Under the leadership of PUMA (Performance & Upskilling Management Application) within Istanbul Kültür University, and in collaboration with Design Factory and UZEMER, the “PUMA Academic Integration and Learning Experience Workshop” was held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. The workshop, attended by academic and administrative staff and students, made significant contributions to the re-evaluation of our university's learning ecosystem from a digital transformation perspective. The workshop began with the reading of the opening message by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe, and the opening speech by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil. Following this, Dr. Ahmet Gökhan Uluçay, Software and Innovation Manager of the Information Systems and Technologies Department (BST), gave a presentation outlining general PUMA data. The program continued with an informative presentation by Efe Anğın, Competency and Digital Media Specialist, on the workshop's agenda.

The workshop, which addressed PUMA's integration with academic processes, its contribution to student experience, and its corporate sustainability from a multi-stakeholder perspective and positioned the system in line with the university's strategic development goals, emphasized that PUMA should be structured not merely as a digital application, but as an institutional infrastructure that holistically makes academic, social, and professional development visible.

Within the scope of the workshop, five multidisciplinary working groups were formed to discuss in detail topics such as the academic interface, advising processes, course and branch-based management, QR code-based attendance tracking, transcript integration, early warning mechanisms, AI-powered assistants, student portfolio structure, PUMA CV infrastructure, and LinkedIn integration. Furthermore, comprehensive evaluations were conducted on issues such as the transparency of measurement and evaluation processes, data-driven reporting tools, club advising integration, and monitoring student development within an ethical framework.

The outputs obtained at the end of the workshop were compiled through an AI-powered analysis and synthesis process and transformed into a draft of a common manifesto. This framework, shaped by the open discussion and question-and-answer contributions of the participants, serves as a strategic roadmap that will guide PUMA's next development phase.

Based on the findings, it is planned to launch a pilot application of the CATS V3 infrastructure in the Spring Semester of 2025-2026 and to make it widely available in the 2026-2027 academic year. Thus, PUMA aims to strengthen its institutional capacity in the areas of academic integration, data-driven decision support mechanisms, and holistic traceability of student development.

Our Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (İİBF) hosted two distinguished academics from the University of Naples Parthenope (Italy) on February 11-12, 2026. As part of the visit, the first event was held within the framework of the Spring Semester Opening Class. Prof. Dr. Raffaele Fiorentino and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosita Capurro delivered a presentation titled “Innovation, Sustainability and Digital Transformation: Insights from Strategic Management” to our students. The presentation addressed the concepts of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation from a strategic management perspective within the context of global competition.

On the second day of the academic program, the speakers delivered another presentation titled “Sustainable Business Models: A Cross-Industry and Cross-Country Approach” as part of the “İİBF Talks | Academic Seminar Series.” During the seminar, sustainable business models were examined through cross-sectoral and cross-country comparative analyses, and the theoretical framework was discussed together with empirical findings.

Throughout the program, meetings were held with our faculty members, and ideas were exchanged regarding potential academic collaborations. The events were completed with strong participation from our students and academics, making a significant contribution to our faculty’s internationalization vision.

Organized by the Psychology Club to enhance students’ professional competencies, introduce them to different areas of specialization, and support the development of their professional vision in line with ethical principles, the “7th Psychology Days” event was held on February 23-24, 2026, between 10.30-16.20 at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus under the theme “The Courage of Vulnerability: Psychological Resilience.” The event featured the following experts in their fields as speakers: Prof. Dr. Önder Kavakçı, Prof. Dr. Arşaluys Kayır, Prof. Dr. Ebru Şalcıoğlu, Assist. Prof. Dr. Selcen Yetkin Özden, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Özay Demir, Specialist Psychologist Kinyas Tekin, Dr. İbrahim Belgen, Dr. Hilal Bebek, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahar Köse, and Dr. Berk Murat Ergün.

The "PCB Soldering Competition" was held on Friday, February 20, in collaboration with Istanbul Kültür University Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and the IEEE Club. The competition, which aimed to develop applied skills in the field of electrical and electronics, attracted great interest from students. During the event, students had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in soldering techniques through practical applications.

Organized with the contributions of our department academics, led by our Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Saatçi, the competition was a strong example of collaboration between academia and industry. Participants were evaluated based on criteria such as technical accuracy, soldering quality, and application success.

Semih Atakuru and Ümran Cebeci, representatives of Özdisan INC. who served as jury members in the competition, made significant contributions to the event by sharing their industry experience with the students.

Thanks to the event, which supported the concept of applied education, students had the opportunity to both develop their technical skills and meet with industry professionals.

The Board of Directors of the Turkish Knitwear Manufacturers Association (TRİSAD) visited Vocational School of Istanbul Kültür University and held a productive meeting within the scope of academic and sectoral cooperation.

The Board of Directors of the Turkish Knitwear Manufacturers Association (TRİSAD), one of the key representatives of the Turkish knitwear sector, visited Istanbul Kültür University Vocational School (MYO). During the meeting, important assessments were made regarding strengthening the cooperation between the sector and the university.

During the visit, the TRİSAD delegation toured the IKU Fashion Workshop and met with students. Sharing their experiences with the students, the industry representatives learned about the courses and exchanged views in line with sectoral expectations.

One of the important agenda items of the meeting was the "Fashion on the Silk Road" exhibition to be held on April 19. While information about the event was provided, joint projects that could be implemented for the new term were also discussed.

The kind visit by TRİSAD Board Chairman Mustafa Balkuv and esteemed board members took place in an extremely productive and positive atmosphere, conveying messages of mutual goodwill and strong cooperation.

As Istanbul Kültür University, we believe that these valuable contacts established with industry representatives will make significant contributions to our students' professional development and university-industry cooperation.

Damlanur Çalık, President of the Awareness Club, which carries out activities related to individuals with disabilities at our university, and a student in the Program of Public Relations and Promotion, was selected for the Colorful Campus Program.

Launched by the Changing Steps Association (DADER), Colorful Campus is a valuable journey of development that brings together university students with and without disabilities, aiming to strengthen their awareness.

Now in its 12th year, the program will last for 3 months and consist of a total of 8 modules. Each week, participants will meet with different institutions to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, while also focusing on teamwork and productivity in project processes carried out with NGOs.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a diploma and certificate.

Istanbul Kültür University Vocational School held two separate meetings as part of its academic quality improvement processes. The first meeting, organized under the coordination of the Vocational School Directorate and Quality Commission members, brought together the program chairs of five programs accredited by the Vocational Education Evaluation and Accreditation Association and the Tourism Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board. Evaluations were made regarding the sustainability of the accreditation processes, information in line with current developments, and necessary updates.

At the second meeting, the post-application preparation stages were discussed with the program directors of four programs that had completed the accreditation application process; comprehensive evaluations were made regarding criteria-based planning, monitoring, and improvement processes.

An "Erasmus+ Information Meeting" was held for students of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences on February 18, 2026, in the Conference Hall of the Küçükçekmece Campus. The meeting, led by Miray Akaydın, Senior Specialist in Erasmus+ and Exchange Programs, provided comprehensive information on Erasmus+ learning and traineeship mobility application processes, evaluation criteria, grant opportunities, and academic responsibilities. Questions students had regarding the application calendar, required documents, and placement process were answered, and discussions were held on the contributions of international experience to academic and personal development.

The Dean of Students Office held an information meeting with club presidents on Thursday, February 19, regarding the start of the Spring Semester of the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

At the meeting where the general procedures for planning and executing events were explained to the new club presidents, comprehensive information was provided regarding the application, approval, and implementation phases of club activities. Planning of activities to be carried out during the term, alignment with the academic calendar, and reminders regarding processes were shared.

In addition, preliminary information was provided about the "Career Days" planned for May, and the general framework regarding the clubs' role in the process, possible collaborations, and the preparation schedule was shared with the Club Presidents.

The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session and the collection of opinions and suggestions from the club presidents.

“Eksik Basamak,” a short story written by our student Aslı Geren from the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema, has been included in the book “Suçüstü Öyküler–1,” which has also been released as an audiobook. Originally published in print in December 2025, the book was recently made available on the Storytel platform in audiobook format, narrated by Emre Melemez.

“Suçüstü Öyküler–1” carries forward the legacy of crime literature and features 11 different adventures ranging from agents’ confrontations to murders in a dystopian universe, and from a film set to a summer holiday resort.

We sincerely congratulate our student and wish her continued success.

In collaboration with the Department of Interior Architectureand Environmental Design and the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema, a talk titled “Colors I” was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 13.00, at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. The event was moderated by Lecturer Dr. Architect Sevinç Ormancı and featured Science, Art, Tourism, and History Writer Serda Büyükkoyuncu as the guest speaker.

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering organized the “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awareness Seminar” on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11.00 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. Assoc. Prof. Meri Taksi Deveciyan, a faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Finance, participated in the event as a speaker.

IKU Vocational School held an "Erasmus+ Information Meeting" on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Dr. Kübra Öztürk, Erasmus Coordinator at the Vocational School, and Miray Akaydın, Senior Specialist in Erasmus+ and Exchange Programs at IKU International Relations, participated as speakers at the event and shared information about the study and internship opportunities abroad offered under the Erasmus+ program, the application processes, and topics of interest to students. The event, which attracted great interest from students, concluded with a question-and-answer session.

Prior to the event, a meeting was held for MYO academic and administrative staff, where important information was shared about teaching, training, and exchange programs under Erasmus+.

The Department of New Media and Communication hosted Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Węglińska and Prof. Dr. Bogusław Węgliński at our university on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, within the scope of the Erasmus+ Teaching Mobility Program.

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Węglińska, a faculty member at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies at the University of Wrocław, and Prof. Dr. Bogusław Węgliński, a faculty member at the University of Lower Silesia, delivered a seminar titled “War Correspondents During the Full-Scale Ukraine Conflict.”

During the seminar, the speakers addressed the journalistic practices of war correspondents during the large-scale war in Ukraine that began in 2022, the challenges they faced in the field, and the ethical dimensions of conflict reporting, drawing on current research and case analyses.

The Department of Public Relations and Advertising and the IKU Creative Club collaborated to organize an event titled “Creative Talks VI” on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The event, held in four sessions, featured speakers including Dr. Akın Aksekili, General Manager of Centurion Pharmaceuticals; Yeşim Yeşilçimen, Art Director; Sena Fırat, Social Media Analyst at X Communication; Ceren Beypınar, Social Media Director; and influencer Mert Berke Civan. During the event, students gained knowledge on topics such as “Digital Marketing”, “Social Media”, and “Advertising Strategies”.

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering held an “Orientation Program” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 13.00 in the multipurpose hall on the second floor of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

The program, organized primarily for newly enrolled students of the 2025-2026 Academic Year as well as all current students, provided information about the department’s academic structure, facilities, and educational processes. The event also included guidance aimed at supporting students’ adaptation to university and departmental life.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özer, Director of IKU Vocational School, Vice Director Lecturer Kerem Yücesan, and Head of the Flight Operations Management Program Lecturer Evren Yılmaz paid a visit to TAV Havalimanları Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mete Erna in his office.

Organized by the Dean of Students Office - Kültür Point, a “Business English” training session will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, via the CATS platform to support the career planning processes of our students and graduates.

In collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Women and Social Research Unit (IKU-KAD), a conference titled “Everything About HPV” will be organized to increase students’ knowledge and awareness about HPV. The event will feature Prof. Dr. Petek Balkanlı, a specialist in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery, as the speaker and will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10.00 in the B1 Seminar Hall at the Bahçelievler Campus.

The Design Factory will organize the “Social Media School” event series for students who wish to use social media in a conscious, sustainable, and creative manner. The first session of the series will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 13.30 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus, featuring Social Media Strategist & Brand Consultant Simla Canpolat as the guest speaker. Students who attend at least two of the three sessions will receive a digital certificate of participation.

Organized by the Program of Public Relations and Promotion, a talk titled “The Concept of Personal Branding & Digital Leadership” will be held to inform students about data-, algorithm-, and platform-oriented visibility in the new generation of public relations. The event will feature Selin Oran, President of Piar Communication Agency, as the speaker and will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11.00 in the Lecture Hall 1A01 at the İncirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Dean of Students Office - Kültür Point will organize "Ready for Work Training" on Tuesday, March 3, via the CATS platform to support our students and alumni in their career planning processes.

The Department of Economics will host the "Alumni Panel: Career Journeys" event to share our graduates' career experiences with our students. The event, featuring our graduates R. Berkay Mudrişler and Mustafa Emircan Işık as speakers, will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:30 in the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall.

The Dean of Students Office will organize a "Student Forum" on Tuesday, March 3, at 13:00 in the 1A-01 amphitheater of the İncirli Building at the Bakırköy Campus to create a platform for our students to directly share their opinions, suggestions, and expectations. During the forum, information will be provided regarding the Spring Semester agenda, and feedback will be collected from our students.

In collaboration with the Love and Brotherhood Association and the International Relations Unit, a seminar titled "A Legal Perspective on Legal Stay and Residence Permit Procedures in Türkiye" will be organized for our international students. The event, featuring attorney Cansu Pişkinpaşa Köklü as the speaker, will take place on Tuesday, March 3, at 14:00 in the multipurpose hall on the 4th floor of the Ataköy building on the Bakırköy Campus.

The Istanbul Kültür University Criminal Law Application and Research Center (CEHAMER) will organize an event titled "Crimes Committed via the Internet" to inform our students. The event, featuring presentations by our Faculty of Law academics Dr. Özge Sırma Gezer, Associate Professor Özdem Özaydın, and Lecturer Dr. Nilüfer Köker, will be held on Wednesday, March 4, at 11:30 in the CEHAMER White Hall at the Bahçelievler Campus.

In collaboration with the Effective Communication Club and the Department of Public Relations and Advertising, a talk titled “Creative Thinking, Strong Ideas, Effective Brands” will be organized to explore the role of creative thinking in the branding world and discuss the transformation of ideas into strategic value. The event will feature Ali İhsan Ozan, Creative Director of H2O United, as the speaker and will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 13.00 in the multipurpose hall on the first floor of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

In collaboration with IKU Youth Office and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, a talk titled "Teamwork and Leadership" will be held to develop participants' teamwork skills, strengthen effective communication and cooperation, reveal their leadership potential, and support a culture of problem-solving together. The event, featuring Burak Arkan from the Corporate Communications Department as the speaker, will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at 14:00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall.

The Dean of Students Office will be organizing a "Student Forum" on Wednesday, March 4th at 16.30 in INNSide, located in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus, to provide a platform for students to directly share their views, suggestions, and expectations. The forum will include an information session on the Spring Semester agenda and will gather student feedback.

In collaboration with the New Media and Communication Club and the Department of New Media and Communication, a talk titled "From Insight to Impact: Influencer Marketing" will be held to enable students to learn about industry dynamics and increase their awareness of content creation and digital communication processes. The event, featuring Alkan Güngör, Team Leader of Viralif Talent Management, will take place on Thursday, March 5 at 11.00 in the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall at the Ataköy building.

In collaboration with UZEMER and the Dean of Students Office, an "LLM and NLP Training" will be organized for students preparing for and interested in the TEKNOFEST competitions. The training, given by Computer Engineer Boran Toktay, will take place on Thursday, March 5, between 14.00-18.00 in the multipurpose hall on the 4th floor of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

The Dean of Students Office will be organizing a "Student Forum" on Thursday, March 5 at 16.00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. The forum aims to provide a platform for students to directly share their views, suggestions, and expectations. Information regarding the Spring Semester agenda will be provided, and student feedback will be collected.

IKU Fine Arts Application and Research Center (GSUAM) will present the play "Woman's Mind" to art lovers. The play will be staged on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 20.00 in the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

You can get a 25% discount on event tickets using the code "IKUAILEM".

The Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design and the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema are collaborating to organize a discussion aimed at demonstrating that color is not merely an aesthetic choice but a powerful narrative tool, and to explore its role in spatial design. The event, featuring Art Director Tamer Levent as the speaker, will take place on Friday, March 6 at 13.00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In collaboration with PUMA, the Dance Club will organize the "Qampus Groove Dance Workshop" event to strengthen communication between dance clubs at universities. Student clubs from different universities will share their dance experiences at the event, which will take place on Friday, March 6 at 17.00 in INNSide, located at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.