Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, President of the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK), was the speaker at the "Quality in Higher Education" interview hosted by Atatürk University.

Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, vice rectors, general secretary, deans, academicians, and students attended the ceremony, which was held at the National Will Hall on July 15. Kocabıçak, who visited Atatürk University to discuss the activities of YÖKAK and to provide information on topics such as the Institutional Accreditation Programme, Institutional External Evaluation Programmes, and evaluation criteria, was well-received.

The university's rector: "Atatürk University has entered the path where it will be positioned as a university that directs social demands"

The opening speech of the programme was delivered by Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, who stated that Atatürk University has been conducting a thorough evaluation of how to restructure its academic values, educational methodologies, and social role to align with the requirements of a modern university in accordance with the New Approach of YÖK and the vision of YÖKAK since 2016. "We are committed to transforming our University from a regional institution to a universal global university by working in conjunction with our management staff and acting in accordance with this vision." In this regard, we have made substantial progress and taken tremendous and courageous steps. Atatürk University has embarked on a journey to establish itself as a university that is at the vanguard of universal science, problem-oriented, and capable of generating scientific solutions to social issues. Additionally, the university is sensitive to social demands and is capable of directing them.

"Achievements are also reflected in the figures"

The Quality Coordination Office, which is one of the most critical components of the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, was established with six undergraduate accredited programmes. Currently, there are 62 nationally accredited programmes, one internationally accredited programme, and 24 programmes that are awaiting accreditation approval, according to Rector Çomaklı. "More than 80 programmes will be accredited by the conclusion of 2024." Furthermore, in 2023, 129 undergraduate programmes were self-evaluated, 10 programmes were peer-evaluated, and 36 programmes were bestowed the TQF logo. Again, Quality Policies were established in accordance with the results of the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, and a Quality Handbook and Quality Action Plan were prepared. The KIDR's areas for improvement were examined on a programmatic basis, and the quality action plan was coordinated with a calendar.

"Necessary Guidance is Provided to the Units"

In these days, when our work is intensifying and the medium-term results of our project are beginning to be seen, Rector Çomaklı stated that the necessary guidance was provided to the units within the scope of the Institutional Accreditation Programme (KAP) carried out by YÖKAK with the support of YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak. She also mentioned that Atatürk University was accredited for two more years in this direction. We were able to capitalise on your insightful perspectives during our meetings in Ankara. I am confident that this visit will provide us with the opportunity to directly observe the dynamic structure of YÖKAK and gain a more comprehensive understanding of it. I would like to express my gratitude once more for your visit to our University. I am hopeful that our meeting on Quality in Higher Education will be beneficial, and I would like to pay my obeisance.

Kocabıçak, President of YÖKAK, emphasises the significance of academicians' involvement in the enhancement of quality.

YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak began his speech by congratulating all university members on the re-accreditation of the quality of the education provided by the university. Atatürk University, which is one of the distinguished cities in our country due to its history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, has the same value, has been serving the higher education of the country for almost three quarter centuries, and plays an important role in the development of the country with the human resources it has trained.

Prof. Dr. Kocabıçak emphasised the critical importance of senior management's support in the conduct of quality accreditation studies and the maintenance of sustainability in higher education institutions. He also emphasised the necessity of clearly defining the duties, powers, and responsibilities of all personnel in the context of manpower structuring, including the advantages of accreditation. Kocabıçak stressed that the transformation of the quality system into a sustainable one is a challenging endeavour. He emphasised the importance of academicians participating in the effort to improve quality, not because it is mandatory, but because they believe it is the right thing to do. This is the path to becoming a better institution, and by doing so, they will observe that their education, research, and contribution to society are more effective, efficient, and productive.

"Diplomas are Recognised in Europe"

Prof. Dr. Kocabıçak emphasised that the European Database has been used to enter all institutional accreditations received from the Higher Education Quality Board since 2023, thereby ensuring the recognition of diplomas in Europe. He also stated that there are 24 national and 13 international agencies that accredit undergraduate programmes, and that "We recognise international agencies and authorise national agencies." Regardless of whether the agency we do not authorise accredits your programme, we do not publish it in the YKS guide or submit it to the Vocational Qualifications Authority (VQA) to obtain the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) logo.

Kocabıçak stated that Turkey has 7,873 undergraduate programmes, including 347 categories such as computer engineering and medicine. Regrettably, only 175 of them can be accredited by national and international agencies. There are no programmes in place to accredit the remaining 172 varieties. Nationally and in Turkey, there is no organisation that accredits law. Of the 7,873 undergraduate programmes, only 1178 have been accredited. In Turkey, the average figure is 15%.

Atatürk University has experienced substantial growth, according to President Kocabıçak.

Kocabıçak asserted that the concept of teaching has been superseded by the concept of learning, which is now the primary focus: "Students must acquire the capacity to learn." It is crucial to be able to collaborate with individuals from various fields in order to conduct research. In this regard, the extensive curriculum of Atatürk University is well-suited for interdisciplinary research. I am grateful for the dedication you have demonstrated in service to our nation. Atatürk University, which gained significant momentum with its re-accreditation after achieving the status of Research University, is exceedingly pleased to maintain its status as the locomotive of the past. This is evident in its diplomas bearing the TQF logo, its success in department-based accreditation, and its position in reputable ranking institutions. I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire university family for their contributions to this success, which was overseen by Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı. I wish them continued success.

After the Quality in Higher Education interview, YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak concluded his visit to Atatürk University by touring the newly established and redesigned units and obtaining information from the appropriate managers.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE - June 10, 2024