Dear Faculty of Engineering Students;

We are here to work together on exciting visionary projects to build the Engineering Faculty of the future. Leveraging technological depth and concepts like artificial intelligence and data analytics, we will take concrete steps together to transform management processes, research activities, community engagement, and education.

`Predictions, while potentially wrong about the future, tell the truth about those who utter them; they are the best key to understanding their present and how they live.`

I`d like to begin with the etymology of the word "university." As is known, the word "university," which originates from Latin, is related to the word "universal," meaning "global". A second meaning of the word is "union," where professors and students come together. In short, a university is a union of professors and students. Therefore, based on its etymological origin, it is possible to define a university as "a community of professors and students engaged in the production, teaching, and learning of scientific knowledge based on universal values."

Based on this definition, we can say that there are three interconnected qualities that a university should possess. The first is reason, the second is freedom, and the third is diversity. The production and technology of knowledge largely depend on the use of reason. The use of reason brings institutional autonomy and freedom at the individual level.

The administrative, financial, and scientific autonomy of a university constitutes its overall autonomy. Therefore, any interference with one of these elements will negatively impact the others. It must be stated immediately that the exercise of reason and freedom is not unlimited. These must be balanced with other values. In this sense, reason not surrounded by morality and justice is at least as dangerous as authoritarianism. Similarly, academic freedom, meaning the freedom to engage in scientific activities, is an indispensable characteristic of universities. The fundamental value that should prevail in a university is freedom. For a university is the place where mature individuals who use their reason participate in educational and teaching activities. Yes, a university is an area where freedom, not prohibitions, should prevail. However, this freedom must be exercised within the law, in a way that does not infringe upon the freedom of others.

Reason and freedom bring with them a third characteristic that a university should possess: pluralism. In fact, the university is an institution where the theory and practice of "coexistence," an ancient issue debated since the emergence of society, are tested.

It should be noted at this point that the university, by its very nature, is a place of diversity. This phenomenon of diversity is also at the heart of social and political pluralism. The sources of Anatolian wisdom have beautifully and simply explained the secret of "living together." Yunus Emre says that one should accept creation because of the Creator. According to Hacı Bektâş-ı Veli, the second stage of truth is "not to condemn seventy-two nations." With these and similar recommendations, the principle that Anatolian wisdom and thought teach us is this: Accept people with their differences and do not marginalize them.

The Faculty of Engineering at Çankırı Karatekin University should aim to be an institution recognized globally for its scientific research, the production of original ideas, and a student-centered approach to education. Our mission is to contribute to humanity in the light of science and to all.

Every student in the Faculty of Engineering has the right to receive the highest quality education. Our educational approach will be student-centered, teaching processes will be supported by modern pedagogical approaches, and a strong support mechanism will be established for the academic success of each student. Together with our academic and administrative staff, we aim to prepare our students in the best possible way by continuously renewing our teaching methods.

Our Faculty of Engineering should be an institution renowned not only for its education but also for its scientific research. Research is the heart of the university. Undertaking more projects at national and international levels and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship are our fundamental priorities.

The world is changing rapidly, and universities must adapt to this change. To make Çankırı Karatekin University`s Faculty of Engineering a global faculty, we will strengthen international collaborations and create an attractive educational environment for international students. By obtaining international accreditations and establishing partnerships with universities abroad, we will provide our students with a global perspective.

The success of our University and Faculty is directly dependent on the quality of our academic staff. We will support the career development of our faculty members, increase their scientific productivity, and enable them to enhance the prestige of the Faculty of Engineering. We will strengthen our staff and bring academics specializing in new fields to our University and Faculty.

We will support our students in building strong connections not only with their studies but also with university life. We will support their personal development through student clubs, social responsibility projects, and academic advising services. Furthermore, by establishing an internship and career center for students, and creating mentoring and career support programs, we will ensure their success in the professional world after graduation.

We must seize the biggest transformation in education in the digital age. By improving online education opportunities, we will increase the role of technology in education. We aim to offer students a more interactive learning experience with digital platforms and tools, and to use technology effectively in all management processes of the university.

It is very important for our faculty to adapt to changes in the higher education system and contribute to our country`s higher education policies. We will continue to uphold educational standards by acting in accordance with all legal regulations in the field of higher education.

Çankırı Karatekin University Faculty of Engineering should be a part of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. By supporting our students, graduates, and academic staff in entrepreneurship, we will increase collaborations between our university and industry. We will ensure that research creates more value in the commercial field and thus establish a strong link with the business world.

Within our faculty, we are confident that our undergraduate and graduate programs, along with our experienced and expert academics and the educational and research opportunities we offer, will meet all your expectations in terms of education and training, including Major, Double Major, and Minor programs. In addition, as of the 2024-2025 Academic Year, all departments of our faculty will continue their operations with the 7+1 Workplace Training Model. In the 7+1 Training Model, you will have the opportunity to complete 7 semesters of theoretical and practical courses at the university and 1 semester of full-time work in businesses. We believe that this full-time work opportunity will provide you with the chance to understand the business world and develop your knowledge and practical skills.

Transparency and effective communication will be our fundamental principles in our management approach. We will establish open, trust-based, and sincere communication with our students, faculty members, and all stakeholders. We will always be transparent in our management processes and share all decisions regarding the development of our Faculty.

We will work with all our might to make the Faculty of Engineering at Çankırı Karatekin University an institution that will advance further in science and education and appeal to all segments of society. Together, we will strive for a Faculty where academic excellence and social responsibility are paramount.

Thank you for your trust in us, and I wholeheartedly believe that together we will take strong steps on this journey. I greet you with my sincerest feelings, love, and affection.

Prof. Dr. Abdullah AKBULUT 

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering