Sakarya University organises structured training and programmes that expand access to essential services for students and the wider community, combining advisory guidance with capability‑building, ethical finance education, nutrition security, and partnership‑based safety nets.
Advisory and equitable uptake of services
Students receive targeted academic advising and “social assistance literacy” to navigate scholarships, meal bursaries, accommodation, health services, and emergency aid. The Scholarships Hub provides clear guidance, FAQs, required documentation, and published calls/results, reducing barriers and increasing on‑time uptake—especially for first‑time and international applicants. Timing and communications are co‑designed with student representatives to align with key decision points (e.g., the main meal bursary call aligned with the start of term).
Lifelong learning and skills for essential services and livelihoods
Through SAUSEM, the University delivers 100+ training programmes and certificates (including MYK‑aligned pathways) that build employability and micro‑enterprise capacity—strengthening household resilience and sustained access to essential services through stable income.
Ethical finance and community solidarity
On 27 December 2024, a public Karz‑ı Hasen education programme built financial literacy and promoted interest‑free solidarity mechanisms among families and youth, reducing exposure to exploitative credit and improving access to affordable, ethical finance. This sits within a TOKAS‑convened ecosystem (public agencies, municipality, NGOs, academics, students) that co‑designs anti‑poverty actions.
Household nutrition security and waste prevention
In 2024, the University ran a Food Safety and Household Nutrition Workshop on cost‑effective storage, safe preparation, nutrition literacy, and waste reduction—directly lowering food costs and improving reliable access to adequate nutrition for low‑income households, with scalable delivery via SAUSEM.
Community safety nets and inclusive access to meals
During Ramadan 2024, inclusive iftar programmes with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality provided reliable evening meals for students and residents with limited resources, strengthening social inclusion and local safety nets.
Governance, co‑creation, and outcomes
The Sustainability Commission and TOKAS (Social Contribution and Sustainability Office) ensure transparent, auditable delivery; student voice is embedded via the Student Senate, faculty unions, and continuous feedback loops that refine eligibility clarity, timelines, and communications. Documented procedures (Scholarship Regulation, Dormitories Regulation), public price lists, and published calls/results build trust and accountability. Reported outcomes include higher on‑time uptake of support services, improved persistence and well‑being, and measurable gains in food and financial resilience.
