Rector Speech 5

The dormitory of the Credit and Dormitories Institution has the capacity to house nearly 10 thousand students. Apart from that the city has a lot of private dormitories because it has been used to university students for a long time. Our students also meet their accommodation needs with rental flats. Edirne is a relatively cheap city. There do not appear to be any problems with accommodation. The number of dormitories is also increasing. For example, a new dormitory for 1500 people was recently built and I hope it will come into operation in September. Apart from that, there are also private dormitories. Edirne awaits its students with all kinds of options for dormitories and accommodation. Out university is always on the side of its students when they wish to conduct work related to innovation and science. Many of the nearly 100 student clubs here are involved in such activities. There are also small private groups that work on their own our university supports them as well. For example, now we have a rocket team, they are building rockets. We had electric vehicles and they won big awards.We have teams that make drones and they have successfully participated in competitions. We have 2 groups preparing for the Teknofest. So as long as they endeavour,Trakya University supports them with sponsorships through the student clubs, the Department of Health and Culture and through various other channels.Apart from this, Trakya Technopark opens big doors for students in innovation. It provides important support both for their education, research and development and innovation activities. We started carrying out accreditation processes for students with disabilities. Having accreditation for disabled students is already a very important step in accreditation, if you do take it, you cannot get accreditation. We began to conduct studies that will ensure accessibility of disabled students to transportation throughout the whole campus.Elevators and ramps have been created in almost every campus of our university.Now we are in a position be applying for awards of the Council of Higher Education in this field and already bearing fruits.Students with disabilities face no issues, especially in accredited departments, and we can say that significant progress has been made in other departments as well.When a disabled student comes to our university, we take every measure to facilitate their education. Where there is a deficiency, we make up for it.The students are already very aware on these subjects. In accredited departments, students make choices in regard to enrolment by visiting the facilities. We also see a significant increase in the number of students with disabilities.Trakya University is the closest university to Europe. It connects to Europe through five border gates. It is the capital of the Balkans. As such, the Balkan mission is very important at Trakya University. In addition to having many students from the Balkans, Trakya University is the founder of the Balkan Universities Association, the permanent representative of the board of directors and the permanent general secretary.This journey started with 34 universities, and it continues today with 81 universities. Next year, more than 100 more universities will become members of this Balkan Universities Association.This association, which includes 12 countries and best 100 universities, is an internationalization movement that we really care about. How does this strengthen us?When we go to other universities, the people there treat us with respect. We are now moving towards a position where states, ministers, prime ministers recognize our university.We are very active in the Balkan geography. We have very good relations with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Yunus Emre Institute and many other organizations working there.Apart from this, we come together through implementing serious projects with the institutions from the region. There has been a significant increase in cross-border projects. We have students from 64 countries.Now, the Balkan Universities Association will organically cooperate with the Black Sea University Association, the Danube University Association, and the European Universities Association.As I said, we continue to work as a university that specializes in the Balkans, but also observes the whole world and follows up with the requirements of the conjuncture.Trakya University has a blue diploma supplement. Since it is subject to the Bologna processes, students coming from Europe do not experience any issues.Apart from that, we give importance to accreditation. Our students graduate with an accreditation certificate.We also provide this to our students who have international accreditation.We want our students to take part in social activities. For example, we do not teach on Wednesday afternoon,and we hold external seminars, meetings and scientific studies during that particular timeslot. We want our students to come and listen to these symposiums.They receive ECTS points by participating in these events. Participating in extracurricular activities and carrying out social responsibility projects also has academic benefits for the students.I congratulate the students who will choose Trakya University as they will be coming to a beautiful city. Edirne is a full-fledged university city.I can say that they will live in peace and security in surrounded by natural beauties and a great community.I think that instead of wasting time on daily commutes and dealing with different urban problems, they will focus on acquiring quality education and being very satisfied.I can clearly say that this is a city that they will be sad to leave. I can say that the educational opportunities are plentiful and that the students will be satisfied with the education they will receive in an education system that constantly renews itself together with a very innovative staff.I say God bless them. I hope our prospective students get admitted into the departments of their choosing. I hope that we will see their graduation.At the same time, I wish them to benefit from graduate and doctoral opportunities. I would like them to know that Trakya University has a very responsive academic staff and that the city will embrace them.I want them to have zero worries upon their arrival. I congratulate the students who will choose Trakya University in advance I wish you a successful exam period. A great student life awaits them in Edirne. I already know that they will be successful. Congratulations to them all. I greet you with respect and love. See you in Edirne.