17.4.1 Commitment to Meaningful Education Around the SDGs

Bahçeşehir University Sustainability Approach And Commitment 

Policy for Integrating SDG Education Across the University

At BAU, sustainability and the SDGs are central to both curriculum design and campus culture. The university has established a comprehensive policy framework to ensure that sustainability education is provided to all students, regardless of their area of study. This policy is guided by the Social Impact and Responsibility Commission, which operates under the jurisdiction of the BAU Rectorate. The Commission is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability and social responsibility strategies both within the university and in collaboration with external stakeholders. The Commission includes representatives from all relevant academic and administrative units, as well as student representatives, ensuring a diverse and inclusive approach to decision-making.

BAU's social contribution policy is built upon the following key principles:

1. Holistic Education: BAU aims to educate students to think holistically, with a global perspective, respecting cultural and ecological values, and remaining sensitive to the environment. This is achieved through experiential learning opportunities, where students engage with real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
2. Collaborative Research and Education: BAU actively fosters collaboration with stakeholders at local, national, and international levels to ensure its education and research activities contribute to societal development. The university’s interdisciplinary programs are designed to drive innovation through partnerships with non-governmental organizations, businesses, and governments, with a focus on creating sustainable social, economic, and environmental impacts.
3. Curriculum Integration: BAU integrates SDG-related content into the curricula of all faculties and programs. Courses are designed to engage students with the SDGs by incorporating theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This approach ensures that sustainability education is not isolated to a few disciplines but is instead embedded across the university's academic structure. These courses aim to foster a mindset of sustainability, encouraging students to develop behaviors that contribute to long-term ecological and social well-being.
4. Promoting Research on SDGs: Faculty members are encouraged to engage in research that focuses on sustainable development. BAU promotes the publication of research that contributes to the SDGs, ensuring that its academic output has a positive impact on society.
5. Student Engagement and Volunteerism: BAU places a strong emphasis on student engagement in social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. The university supports students in becoming active change agents by embedding social entrepreneurship, social innovation, and volunteerism into the academic culture. Students are encouraged to participate in group projects, student initiatives, and collaborations that address urgent global issues, thus fostering leadership skills and a deep commitment to the SDGs.

Institutional Practices to Foster SDG Awareness

To operationalize its sustainability policy, BAU undertakes the following practices:

1. Raising Awareness Among Internal Stakeholders: BAU actively works to increase awareness, knowledge, and participation in SDG-related activities among its internal stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrative staff. This is done through regular workshops, seminars, and campaigns focused on the SDGs.
2. Systematic Data Collection: The university systematizes the collection and monitoring of data related to SDG activities. This includes tracking the impact of courses, research, and initiatives related to sustainable development to ensure continuous improvement in how the university contributes to the SDGs.
3. External Stakeholder Collaboration: BAU collaborates with non-governmental organizations, local and national governments, educational institutions, businesses, and the media to promote sustainability and social impact. These collaborations ensure that BAU is part of a broader network of organizations working towards the achievement of the SDGs at a global level.

 Commitment to Sustainability Education

One clear demonstration of BAU’s commitment to sustainability and the SDGs is its integration of SDG-related courses into the curriculum. These courses are offered across all disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. By embedding the SDGs in its curriculum, BAU ensures that students develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainability in their professional and personal lives. Additionally, BAU’s courses are designed to motivate students to engage with sustainability projects and initiatives, both individually and collaboratively. Through these efforts, BAU fosters a campus culture where the SDGs are consistently at the forefront of students' learning experiences.

BAU’s commitment to the SDGs extends beyond the classroom. The university organizes workshops, certificate programs, and extracurricular activities that further engage students in sustainability initiatives. Moreover, BAU’s participation in national and international sustainability networks, along with its active collaborations with external stakeholders, reinforces its dedication to fostering a sustainable future.

Bahçeşehir University’s comprehensive policy for integrating education around the SDGs reflects its commitment to shaping a more sustainable and equitable world. By embedding sustainability across all academic programs and fostering collaboration with external partners, BAU ensures that its students are equipped with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through this holistic and inclusive approach, BAU positions itself as a leader in sustainability education, consistently driving positive social, economic, and environmental impact at both local and global levels.

• The relevant policy was prepared in the 2021 and revised in 2023.