Is undergraduate education in universities being reduced to 3 years? Statement from YÖK

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has seen new developments regarding the issue of shortening university education durations, which has recently come to the agenda. The plans that YÖK is in the preparation phase of have also been brought to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION TO YUSUF TEKİN

Saadet Party Hatay Deputy Necmettin Çalışkan submitted a parliamentary question expected to be answered by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin. Çalışkan requested answers to questions such as, “On what scientific data, academic needs, or strategic reports is the decision to reduce the undergraduate duration in higher education to three years based? Is there a comprehensive impact analysis report prepared within your Ministry or YÖK on this matter? If so, will this report be shared with the public? While this regulation is being planned, at what level has a consultation process been conducted with university senates, faculty members, education unions, and relevant non-governmental organizations? What is the approach of the academic institutions whose opinions were sought regarding this change?”

STATEMENT FROM YÖK REGARDING THE ISSUE

In the statement made by YÖK, important details regarding the ongoing work were shared.

The statement included the following: “Within the scope of the work carried out regarding higher education, importance is attached to conducting the process with a participatory approach that includes the opinions, evaluations, and contributions of all stakeholders. In this direction, consultation processes are continuing with the participation of relevant public institutions and organizations, professional organizations, and non-governmental organizations, primarily the Interuniversity Council, which is based on the equal representation of all universities, and the councils operating within this body. The public will be informed when the work reaches a certain level of maturity.”

At present, no changes regarding the duration of university education have been officially announced. YÖK stated that the matter is subject to a broad consultation process and that discussions with various stakeholders are ongoing. It was emphasized that the public will be informed in detail if significant decisions are made during the process.

News Source: 12punto