Mentoring, Counselling and Peer Support Programmes

Boğaziçi University provides structured mentoring, counselling and peer support mechanisms to promote the academic success, well-being and social inclusion of students, staff and faculty from underrepresented groups. These mechanisms support individuals facing barriers related to gender, disability, socio-economic status, minority background, or other structural disadvantages.

The University’s approach is implemented through a multi-layered support framework consisting of:

• Academic Mentoring and Advising
• Psychological Counselling and Well-being Support
• Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Support
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Training, and Support
• Student-Led Peer and Solidarity Structures
• Career Development Support

1. Academic Mentoring and Advising

Boğaziçi University assigns each student an academic advisor within their enrolled department to support their adaptation to university life and to enhance their academic success. Within the academic advising process, students are supported as follows:

• Academic and Personal Guidance:

• Advisors provide guidance on academic matters while also offering support regarding adaptation to university life, career planning, and general orientation.

• Monitoring of Academic Performance:

• Advisors monitor the student’s academic performance and maintain regular communication to ensure an effective advising process.
  • Office hours are designated and shared with students to encourage face-to-face meetings.

• Referral for Non-Academic Issues:

• Advisors refer students to relevant university support units for non-academic requests and concerns.

• Support for Special Circumstances:

• In cases such as serious illness, mental health challenges, or disability, advisors collaborate with relevant support units and course instructors to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to the student’s needs.
• This process offers a supportive environment at every stage of students’ academic journey, enabling them to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and access the guidance they require throughout their university life.

This system ensures that students — particularly first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students — receive structured academic mentoring throughout their studies.

Click here to access academic advising web page.

2. Psychological Counselling and Well-being Support

BÜREM (Student Guidance and Psychological Counselling Center)

BÜREM provides a range of guidance and counselling services to support the individual, social, and academic development of Boğaziçi University students. It informs students about the resources available both within the university and in its surrounding environment, and collaborates with other units to help ensure a university setting conducive to their holistic development. BÜREM services are based on the ethical principles of confidentiality and professional competence.

Services Include:

• Individual counselling sessions

Consist of one-on-one sessions conducted individually.

• Group counselling programmes (4–10 week cycles)

A psychological counselling service conducted under the leadership of a qualified professional, aimed at increasing awareness and supporting personal development. It is typically carried out over 4–10 weeks, with one session per week. Each session is planned to last approximately 1.5 hours.

• Psychoeducational seminars

Seminars are organised on specific topics in line with students’ needs. These seminars are announced to all students via email.

These services support students facing social, economic or personal barriers and contribute to equitable participation in academic life.

Click here to access the BÜREM web page.

BÜSÖD (Boğaziçi University Sarıtepe Student Support Unit)

BÜSÖD provides services to students residing at the Sarıtepe Campus and aims to support their individual, social, and academic development throughout their university life. In this context, it offers guidance and psychological counselling services to assist students in their adaptation to university life. Established in February 2014, BÜSÖD employs two part-time specialists.

Click here to access the BÜSÖD web page.

3. Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Support

Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities

Disability inclusion and accessibility services at Boğaziçi University are coordinated through the Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities, established in 2006. The Unit operates in close collaboration with the Assistive Technology and Education Laboratory for Individuals with Visual Disabilities (GETEM), which encompasses both a digital library infrastructure and specialised accessibility services.

Together, these structures aim to reduce academic, social, and structural barriers faced by students with disabilities and to ensure equitable participation in university life within a safe, accessible, and resource-rich environment. Support services are delivered through an integrated framework that combines academic accommodations, accessibility solutions, peer assistance, psychosocial counselling and social inclusion mechanisms.

Disability Support Services Include:

• Academic accommodations in coursework and examinations

A structured request-and-assessment process is implemented to evaluate individual needs. Adjustments may include additional exam time, separate examination rooms, reader and/or scribe support, and coordination of examination invigilators.

• Accessible learning materials and assistive technologies

Course materials are adapted into accessible formats, and assistive technologies are coordinated to ensure equal access to academic content.

• Academic advising and peer assistant support

Through a student-matching system, part-time student assistants are paired with visually impaired and neurodivergent students to provide academic support and facilitate inclusion.

• Training programmes

University orientation sessions and independent mobility training for students with disabilities strengthen independent campus navigation, academic adaptation, and full participation in university life.

• Psychosocial and psychological support

In collaboration with the Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası (TSKB), a dedicated psychological support programme provides free counselling services (6 + 6 sessions, up to 12 sessions) for students with disabilities and neurodiverse students. Applications and referrals are coordinated through GETEM, and access processes are systematically monitored.

• Social support and awareness-based inclusion

Accessibility awareness events and student-engaged initiatives (such as the White Cane and Accessibility Festival), together with student seminars, selected academic course components (e.g., ED 200-Living with Disabilities), and staff awareness programmes, contribute to peer solidarity, institutional awareness, and social integration—reinforcing a supportive and inclusive campus climate for students with disabilities.

Through these structured, multi-layered support mechanisms, Boğaziçi University ensures systematic academic and psychosocial assistance for students with disabilities, promoting equitable access, meaningful participation, and academic success.

Click here to access the Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities web page.

4. Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Training, and Support

CİTÖK (Sexual Harassment Prevention Office)

The CITÖK Office is responsible for properly informing and guiding university members regarding incidents of sexual harassment, assault, and violence. Support is provided to university members who have experienced sexual harassment or violence through email or face-to-face meetings:

a) In cases within the university: The Office refers survivors to relevant units such as BÜREM (Student Guidance and Psychological Counselling Center) or MEDIKO (Health Center), and provides information regarding disciplinary investigation procedures.

b) In cases outside the university: The Office provides information about available legal and psychological support mechanisms and directs individuals to the appropriate institutions.

The CİTÖK Office functions as a referral and guidance unit; it does not have the authority to make decisions, impose sanctions, or act on behalf of the applicant. Its primary role is to ensure accurate information and guidance referral in cases of sexual harassment and assault.

Click here to access CİTÖK web page.

Click here to access CİTÖK booklet.

Click here to access CİTÖK Recommendation Guide.

5. Student-Led Peer and Solidarity Structures

Student clubs and solidarity groups contribute to peer-based inclusion and support through:

• Awareness events
• Solidarity networks
• Rights-based activities
• Community engagement programmes

These peer structures complement institutional counselling and mentoring mechanisms.

BÜKAK (Boğaziçi University Women’s Studies Club)

BÜKAK is a student club focused on women’s issues and solidarity. The club organizes various events and programs to support the needs of women students and other underrepresented groups. These initiatives aim to provide guidance to students in both their academic and personal development processes.

Click here to access BÜKAK web page.

BUSOS (Boğaziçi University Social Work Club )

BUSOS is a student community that works directly with disadvantaged groups through projects carried out without financial or political motives, aiming to make a tangible impact on their lives. Through its rights-based approach, the club seeks to develop sustainable solutions to social issues. In this context, it organizes activities such as information sessions, training programs, and civil society organization (NGO) festivals.

Click here to access BUSOS LinkedIn page.

6. Career Development Support

Boğaziçi University Career Center

Boğaziçi University Career Center provides services to help students become familiar with the professional business world before graduation. The Career Center supports students through individual career counselling, internship and job placement support, professional skills training and networking events. This contributes to the equitable transition of underrepresented students into professional life.

The Career Center offers the following opportunities:

• Online Career Portal

• Students can create their résumés (CVs) through the Career Center’s website and explore career opportunities by applying for internship and job postings.

• Events and Training Programs

• Alternative career fairs are organized to enable students to gain insight into different sectors and career paths.
• Professional skills training, such as competency-based interview techniques, is offered.

• Individual Counseling

• Students can receive one-on-one career counseling to obtain guidance and support aligned with their career goals.

• Seminars and Networking Opportunities

• Seminars are organized featuring human resources managers, representatives of various institutions, and Boğaziçi alumni as guest speakers.
• Students are provided with opportunities to expand their professional networks and gain exposure to different sectors.

Click here to access Career Center web page.

Institutional Impact

Boğaziçi University’s mentoring, counselling and peer support framework ensures that underrepresented groups are not only admitted to the University but are supported throughout their academic journey.

These structured programmes promote equity, well-being and inclusive participation in academic, social and professional spheres.