Accreditation initiative from the Department of New Media and Communication

Prioritizing quality and accreditation efforts, Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication continues to elevate its educational standards. Following the accreditation steps taken for the departments of New Media and Communication, Visual Communication and Design, Advertising, Journalism, Radio Television and Cinema, and Public Relations and Publicity, the process has now begun specifically for the Department of New Media and Communication. The department has been included in the accreditation process by the Communication Education Assessment and Accreditation Board (İLEDAK). As part of the process, the faculty’s educational infrastructure, academic activities, and quality assurance practices were examined in detail.

Representing the Communication Research Association (İLAD), the İLEDAK team responsible for accreditation evaluations of communication programs conducted various inspections in the Department of New Media and Communication between 10–12 November. Throughout the process, the faculty’s education infrastructure, academic operations, and quality practices were thoroughly assessed.

Held in the Senate Hall at Üsküdar University Main Campus, the meeting was attended by Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör, Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, the İLEDAK evaluation team, and the academic and administrative staff of the faculty.

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “We see the evaluation team as companions on this journey”

In her opening speech, Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör noted that the Department of New Media and Communication has entered the accreditation process for the first time. Referring to the university’s research and internationalization vision, Prof. Güngör stated: “Our quality processes are not limited to obtaining certificates. What truly matters for us is setting our course correctly with the contribution of external stakeholders. It is essential that we progress in line with goals aligned with our vision. We see the evaluation team not as inspectors but as stakeholders and companions on this journey.”

“Quality processes at Üsküdar are a team effort”

Highlighting that five departments within the Faculty of Communication have already received full accreditation and two more will soon enter the process, Prof. Güngör added: “Quality processes at Üsküdar University are a collective effort. Our faculty has an academic ecosystem that grows internally and supports one another. It is gratifying to see this culture reflected successfully in our accreditation processes.”

Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel: “We rank among the top foundation universities”

Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel emphasized that work on international ranking systems continues. He explained: “In the Impact Rankings evaluations, our university ranks among the top foundation universities in Türkiye. This success reflects both our academic productivity and our vision for sustainable quality.”

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “We internalize the principle of sustainable growth”

Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Prof. Gül Esra Atalay delivered the faculty’s overview presentation. Stating that the faculty continues its educational activities with eight departments and that five of them have received full accreditation, Atalay continued: “Our Department of New Media and Communication is undergoing evaluation for the first time this year. Within our faculty, quality assurance processes and the principle of sustainable development have been fully internalized across all departments.”

“We equip our students with the new skills required by digital transformation”

Prof. Atalay emphasized that all eight departments within the faculty have integrated artificial intelligence–based courses into their curricula as of the 2025–2026 academic year. Atalay stated: “We have incorporated AI-driven applications appropriate to each department into our course modules. This approach aims to equip our students with the new competencies required by digital transformation.”

Prof. Süleyman İrvan: “I view the evaluations as an opportunity for development, not supervision”

Speaking at the meeting, Head of the Department of Journalism Prof. Süleyman İrvan shared his thoughts on the accreditation process. Highlighting that they see the process as an opportunity for improvement, İrvan said: “Nothing is perfect. What matters is doing good work and progressing on the right path. We will address our shortcomings together. I see the evaluations not as supervision but as an opportunity to improve ourselves.”

During the program, attended by faculty administrators, academic staff, and members of the evaluation committee, comprehensive information regarding the process was provided.

Facilities visited on the second day

On the second day of the institutional visit, the Faculty of Communication was toured.

The evaluators visited classrooms, computer labs, the library, workshops, and studios.

As part of the visit, department heads and unit administrators also met with the evaluation team. During these meetings, administrators answered questions regarding the university and the faculty.

On the final day of the institutional visit, the evaluation team read its report based on its observations and assessments.

The team leader then submitted the report to the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Gül Esra Atalay.

The process continues

In the next phase, the Department of New Media and Communication will have 15 days to submit its response or objections regarding the report. The İLEDAK evaluation team will review this 15-day response and prepare its final report, which will be submitted to the İLEDAK Executive Board. The board will examine the report and present it to the ILAD Executive Board for the final decision. The ILAD Executive Board will make the ultimate accreditation decision based on the evaluation team’s report and recommendations. The process is expected to conclude within approximately two months.

Quality Üsküdar