16.2.2 - Bahçeşehir University Independent Students' Union

The image below shows the first page of the Bahcesehir University Student Council Directive, which defines the structure, duties, and principles of student representation and participation in university governance.

The Bahçeşehir University Independent Students’ Union serves as the official and democratically elected representative body for all undergraduate and graduate students at Bahçeşehir University. Its primary mission is to advocate for student rights, strengthen communication between students and the university administration, and ensure that student voices are actively included in institutional decision-making processes.

Operating through a faculty-based representative system, the Union maintains an inclusive and participatory approach, reflecting the diversity of the University community. Recognized as an independent body by Bahçeşehir University, it plays a vital role in promoting student welfare, supporting academic and social engagement, and fostering a positive, inclusive campus culture.

Core Responsibilities of the Independent Students’ Union:

• Representation: Advocate for the interests and needs of all students across faculties, ensuring their perspectives are reflected in university policies and governance.
• Dialogue and Participation: Maintain constructive communication channels between students and the university administration, contributing to decision-making processes that shape academic and campus life.
• Community and Engagement: Organize and support academic, cultural, and social activities that enhance student life and encourage active participation in the University community.
• Advocacy and Inclusion: Provide a platform for students to voice their concerns and promote equal access to opportunities, services, and resources.
• Collaboration and Development: Encourage student participation in university committees and advisory boards, while supporting initiatives that promote leadership, social responsibility, and sustainable development.

Through these activities, the Bahçeşehir University Independent Students’ Union strengthens democratic participation within the University, ensuring that every student—undergraduate or graduate—has a voice in shaping the educational and social environment of BAU.

The Bahçeşehir University Independent Students’ Union operates in accordance with the “Bahçeşehir University Student Council Directive.”

This directive comprehensively defines the structure, responsibilities, and operational framework of the Student Union, outlining its representative mechanisms, election procedures, and participation principles in university governance. The Student Union’s activities are thus carried out in full compliance with this officially recognized regulation, ensuring democratic representation and active student participation across all academic units.

The thrree images below show promotion posters of BAU Student Council events.

Students in Decision-Making Processes

In addition to the Independent Students’ Union, Bahçeşehir University provides multiple participatory channels that enable students to take an active role in institutional decision-making processes and contribute to shaping the University’s academic and social environment.

The “Rektörle Biz Bize Sohbetler” (“Candid Conversations with the Rector”) initiative, launched in the 2023–2024 academic year, represents a significant step toward inclusive governance and transparent communication. Through this series, BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu visited all campuses to meet directly with students, listening to their suggestions, expectations, and concerns in person. Feedback received during these meetings has been directly incorporated into institutional decision-making, exemplifying the University’s student-centered and participatory governance model.

 

The images below show the pictures of Candid Conversations with the Rector student meetings.

Students Clubs

Student participation is also strengthened through a vibrant student clubs ecosystem and a number of independent boards and councils.

The student clubs also operate within independent governance structures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and democratic participation in their activities. These structures allow students to manage their own initiatives, elect club executives, and make collective decisions regarding events, projects, and partnerships.

The detailed framework regulating the organization, operation, and governance of student clubs—including their independent management structures—can be accessed through the following official directive:

Bahçeşehir University has shown a steady and inclusive growth trend in its student club ecosystem over recent years, reflecting both the university’s commitment to student engagement and the rising interest of students in academic, cultural, and social activities.

As of 2024, the number of officially recognized student clubs at BAU increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 91 clubs.

Among these, 44 are social and cultural, 11 are sports-oriented, and 36 are academic clubs. The total number of registered club members rose to 10,538. In the 2023–2024 academic year, students organized a total of 371 activities, reflecting their growing engagement and leadership in campus life. 

The images below show the promotional poster and event pictures of BAU Student Clubs.