A FEDEK accreditation evaluation was conducted in the Departments of Sociology and Philosophy

The Departments of Sociology and Philosophy at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences at Üsküdar University underwent a comprehensive three-day accreditation evaluation by FEDEK as part of its quality assurance efforts. During the evaluation process—which focused on the sustainability of educational quality in the social sciences, academic competence, research productivity, and societal contribution—the academic and administrative operations of the departments were examined in detail. 

During the accreditation process, Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, along with Associate Deans Dr. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin and Dr. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, the Chair of the Sociology Department, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, and the Chair of the Philosophy Department, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Yazıcı, played an active role. 

The departments’ curriculum structures, learning outcomes, assessment systems, faculty qualifications, and quality improvement mechanisms were comprehensively evaluated.

The evaluation process continued with meetings held in the Senate Hall at the Main Campus. As part of this, a meeting was held with Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel to discuss the university’s quality assurance approach.

Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: “A culture of quality requires a vision centered on people and society”

In her assessment of the university’s quality approach, Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör made the following remarks:

“In the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, we address quality in conjunction with the principles of scientific productivity, academic freedom, and social responsibility. We implement our institutional quality assurance system in this field—as we do in all our faculties—in a sustainable and transparent manner. A culture of quality requires a human- and society-centered vision. The philosophy of continuous improvement is our university’s fundamental management approach.” 

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

Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, who gave a presentation on the second day of the visit, emphasized that the concept of quality in the social sciences requires a multidimensional approach. Kaynak stated: “Quality in the social sciences is not limited to academic performance indicators alone. Our top priority is an educational philosophy that fosters critical thinking, instills a sense of ethical responsibility, and cultivates individuals who are sensitive to social issues. We also view accreditation processes as an important part of this holistic culture of quality,” she said.

Department laboratories and classrooms were inspected

As part of the visit, the department’s laboratories and classrooms were inspected. Additionally, the evaluation committee conducted interviews with students and external stakeholders to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the programs.

In presentations made by administrative units, the activities of the Office of the Secretary General, the Directorate of Strategy Development and Quality, the Directorate of Student Affairs, the Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports, the Directorate of Library and Documentation, and the Office for Students with Disabilities were shared with the committee.
On the final day of the program, the evaluators read the closing statement, bringing the three-day accreditation visit to a close.