The Student Dean's Office of Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) organized an "Orientation Program" from September 15-18, 2025, at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus, to provide a warm welcome to the new students joining the IKU family for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, introduce the university and its staff, which will be a part of the students' lives throughout their higher education journey, and make their first days at the university inspiring and guiding.
The "Orientation Program," which began on Monday, September 15, at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center, was hosted by Beyali Çeliktürk, a student from the Program of Foreign Trade, and Nour El Omar, a student from the Department of Architecture. In her opening speech, our Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe emphasized that students will feel the privilege of studying at a university established by a foundation based on a rich history and founded on love for humanity and Atatürk.
Following this, our Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Bahar Akıngüç Günver wished the students success in their new academic life and reminded them of the privilege of being a part of Istanbul Kültür University (IKU). The program continued with the Student Dean, Assoc. Prof. Gamze Alptekin, sharing the orientation schedule. Afterward, the Assistant Student Deans, Assist. Prof. Tuğba Özışık and Doğa Kurtyiğit, delivered their presentations.
Our staff introduced the following:
Doğa Kurtyiğit: the valuable individuals who laid the foundations of our university; Dr. Tuğba Özışık: the Student Dean’s Office; Career Specialist Ecem Uçar: the Student Life, Clubs, and Professional Career Coordination; Assist. Prof. İsmail Çakıt: the Sports Coordination and sports teams.
During the program, representatives from the following units met with the students: the International Relations Unit, the Department of Library and Documentation, the Health Unit, the Disabled Students Unit, the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Application and Research Center, the Design Factory, the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Youth Office, the Alumni Relations Unit, and the Alumni Association. The program concluded with mentor-mentee meetings.
The 2025-2026 Orientation Program continued for four days with 41 different workshops.
From September 16-18, parallel sessions of workshops were held at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus. Over the three days, 70 student clubs set up booths to introduce their activities and register new members.
The orientation process, which was enlivened with the contributions of the student clubs, featured concerts, dance performances, and various activities for the students.
The program ended on Thursday, September 18, with a closing party.
Over the four days filled with intensive and rich activities, our students took a conscious first step into university life and had the opportunity to get acquainted with IKU’s warm, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere.
