YÖK President Özvar met with students at ASU

The President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, who visited Aksaray University (ASÜ), met with senate members and students. Stating that they closely follow ASÜ’s development in Ankara and closely monitor it, YÖK President Özvar emphasized that ASÜ is a university inherently fortunate. Comparing universities to individuals in terms of being born lucky, YÖK President pointed out that one of the most fundamental advantages of ASÜ is being established in Aksaray, an ancient city. Emphasizing that the city’s location, history, and human fabric add value to the university, Özvar stated, ‘Just like some individuals, universities are inherently lucky. Aksaray University could have been established in a city with many universities, and its name might not have been as well known. Although having a university in a city may seem like a disadvantage, in the long run, it can be said to be an important advantage. In this respect, ASÜ is a fortunate university.’
University rankings are among the interesting topics. YÖK President Özvar shared his views on the international visibility of Turkish universities and international rankings. Mentioning that university rankings have been of great interest worldwide and in Turkey in recent years, Özvar stated that these rankings have a history dating back to the 1960s, gaining more importance in the 1980s and 1990s. Pointing out that the increasing number of students wishing to study at international educational institutions has made the issue significant, Özvar said, ‘These assessments and leagues have a significant role in emerging. But rightly, you may also ask, ‘Is international student mobility a recent phenomenon?’ No, certainly not. The journey for knowledge dates back to ancient centuries.’
YÖK President Özvar, meeting with senate members, highlighted ASÜ’s specialization efforts in sports and health fields. Mentioning that during a meeting, Rector Alpay Arıbaş talked about five important projects, Özvar conveyed that they discussed to accelerate these projects. He stated, ‘One of the best things to do today is not to resemble large universities, but rather to highlight aspects that differentiate us from large universities. We need to identify the areas where our university will generate relative competition. By conducting a serious survey among students, we need to reveal the aspects of ASÜ that provide the most satisfaction. An unexpected feature can make the university more appealing to students. These are the aspects that will differentiate ASÜ. We need to work on differentiation. Conducting a survey would be very beneficial. Because students do not make mistakes.’
Following the meeting with senate members, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar met with ASÜ students studying in different academic units in the Rectorate Meeting Hall. Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar noted a significant increase in the number of candidates wishing to access higher education in Turkey in recent years, emphasizing that this demand has increased not only in Turkey but also globally. Explaining his opinions on the main reasons for this, Özvar stated that with the increase in literacy rates worldwide and especially the significant number of graduates in secondary education, the desire to access universities has increased. He said, ‘Demographic developments, population growth, and the increase in the rate of schooling increase the number of students who want to access universities. This is one of the most important changes we have seen globally in the past half-century. As the rate of schooling increases, the number of students who want to study further also increases.’
Addressing the emergence of various developments with the increase in population and schooling rates, YÖK President Özvar stated, ‘Young people have a desire and expectation to achieve a more prosperous life after graduation. The desire for a prosperous life and the desire to achieve a respectable social status increase the demand for and desire to access higher education. This is very normal. It can be said that one of the important reasons for wanting to study at university is the expectation of welfare in addition to social status. Compared to half a century ago, these two expectations bring our students closer to university to a greater extent. This expectation and access desire are encountered globally, seen globally. Thanks to the great contributions, importance, and investments made in the field of higher education by our President in the last 20 years, and universities responding to this demand have emerged.’
ASÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Alpay Arıbaş stated that in the current century, Turkey will rise more and make its presence known on a higher scale in the world. Expressing that there is a lot of work for students and young people in this regard, Rector Arıbaş emphasized that their expectations from young people are very high. He mentioned that they frequently meet with students, organize various activities, and try to provide support within the possibilities to help them develop themselves better. Prof. Alpay Arıbaş conveyed, ‘Not only the university or the rectorate but also the Council of Higher Education supports young people to prepare for the future. Together, we are making efforts and carrying out important studies for young people to build Turkey Century.’ At the end of his statement, Rector Arıbaş thanked YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members who came to ASÜ for a series of events.