework of the relevant regulations.
Student mobility is supported through ERASMUS+ and exchange programs, and students are encouraged to gain international experience.
Related Links:
Uskudar University Legislation
Learning Resources, Accessibility, and Support
Uskudar University has a strong library infrastructure that facilitates access to information and meets the needs of students and academics. Our libraries are located accessibly on every campus and operate with a user-oriented service approach.
Well-Equipped Library Infrastructure
Our libraries, located on every campus and in every block, consist of spaces specially designed for individual and group study and supported by technological equipment. Our libraries include:
group study rooms with LCD screens,
individual study areas with partitions and power outlets,
and spacious, comfortable, high-security study halls.
Our Faculty of Medicine library has a special study area with a garden that is open 24/7, offering a safe, quiet, and productive environment for all users.
Broad Access to Digital and Printed Resources
Our university provides its students and academics with rich access to both physical and digital resources. The resources offered include:
current printed publications,
e-books and e-journals,
multimedia content,
and national and international academic databases.
The library system provides services in an integrated manner, with unit libraries operating under the coordination of the central library.
24/7 Support and Training Opportunities
Thanks to the live support line run by expert librarians, users can receive help 24/7. In addition:
trainings on topics such as the use of academic resources, research methods, and database access
are announced on platforms open to all students and recorded in accessible formats.
Continuous Improvement Based on User Feedback
The quality of our library services is evaluated and continuously improved in line with regularly collected user feedback. In this way, all service processes are restructured to be current, flexible, and responsive to needs.
Accreditation Activities
Uskudar University continues its accreditation activities with an approach that aims to continuously improve its education and training processes and make quality assurance part of its institutional culture. By participating in nationally and internationally recognized accreditation processes, we document that our programs comply with the principles of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Uskudar University participates in the Institutional Accreditation Program (KAP) conducted by the Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK) and monitors its institutional development through self-evaluation reports, external evaluation processes, and quality commission activities.
Along with these processes, our university, which aims for continuous improvement in education, research, and social contribution:
integrates the quality assurance system into the institutional strategic plan,
and establishes a widespread and sustainable structure with quality representatives in every academic unit.
Our university also carries out its activities at a global level by setting goals to apply to accreditation bodies recognized not only nationally but also internationally.