Quality Assurance in Higher Education Seminar Series II

June 2, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

Fundamental principles of quality assurance in higher education are thoroughly discussed at the information session titled "Quality Assurance System in Higher Education" hosted by Gebze Technical University (GTU).

Organized by the Institutional Development and Quality Coordination Office with the aim of strengthening GTU’s internal quality assurance system and contributing to the university’s preparation for the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK) evaluation processes, the event was attended by GTU Vice-Rector Prof. E. Damla Arısan, members of the GTU Quality Commission, and the quality superviors of academic and administrative divisions.

The speaker of the session was Prof. Ergül Berber, Vice-Rector of Istanbul Arel University and a YÖKAK evaluator. Emphasizing that the concept of quality assurance is not merely an obligation for universities, but also a cornerstone of sustainable development, Prof. Berber highlighted the importance of integrating quality policies into the institutional structure. Known for her expertise in academic evaluation, institutional accreditation, and strategic planning, Berber stated that this culture must be disseminated throughout the university. She underlined that the quality approach must not be limited to specific divisions, but must encompass the entire institution. She also stressed the critical role of monitoring, self-assessment, and continuous improvement processes in a robust quality assurance system.

PDCA Cycle, Process Definition, and Participation Come to the Fore

Prof. Berber emphasized the importance of actively implementing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle across all academic and administrative processes. Addressing common problems encountered during audits, she listed lack of monitoring, poorly-defined processes, and ambiguities in task descriptions and workflows among the key issues. She also pointed out the negative impact of insufficient leadership engagement in quality processes and the lack of in-service and train-the-trainer programs. Additionally, she stressed the necessity of incorporating both internal and external stakeholder feedback in quality boards, as well as including alumni opinions in curriculum updates. She also drew attention to the fact that missing or outdated course information packages significantly hinder academic processes.

Innovative Solutions and an Inclusive Approach to Quality

The presentation also included suggestions for addressing these challenges. It was suggested that reverse mentoring practices be developed and that quality bulletins and informative animation content be prepared to raise awareness on quality issues. To make quality boards and commissions more inclusive, the inclusion of students with disabilities and international students from each department as representatives was proposed. Prof. Ergül Berber concluded by emphasizing that a quality assurance system must not be solely evaluation-focused, but rather a learning and evolving system, and the event ended with a Q&A session, delivering a strong message on the importance of internalizing a quality culture in higher education institutions.