International Cooperation Meeting on Quality Assurance Held Between Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

An online introductory and cooperation meeting was held between the Quality Coordination Office of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, one of Italy’s leading higher education institutions, focusing on quality assurance, accreditation processes, and Erasmus+ staff mobility opportunities.

The meeting, conducted via Microsoft Teams, was attended on behalf of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University by Prof. Dr. Ebru Kaya Mutlu, Quality Coordinator; Lecturers İsmail Arı and Gizem Türkmen; and Computer Operator Alperen Türkoğlu. During the meeting, the quality assurance systems, institutional structures, and potential areas of collaboration between the two universities were discussed.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Ebru Kaya Mutlu provided an overview of the Turkish higher education quality assurance system, sharing information about the Higher Education Quality Council of Türkiye (THEQC), the Bologna Process, and accreditation practices. It was also emphasized that Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University has been granted Institutional Accreditation for five years by THEQC and maintains visibility on international quality assurance platforms.

A comprehensive presentation was delivered regarding the institutional structure of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, its quality assurance system, practices aimed at strengthening the culture of quality, and quality coordination processes. The university’s promotional video was also shared with participants, providing further information about its institutional activities and achievements.

During the meeting, potential cooperation opportunities within the scope of Erasmus+ Staff Training and Teaching Mobility were evaluated. The delegation from Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University expressed its expectations to closely observe the quality assurance practices of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano during the planned mobility period, exchange information on the quality systems of both institutions, and assess examples of good practices. The participants also exchanged views regarding the establishment of a bilateral agreement and the procedures related to invitation letters.

The meeting concluded with mutual evaluations on possible joint initiatives in the fields of quality assurance and internationalization, Erasmus+ staff mobility opportunities, and institutional cooperation. The participants expressed their positive intentions and best wishes for strengthening collaboration between the two universities in the future.