Support For Underrepresented Groups

KHAS Barrier-Free / Persons with Disabilities Commission

KHAS Barrier-Free / Persus With Disabilities Commission aims to make more accessible the lives of, in particular, disabled students by removing all types of obstacles that any student within the KHAS family may encounter at the university campus. Students are encouraged to inform about problems they may encounter and ask for support by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

 KHAS Barrier-Free / Persus With Disabilities Commission conducts an annual survey by taking the opinions of students with disabilities. annual improvements are planned according to the results of this survey. The studies included in the report prepared by the KHAS Barrier-Free / Persus With Disabilities Commission for the 2024-2025 academic year to be submitted to the Council of Higher Education are shared below.

Kadir Has University – Accessible KHAS Commission Meeting Summary

Attendees:
Mitat Çelikpala, Aslı Aktan Erciyes, Aslı Çarkoğlu, Muhammet Sevinç, Aslı Aktaş

Agenda Items:

1. Discussion on support measures for students diagnosed with ADHD, particularly regarding challenges faced during exams.

2. Evaluation of a graduate student’s request (H. S.) to attend courses online instead of in person.

3. Consideration of improvement actions to be implemented within the framework of “Accessible KHAS” for 2025.

Decisions Taken:

1. It was agreed to recommend that students officially diagnosed with ADHD be granted up to 30% additional time during midterm and final exams, taking into account their individual needs. The same supportive approach should apply to practical exams and project evaluations. The final decision for each student should be evaluated by the relevant department’s administrative board.

   • The Commission will prepare a guideline to provide additional administrative support for instructors who approve extra exam time under this recommendation.

2. The request of graduate student H. S. for online course participation instead of attending in person was evaluated. It was determined that the issue does not fall under the Commission’s scope and should be referred to the relevant administrative units.

3. To identify the challenges faced by students with disabilities (related to accessibility, academic support, physical conditions, and social participation), the Commission decided to conduct a survey. The draft survey attached to the meeting notes was approved unanimously.

COMMISSION INITIATIVES

Within the scope of our university’s Barrier-Free KHAS Commission, 2023-2024 education and academic year the works carried out and ongoing in the year are given below:

• C Block lecture theatre garden railing construction for emergency outdoor access completed.
• A Block basement floor lecture theatre garden laboratories corridor for the visually impaired construction of directional-information signs and tactile/guiding surfaces completed.
• All signboards of Block A basement floor lecture theatres and garden laboratories were changed to Bril Alphabet transformed.
• Web Content Accessibility Standards and Criteria of our university website (WCAG-2.1) standards and to ensure that special needs to be made available to our students as well as the general public study was carried out.
• During the pandemic period, all printed resources requested by the students of our University from the Information Centre (library) were sent by post without any charge were delivered to our students. On this occasion, during the pandemic process, our students the use of our printed resources is provided in a barrier-free manner.

Non-discriminatory Admissions Policy

Kadir Has University is a foundation university that complies with Article 10 of the Turkish Constitution states that everyone is equal before the law without distinction regarding language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion & sect, or other grounds, and Council of Higher Education (YÖK), which regulates the higher education in Türkiye, rules and regulations within its all procedures. KHAS also abides by the National Student Selection Placement Centre Regulations with reference to Article 7, which guarantees reliability, confidentiality, impartiality & equal opportunities for all.

Kadir Has University’s Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination and KHAS Barrier-free Commission

At Kadir Has University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where non-discrimination is a core principle. Our university implements various practices to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all members of our community, regardless of their individual needs.

 In our Information Center, we offer equal and unrestricted services to everyone. For instance, a doctoral student in the field of law who is visually impaired receives full support through the digitization of books and research materials. We utilize assistive technologies such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert printed resources into accessible digital formats, enabling seamless access for visually impaired users.

 At our language school, we have installed ramps and elevators to accommodate physically disabled students, ensuring that their classes are held on the first floor. For students with hearing impairments, exams are tailored according to medical reports. If a student requires auditory accommodations, such as the use of headphones or a specific voice, we ensure that these preferences are met. In cases where individual assistance is necessary, we make special arrangements for personalized support during exams. Additionally, we provide writing assistance for students facing challenges with written communication.

 Our commitment to inclusion extends to adapting academic schedules when needed. For example, last year, we adjusted the entire semester schedule for a student who needed afternoon physical therapy by ensuring their classes were only held in the mornings while their classmates’ schedules were kept consistent to avoid disruption.

Through these practices, we continually strive to create an equitable and supportive academic environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their unique circumstances.

The Accessible KHAS Commission

The Accessible KHAS Commission aims to eliminate any obstacles that students of the KHAS family may encounter on campus, with a particular focus on making life easier for our students with disabilities.

Members of the Accessible KHAS Commission:

• Prof. Dr. Mitat ÇELİKPALA, Vice-Rector for Education
• Prof. Dr. Aslı ÇARKOĞLU, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
• Assoc. Prof. Aslı AKTAN ERCİYES, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
• Aslı Ceylan BEBEK, Director of Campus Life
• Muhammet SEVİNÇ, Manager of Construction and Technical Affairs
• Ceren Nurdan DİRİKOL, Student Representative

Disabled Students/Disadvantaged Groups

Work on students with disabilities and disadvantaged groups is monitored by both the Dean of Students’ Office and the Academic Council.

The Dean of Students’ Office

The office was established in 2023 (still ongoing) to carry out all processes related to all issues that directly concern students, including academic, social and professional development. Dean of Students Office supports students’ overall well-being and academic success throughout their university experience.

Administrative Units Affiliated to the Dean of Students Office

– Campus Life Office

– Psychological Counselling and Guidance Office

– Career Office

– Alumni Relations Office

– Erasmus and Exchange Office

The Dean of Students’ Office conducts an annual feedback survey for disadvantaged students, the results of which are evaluated by the Academic Council and improvement plans are made. The Kadir Has University Academic Council plays also a vital role in shaping the future of our university. Meeting twice a month, the Council works to ensure that our education, research, and community outreach efforts stay aligned with our vision of becoming a globally recognized research institution. But it goes beyond just performance metrics—it focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive environment for everyone.

 The Academic Council monitors and reviews training programs related to human rights, diversity, inclusion, and issues concerning disadvantaged groups. As one of the university’s senior management and oversight bodies, the Academic Council serves as the governing entity for matters related to human rights, disadvantaged groups, equality, and anti-discrimination. The Academic Council also follows mentoring, peer support programs, and counseling services for all Kadir Has Members belonging to underrepresented and minority groups.

 At its core, the Academic Council is committed to building a university where every individual feels valued, and where equality and anti-discrimination efforts are not just policies but lived experiences. This commitment reflects our belief that a truly great institution thrives when every member of its community can succeed.

 The Barrier-Free KHAS Commission, established to ensure that all services and facilities offered at our university are accessible to all students, particularly those from disadvantaged groups, also undertakes the necessary work under the Dean of Students. The Barrier-Free KHAS Commission continues its work to create a barrier-free campus within the scope of its Directive. The Information Center Directorate also provides individual support to disadvantaged groups upon request. Activities carried out in 2024 regarding disadvantaged groups at our university by the Information Center Directorate are below:

• Providing and maintaining an infrastructure that only the relevant student can access and digitizing the textbooks to the extent permitted by the copyrights in order to provide access to course resources for visually impaired students by the Information Center Directorate to our disadvantaged groups,
• To ensure that disadvantaged students have access to printed library resources, support continues to be provided to ensure that resources are sent to their addresses via cargo and returned.

Accommodations for students with disabilities are provided in accordance with their individual needs. https://www.khas.edu.tr/en/disability-accommodation-policy/ 

The Disability Rights Conference-I, organized in collaboration by the Kadir Has University Faculty of Law and the Istanbul Bar Association’s Disability Rights Center, took place on August 13, 2024, at our Cibali Campus. This event is a testament to Kadir Has University’s ongoing commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of underrepresented groups, especially individuals with disabilities.

 The conference featured leading experts in disability rights and opened with introductory remarks, followed by three focused sessions. These sessions addressed significant topics, including accessibility in public services, legal capacity, guardianship issues, and the right to family life for individuals with disabilities. Each topic was carefully selected to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Turkey and to propose actionable solutions that advocate for their rights.

 At Kadir Has University, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where the rights and voices of all individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups, are valued and championed. This conference reflects our broader mission to drive awareness, facilitate open dialogue, and support progressive policy-making in areas of equality and social justice. We were proud to provide a platform where advocates, legal experts, and academics could collaborate, share insights, and contribute to the advancement of disability rights and broader inclusivity in our society.

Directorate of Education Policies and Review

The report on the opinions of disabled students prepared by the Directorate of Education Policies and Review was shared with the relevant units of the university. This report was prepared for the university to plan the work to be done for its disabled members and to identify areas for improvement.

 KHAS Barrier-Free / Persons With Disabilities Students Views Report

Health Support Units

Healthcare Services

In the Health Unit located on the Cibali Campus of our university, we provide emergency and urgent treatment for our students, as well as academic and administrative staff. Outpatient medical services are provided. We are in contact with full-fledged hospitals close to our campuses, and in case of emergencies or deemed necessary. In such cases, referrals and referrals are made to the relevant hospitals for further examination and treatment.

Kadir Has Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center

The Kadir Has University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center is a sub-unit of the Dean of Students’ Office, providing counseling services to students. In addition, by putting the needs of the students at the centre, it aims to provide a multicultural psychological service. This includes a safe, secure environment on a voluntary basis, while providing preventive and, when necessary, intervention-oriented mental health services. This ensures that the student can become aware of his/her mental, emotional, and social potential and use this potential and the resources around him/her efficiently. Additionally, the office conducts preventive studies to identify potential problems that may arise during the educational process.

In this context, the Psychological Counselling and Guidance Centre held the ‘Mental Health Literacy’ seminar with all KHAS academics on 21 November 2024.

With this seminar,

1. Deeper understanding of specific student behaviours, empathic response, and solution-oriented approach
2. Awareness of students’ developmental characteristics
3. Skills to cope with difficult emotions
4. Practising self-compassion
5. Crisis and coping in crisis situations
6. Views on understanding the changing needs of students were shared.

KHAS Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center (KHAS-PDRM) puts the needs of students at the center and enables them to realize their mental, emotional and social potential. To utilize this potential and the resources surrounding it efficiently, we aim to provide protective and preventive, as well as intervention-oriented, mental health services voluntarily, offering a multicultural psychological service in a reliable and secure environment.

However, it is necessary to carry out “preventive” studies for the problems that may arise during the learning process. In our work, we adopt a psychological approach that differs from medical intervention, focusing on the human as a whole.

PRINCIPLES

Competence: All of our counselors and psychologists serve within the scope of their education levels and competencies. When they encounter a unique situation that exceeds their limits of competence, they are responsible for seeking help by applying to available scientific, professional, and technical resources and developing their competence through scientific training.
Honesty: Our psychological counselors and psychologists adhere to the principles of honesty, accuracy, and reality in the psychological counseling process. He makes a correct statement about professional qualifications and is aware of his limitations.

Being sensitive and respectful: Psychological counselors and psychologists are sensitive to individual rights and freedoms and are responsible for acting impartially while helping clients recognize their interests, abilities, and values.

Sensitivity to individual and cultural differences: Our psychological counselors and psychologists are aware of the needs and problems of every segment of society and strive to tailor the methods and techniques they use in their work to meet their specific needs. In addition, it ensures that individual and cultural differences, such as age, gender, religion, language, race, socioeconomic level, membership in different groups or cultures, sexual orientation, and marital status, do not adversely affect the service they provide.

Confidentiality: Interviews with our psychological counselors and psychologists are conducted in line with ethical and professional principles. The principle of trust and privacy is fully fulfilled. The conversations will not be shared with other people without your permission. However, when someone’s life is in danger, third parties can be contacted. Even in this case, we will contact you before sharing information with others. In some cases, students are also responsible for ensuring the confidentiality principle (e.g., sharing in the group counseling process).

CONTACT
Burak TUNA, Specialist
Büşra Nur Ceylan, Specialist

THE Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center

Mission, Values & Vision Statement

The Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center at Kadir Has University seeks to establish an intellectual hub for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and institutional transformation focused on gender equality. As one of our goals, we aim to critically re-examine discussions of equality and gender as they pertain to the status of women, while acknowledging that the field is not limited to male and female prototypes, but also encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) individuals. We are specifically interested in creating systemic and sustainable change.

Ours is a feminist organization. We define feminism as a social movement that seeks to end sexist and gender based oppression. As such, simply adding more women to the existing system is not enough; rather, our goal is to transform systems of power so that they value a diversity of people and create conditions of equality. To this end, men have a role to play in advancing gender equality, and we believe that an interrogation of cultural ideas of masculinity is vital.

Mission

Our mission is to educate and produce research for academic communities and the public, primarily but not exclusively in Turkey, with the hope of contributing to ending sexism and dismantling gender based oppression.

Values

People orientation – The Center prioritizes people; everybody’s complete identity, not just the aspect they present when interacting with the Center, will be acknowledged and treated equally.

Communication – The Center implements open communication; communication which is consultative, non-confrontational and which emphasizes an active listening approach.

Respect – The Center is a respectful and a collaborative space; recognizing and valuing individuals and their differences in a non-hierarchical manner.

Democracy – The Center is a democratic environment and strives to make decisions using democratic means.

Vision

Our vision is to be a significant change agent in transforming Kadir Has University into a leading institution in gender equality and to contributing to ending gender-based oppression in society by:

• Producing high quality, scientifically driven research
• Organising gender equality plans & activities
• Initiating active collaboration with the university (campaigns & workshops)
• To network with other institutions
• Organising and attending seminars
• Creating awareness campaigns
• Contributing to diversity
• Improving reputation management (communication skills, branding)
• Reaching out to men & work on masculinity issues.

^{[1] This is heavily inspired by the work of bell hooks. “Feminism Theory: From Margin to Center”. New York: South End Press, 2000.}

Social Responsibility Projects For Reduce Inequlities

Kadir Has University students produce social responsibility projects to support disadvantaged groups within the core programme.  Kadir Has University has made the core programme compulsory for all first year students. The social responsibility course (KHAS 110 and KHAS 120) and the projects undertaken by 5 students within the scope of this course are not elective but compulsory. Thus, all Kadir Has University students work with disadvantaged groups to reduce inequality. More details about the projects and detailed information is available on the social responsibility projects part.

KHAS Mentor-Mentee Program

The Kadir Has University Mentor-Mentee Program aims to provide KHAS students with the opportunity to learn from the experiences of our alumni who are business professionals. Through the organization of the Career Office, successful female graduates are matched with KHAS students studying in the same semester, and mentoring meetings are held.

 Within the scope of this program, KHAS mentors answer questions from the students (mentees) they are matched with about their departments, provide information about the sector, and inspire them in matters related to their professions. Our female mentors guide young female students by sharing their own experiences related to both student life and professional life. Before the program begins, the Career Office organizes online training sessions for both mentees and mentors. Information regarding the initiation and execution of the mentoring program is announced annually by the Career Office.

 In 2023, 27 female mentors and 44 female mentees participated in the program, providing guidance to a total of 68 female students. This program offers a significant opportunity to support young women on their career journeys and empower them to step confidently into the future.

In 2024, 36 female mentors and 40 female mentees participated in the program, resulting in support and guidance for a total of 84 young women —representing nearly 50% of the total number of mentees, highlighting a strong emphasis on supporting young women through mentorship. This mentorship initiative is a cornerstone of the Women’s Access Scheme at Kadir Has University, empowering young women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their careers.

https://www.khas.edu.tr/khas-buddy-programi/

Kadir Has University Buddy Program, organized by the University’s Directorate of Education Policies and Review, aims to facilitate the adaptation process of students starting in the preparatory or first year at our university.

As part of this program, students who are knowledgeable about the university, academically successful, and have strong communication skills will act as both mentors and the first friends of new students. Working under the titles “Superbuddy” and “Buddy,” these students will not only make new friends each year but also share their experiences and provide quick solutions to the questions of incoming students.

The main responsibilities of students participating in the KHAS Buddy Program include:

• Contacting every new student on the provided list and, with their consent, creating a communication group,
• Maintaining regular communication with the group and responding quickly to their questions,
• Organizing meetings with new students to introduce them to their departments, faculties, and social spaces,
• Inviting new students to Kadir Has University’s Orientation Days and providing information about the event,
• Providing information about the university’s administrative units (such as the Directorate of Student Affairs, International Office, Erasmus and Exchange Office, Career Office, and the Directorate of Financial Affairs).

Undergraduate Scholars Supported Within a Project in 2024

Kadir Has University is strongly dedicated to advancing gender equality and increasing women’s participation in research and development (R&D). Through externally funded research and R&D initiatives, the university offers vital financial assistance to undergraduate students, including full living stipends for a minimum of six months. Backed by non-university funding sources, these projects give students immersive, hands-on research opportunities that are pivotal to their academic advancement and professional development.

Currently, 47 undergraduate students benefit from this support, with a notable gender distribution: 24 female students (51%) and 23 male students (49%), which demonstrates our proactive approach to creating an inclusive environment that encourages women.

Undergraduate participants in our externally funded research projects represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, reflecting our interdisciplinary philosophy in both education and research. Students engaged in these initiatives are pursuing degrees in Computer Engineering, Psychology, Law, International Trade and Finance, Economics, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering Industrial Design, and Visual Communication Design.

In addition, students from the Faculty of Communication—specifically those studying Radio, Television, and Cinema—as well as students in Management Information Systems and Political Science and International Relations, also benefit from these opportunities. The breadth of departments involved, ranging from Architecture to Core Programs showcases the wide array of academic interests that Kadir Has University supports and enables students across fields to participate in substantive research experiences.

By extending support across such varied areas, we ensure that students from STEM, the social sciences, the arts, and design all have opportunities to contribute to innovative projects. This approach reinforces a multidisciplinary culture of problem-solving and academic growth, and it underscores our commitment to graduating well-rounded individuals prepared for future leadership in their respective fields.

Quota for Under-represented and Vulnerable Groups

Kadir Has University is deeply committed to supporting individuals from underrepresented and vulnerable groups, in line with its values of equality, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

In 2024, the University allocated 42 special admission quotas for applicants who were earthquake survivors or relatives of martyrs and veterans, ensuring that these individuals could continue their education under fair and supportive conditions. They were admitted with a full scholarship, covering all their educational expenses.

This initiative reflects KHAS’s dedication to providing equal access to higher education and strengthening social solidarity by removing barriers that may limit opportunities for those affected by extraordinary circumstances.

KHAS PHD SCHOLARSHIPS: SUPPORTING WOMEN IN UNDERREPRESENTED FIELDS

Kadir Has University (KHAS) offers comprehensive graduate scholarship opportunities that empower both master’s and doctoral students to pursue advanced research and contribute to academic excellence. These scholarships are designed to ease financial barriers while fostering a vibrant research culture and encouraging innovation across disciplines.

All thesis-based master’s and PhD programs at KHAS are fully funded. The University covers 100% of the tuition fees for these students as part of its commitment to supporting education and research. This full scholarship model reflects KHAS’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for talented graduate students and ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder academic progress or innovation.

Aligned with the University’s institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusion, KHAS actively supports women scholars—particularly in fields where they remain underrepresented, such as engineering, technology, and computational sciences.

In 2024, a total of 242 graduate students benefited from these scholarships, of whom 64% were women. This reflects KHAS’s continuing efforts to strengthen gender balance and to ensure that women play an active role in shaping the future of science, design, and social innovation.

The following table lists graduate scholarship recipients across master’s and PhD programs in various departments. These students represent the next generation of researchers and professionals contributing to KHAS’s mission of academic excellence, diversity, and sustainable development.

This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 – Quality Education, 5 – Gender Equality, 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

Through these scholarships, KHAS not only nurtures academic excellence but also strengthens women’s participation in advanced education and research leadership.