Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of North Cyprus

Overview

The Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of Northern Cyprus (Yükseköğretim Planlama, Denetleme, Akreditasyon ve Koordinasyon Kurulu, abbreviated YÖDAK) is the national authority responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Established in 2005 under Law No. 65/2005, YÖDAK's primary mission is to ensure that HEIs operate in accordance with national and international standards, promoting quality education and research. The Council's responsibilities encompass planning, coordination, accreditation and supervision of HEIs, aiming to enhance the quality and competitiveness of higher education in the region.

History and Legal Framework

YÖDAK was established in 2005 through the enactment of Law No. 65/2005, which replaced the Coordination, Evaluation and Planning Organisation that had been in place since 1993. This legislative change aimed to strengthen the institutional framework for higher education governance in Northern Cyprus, providing YÖDAK with the authority to plan, organize, supervise and coordinate higher education activities. The Council operates under the legal framework set forth by this law, which outlines its duties and powers in regulating and accrediting HEIs within the TRNC.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

YÖDAK's mission is to ensure that all research and activities carried out by higher education institutions and their members adhere to scientific and professional ethical principles and values. The Council aims to:

• Promote the internationalization of higher education.
• Enhance the welfare of society through education.
• Support sustainable development via higher education.
• Foster cultural exchange and integration.
• Align the higher education system with the Bologna Process.

These objectives reflect YÖDAK's commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of higher education in Northern Cyprus, preparing students for global challenges and opportunities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

YÖDAK operates as an autonomous public agency with a non-profit status. The Council is governed by a President, a Vice-President and a Board of five full-time members, all of whom are appointed for fixed terms. The agency employs a total of 18 permanent staff members, including administrative personnel, a Secretary General and a Legal Advisor. As an independent body, YÖDAK's decisions and recommendations are not subject to external influence, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in its operations. This independence is crucial for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the Council's accreditation and evaluation processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

YÖDAK is responsible for the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education programs and institutions in Northern Cyprus. Its duties include:

• Evaluating and accrediting academic programs and institutions.
• Ensuring compliance with national and international quality standards.
• Monitoring the implementation of accreditation criteria.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions seeking accreditation.
• Collaborating with national and international accreditation bodies.

These activities are conducted in alignment with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, reflecting YÖDAK's commitment to maintaining high standards in higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

YÖDAK actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and recognition of higher education in Northern Cyprus. The Council is a member of several prominent international organizations, including:

• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)
• Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies (CEENQA)
• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)
• Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ANQAHE)

These memberships facilitate the exchange of best practices, alignment with international standards and collaboration on quality assurance initiatives, contributing to the global integration of Northern Cyprus's higher education system.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

YÖDAK's activities have a significant impact on the higher education landscape in Northern Cyprus. By ensuring that HEIs adhere to rigorous accreditation standards, the Council enhances the quality and credibility of academic programs, thereby increasing their recognition both regionally and internationally. The emphasis on quality assurance contributes to the continuous improvement of educational offerings, better alignment with labor market needs and increased student satisfaction. Looking forward, YÖDAK aims to further strengthen its role in promoting a culture of quality and supporting the development of Northern Cyprus as a regional hub for higher education.

Summary

The Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Northern Cyprus. Through its comprehensive accreditation and evaluation processes, YÖDAK ensures that higher education institutions meet national and international standards, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement. The Council's active participation in international networks underscores its commitment to aligning with global best practices and contributing to the advancement of higher education in the region.

FAQs

• What is YÖDAK?
  YÖDAK is the national authority responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education institutions in Northern Cyprus, ensuring they meet certain standards.
• When was YÖDAK established?
  YÖDAK was established in 2005 under Law No. 65/2005, replacing the Coordination, Evaluation and Planning Organisation that had been in place since 1993.
• What are YÖDAK's main responsibilities?
  YÖDAK's main responsibilities include planning, coordinating, accrediting and supervising higher education institutions and programs in Northern Cyprus.
• Is YÖDAK an independent body?
  Yes, YÖDAK operates as an autonomous public agency with a non-profit status, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in its operations.
• Which international organizations is YÖDAK affiliated with?
  YÖDAK is a member of several international organizations, including ENQA, CEENQA, INQAAHE and ANQAHE.

Organization Name

Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of North Cyprus
Yüksekögretim Planlama, Denetleme, Akreditasyon ve Koordinasyon Kurulu

Acronym

YÖDAK

Year of Establishment

1993

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Government (Law 65/2005)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Sht. Ecvet Yusuf Cad., 31
Nicosia
555 Northern Cyprus Cyprus

Phone

+90 392 228 4346

Fax

+90 392 228 8342

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of North Cyprus's Wikipedia article

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