Higher Education Transformation Workshop Held at Bahçeşehir University

Topics such as changes in undergraduate education duration, updates to student quotas, replacing internships with practice-based education, and opening programs aligned with workforce needs were discussed at the Higher Education Transformation Workshop held at Bahçeşehir University.

The workshop, hosted at BAU Campus, brought together Prof. Dr. Erol Arcaklıoğlu, Member of the Executive Board of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK); Prof. Dr. Ulrich Teichler from the University of Kassel, Germany; Enver Yücel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahçeşehir University; BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu; Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan, Rector of Ibn Haldun University; Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca, Rector of Piri Reis University; as well as academics and representatives of accreditation organizations.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Erol Arcaklıoğlu provided information on the initiatives being carried out within the framework of the “Turkish Higher Education Vision Towards 2030.” He emphasized that quality-oriented process management, digital transformation, national and international visibility, and an entrepreneurial and innovative university approach are among the key priorities. Arcaklıoğlu also highlighted the growing importance of enabling students not only to acquire knowledge but also to apply it in practice.

Stating that curriculum simplification efforts are ongoing, Arcaklıoğlu noted that quota planning should be based on factors such as labor market needs, academic capacity, and graduate employment opportunities. He underlined the importance of practice-based education over short-term internships and stated that the goal is to allow students to gain workplace experience during their studies. He also noted that new programs have been introduced in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green transformation, carbon management, and digital technologies in agriculture.

Arcaklıoğlu stated that studies regarding the duration of undergraduate education are continuing and emphasized that the aim is to simplify curricula and strengthen practice-oriented learning without compromising educational quality.

BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu described transformation in higher education as one of the most significant topics on the agenda. She highlighted issues such as the evolving role of universities, the impact of artificial intelligence and smart systems, the integration of education, research, and social contribution processes, and institutional visibility. Hatipoğlu stated that discussions on transformation would continue with the participation of all stakeholders.

The workshop also featured sessions on the transformation of higher education, adaptation to artificial intelligence, the importance of skills and competencies, the future of accreditation, and examples of transformation practices from Europe.