Uşak University, which qualified for accreditation under the Institutional Accreditation Program implemented by the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK), was presented with an Accreditation Certificate.

Last May, Uşak University was among the 30 universities that earned the institutional accreditation certificate from the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK). YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak visited Uşak University on February 5, 2024, and presented the institutional accreditation certificate to Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş during the ceremony held for this purpose.

During his visit to Uşak University, Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, the President of the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK), also delivered presentations on "Quality Assurance Systems and Accreditation in Higher Education" and "Internal Quality Assurance Systems in Universities and External Evaluation Processes (KİDR)".

The event took place at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress and Culture Center and was attended by Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Kenan Taş and Prof. Dr. Lütfi Özav, General Secretary Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Gürcüoğlu, deans of faculties, directors of vocational schools, managers of university units, and faculty staff serving on the quality committees of these units.

Rector Savaş stated, "Uşak University will continue to work for better."

In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş discussed Uşak University's increasing success graph and the efforts made in terms of quality since 2018. Rector Savaş pointed out the significant contributions of YÖKAK's efforts to enhance the quality of the Turkish higher education system. Emphasizing that Uşak University will continue to strive for excellence, Prof. Dr. Savaş stated, "Once again, I would like to thank everyone involved in the accreditation process and wish that our accreditation certificate brings blessings to our university."

YÖKAK Başkanı Kocabıçak stated, "We should accredit all universities by 2027."

YÖKAK Başkanı Prof. Dr. Kocabıçak, in his opening speech titled "Quality Assurance Systems and Accreditation in Higher Education," emphasized the importance of quality assurance processes in universities and elaborated on how these processes contribute to institutional development. President Kocabıçak expressed that they closely monitor the quality assurance efforts in Uşak University in higher education. Stressing that Uşak University is in very good condition, Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak mentioned that with the newly obtained department accreditations, Uşak University will further improve its position. Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak also stated that the evaluation team would revisit Uşak University in 2025, expressing his heartfelt belief that Uşak University will receive its five-year accreditation.

President Kocabıçak provided information about the work carried out by YÖKAK, emphasizing the significance of the quality certificate obtained from YÖKAK, illustrating with examples the importance for graduates of its validity not only in Turkey but also in Europe and America. He mentioned that out of 208 higher education institutions in Turkey, 53 have been accredited under the Institutional Accreditation Program conducted by YÖKAK, and efforts are ongoing for the accreditation of other universities. Prof. Dr. Kocabıçak expressed that by 2027, all universities in Turkey need to be accredited to enable graduates from Turkish universities to use their diplomas anywhere in the world. He underscored the importance of both institutional accreditation and program accreditation, stating that their emphasis on these accreditation processes would enhance the recognition of higher education institutions in Europe and globally.

Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak pointed out that quality processes are beginning to be included in Turkey's development plan and highlighted the importance of the Quality Assurance Cycle (PUKÖ), stating that this cycle has brought universities to very good positions, facilitating their integration with the world and enhancing their students' job opportunities. He also mentioned that both domestic and international students consider these criteria when choosing universities in Turkey.

Following the opening speeches, YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Kocabıçak presented the "Institutional Accreditation Certificate" to Rector Prof. Dr. Savaş, congratulating Uşak University for taking an important step by obtaining the institutional accreditation certificate.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, while presenting a plaque to YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, stated that they would continue their efforts tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of quality and further elevate the quality standards of Uşak University.

After the presentation of the certificate, Vice-Rector and Quality Coordinator Prof. Dr. Kenan Taş explained the activities carried out by Uşak University after the Institutional Accreditation Program.

In his second presentation, President Kocabıçak provided information about "Internal Quality Assurance Systems in Universities and External Evaluation Processes (KİDR)".

Participants gained valuable insights into quality standards and assurance systems in line with the information provided by YÖKAK President Kocabıçak.

The program concluded after answering questions from the participants.