Academic profiling at Istanbul University
Scandals at Istanbul University show no signs of ending. Recently, the opening of campus gates to visitors and Rector Bülent Zülfikar's appointment of his brother as an advisor had made headlines. Rector Bülent Zülfikar's publication of a statement on the university's official website claiming he had experienced grievances at a hotel was also a topic of discussion for days. Now, a 'profiling' scandal has emerged at Istanbul University.
Mustafa Büyüksipahi
Mustafa BÜYÜKSİPAHİ - 12punto.com.tr
Istanbul University has become a frequent subject of debate following the appointment of Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar as Rector. Zülfikar, who was appointed rector by President Erdoğan on August 1, 2023, made his first order of business the appointment of his brother as an advisor.
Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar later announced a grievance he and his family experienced at a hotel through a statement published on the university's official website, which drew backlash.
The statement, which noted that the hotel management's apology was found insufficient, read: "We announce that we expect the hotel owner and General Management to take measures within the framework of guest satisfaction rather than a dry apology, and to display an attitude that will compensate for this error in the presence of our rector."
PROFILING VIA QUESTIONNAIRE
Istanbul University and Rector Zülfikar had most recently been on the agenda with the "wall-less university" discourse, which involved opening the gates of Istanbul University's campuses to visitors.
Now, a profiling scandal has emerged at Istanbul University, which has been at the center of controversy due to its recent decisions and practices.
The university administration requested that individuals applying for staff positions fill out an 'Academic Promotion Candidate Self-Evaluation Form'.
In the 'Academic Promotion Candidate Self-Evaluation Form', candidates were asked questions aimed at learning their personal views, such as their strongest and weakest traits, the top three duties of a scientist, and 'What is academic life to you?'.
The questions written in the form, which was unanimously accepted by the University Senate on February 6, and directed at faculty candidates, have drawn criticism.
CONTRARY TO BOTH KVKK AND THE CONSTITUTION
It is emphasized that the questions are contrary to the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK), violate Article 25 of the Constitution, which states that "Everyone has the freedom of thought and opinion. No one shall be compelled to reveal their thoughts and opinions for any reason or purpose; nor shall anyone be condemned or accused because of their thoughts and opinions," and contain elements of mobbing.
The following questions in the form, sent to distribution points under the signature of Istanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, drew attention:
- What is academic life to you, how would you define it, and what are its positive and negative aspects for you?
- If you were to evaluate your academic life in general, could you state three of your 'strongest' and three of your 'weakest' traits?
- What can you say about your current academic performance? What are the methods you use to reach your goals, and what are the methods you would not prefer in scientific studies/projects?
- When describing Istanbul University to external stakeholders, write down three words you would definitely use and three words you would never use.