Sakarya University Student Senate
Sakarya University ensures inclusive and democratic governance by integrating elected representatives from students, academic staff, and administrative personnel into its highest decision-making structures. This approach reflects the university’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in line with SDG 16.
As in all Turkish universities, Sakarya University has a Student Council formed by students elected through the Student Representation System. The President of the Student Council, who is democratically elected by the students, is a natural member of the University Senate, which is the highest governing body of the university.
In addition, the university has strengthened student participation by establishing a Student Senate. The Student Senate was created by the University Senate’s Decision No. 459 dated January 14, 2016, and operates under the official Student Senate Directive. It consists of 44 elected representatives from faculties, institutes, student clubs, international students, students with disabilities, and exchange program participants. This structure ensures representation of both undergraduate and postgraduate students in university governance. The 15th meeting of the Student Senate was held on December 25, 2024, demonstrating its active role in institutional decision-making.
Academic freedom is also embedded within the institutional core values of Sakarya University and shared with its stakeholders. The core values of the university are developed by consulting internal and external stakeholders during the preparation of the strategic plan. Academics are free to work in their fields of choice, and, as outlined in the appointment and promotion policy, there is no directive or restriction on research areas. This principle reinforces participatory and independent decision-making in academic governance.
Academic staff members are represented in the University Senate and Administrative Board, primarily through elected faculty representatives, including deans and professors, as defined by the Higher Education Law No. 2547. The participation of administrative personnel is ensured through the inclusion of the General Secretary and other administrative unit heads in university boards and commissions.
Participation of academic and non-academic staff is also encouraged through their roles in quality commissions, self-evaluation committees, and advisory boards. These structures promote shared decision-making and institutional inclusiveness.
Through these mechanisms, Sakarya University guarantees elected representation from all key stakeholder groups—students, academic staff, and administrative personnel—within its highest governing bodies. This comprehensive system fully meets the requirements of SDG 16.2.1: Elected representation in the highest governing body of the university. Public evidence is available through the university’s official websites and sustainability pages.
