Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Higher Education Audit Board President Ercan Özkan and an accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. Various topics concerning higher education were discussed during the said visit. Potential solutions for transfer issues regarding international students, horizontal transfer procedures, and the YÖK system were discussed and assessed.
Also present during the meeting were EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici.
“EMU - The University Most Aligned with YÖK Standards”
As part of the visit, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç provided extensive information about EMU, noting that the university has over 77.000 alumni members. Stressing that EMU is a transparent educational institution, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined the university’s dedication to maintaining high educational standards. Pointing out that all universities must comply with unified criteria across financial, academic, and administrative areas, Prof. Dr. Kılıç also noted that, as a state university, EMU sets a strong example in this respect. Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized the importance of auditing academic standards and stated that EMU has encountered no difficulties in applying YÖK standards on an international scale. Prof. Dr. Kılıç remarked, “EMU is a benchmark in this respect”.
“It is Important to Benefit from EMU’s Educational Expertise”
Ercan Özkan, the President of YÖK Audit Board, mentioned that they work closely with YÖDAK to monitor and oversee universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Özkan highlighted the noticeable improvements in the education system over the last four years and stressed the importance of utilizing EMU’s extensive educational experience as the most established institution in the TRNC. Özkan also shared that the evaluation and reporting processes of universities are conducted regularly and sought insights from EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç regarding the issues faced by international students.
At the end of the said visit, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presented traditional Cypriot souvenirs to Higher Education Audit Board President Ercan Özkan and the visiting delegation.