Sakarya University demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, with multiple mechanisms ensuring student representation in institutional decision-making processes. The university formally recognizes the Sakarya University Student Council (Öğrenci Konseyi) as the official and democratically elected student union, representing all undergraduate and graduate students across faculties, institutes, and vocational schools. The Student Council functions under the Regulation on Student Councils and Student Representation in Higher Education in Türkiye, ensuring transparent and standardized election procedures.
Beyond this core structure, Sakarya University has further strengthened student participation by establishing a Student Senate. This body allows representation not only through elected council members, but also through representatives of diverse student groups, including international students, students with disabilities, academically high-performing students, and women students. Through this expanded representation, the university ensures that student voices reflect varied experiences and needs within the student community.
Students sharing their views and requests with university management at the Senior Management–Student Meetings(May.2025).
Under Article 12(1)(d) of the Regulation on Student Councils of Higher Education Institutions (Official Gazette, 13 June 2020, No. 31154), the President of the Student Council attends meetings of the Senate and the University Board of Directors when student-related matters are discussed, and takes part in consultations and dialogue with senior leadership. Additionally, student representatives participate in the University Senate as natural members and are included in the university’s Quality Commission. These mechanisms ensure student participation in academic governance, institutional planning, quality assurance, and monitoring processes.
Moreover, representatives of students with disabilities, students with the highest-grade point averages (GPAs), students who have achieved success in national and international competitions, representatives of the most active student clubs, representatives of international students from different nationalities, and students who have achieved sportive success are regularly invited to all Senate meetings of Sakarya University to follow the meeting, and to submit their opinions, requests, and criticism.
The Student Senate held its 15th meeting, covering the 2024–2025 academic year, on 25 December 2024 with the Rector, two Vice-Rectors and the Dean of Students, where student senators raised 46 requests on education, infrastructure, campus life and accessibility. In May 2025, the Rector, Vice-Rectors and deans also held Senior Management–Student Meetings across four academic areas; student feedback was recorded and evaluated within the quality assurance system.
Through academic support initiatives, cultural programs, peer engagement activities, and structured advisory bodies such as unit-level Advisory Boards, Sakarya University promotes meaningful student engagement and dialogue. This governance structure aligns strongly with SDG 16’s emphasis on transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutions, fostering active student participation in shared decision-making processes.
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