Gül Takes EU Lead on University Reform

From TDN:

The appointment of university rectors leads to serious problems in universities and should not be the responsibility of Turkey's president, President Abdullah Gül said yesterday.

Gül's remarks came at a meeting in Ankara yesterday to discuss issues in higher education. The meeting was hosted by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association, or TÜSİAD.

Speaking at the event, Gül said he was dissatisfied that universities' appointment of rectors had become the business of the nation.

“The issue of rector appointments should be revisited. It creates deep problems in the universities. It is not how these issues are handled in the most developed countries and universities. Such issues shouldn't be left to the authorization of the president,” he said. “I would like to state that I am ready to turn over these appointments to more appropriate institution.”

. . . .

Gül pointed to the importance of cooperation with leading universities around the world, especially those in the European Union, in order to reorganize Turkish universities. The education standards of the EU should be adapted to the Turkish education and university system, Gül said.

Gül further said universities could benefit from EU funds for scientific research and Turkish universities should be integrated with European universities in many senses.

For full article, click here. For more on the rectors polemic, see August 9 post.