Participation of Local Stakeholders in Decision-Making Processes and Participatory Bodies

Boğaziçi University has established a systematic and participatory structure that enables local stakeholders to meaningfully participate in the university's decision-making processes. The active participation of external stakeholders such as local residents, local government representatives, civil society organisations and industry representatives is encouraged at every stage of the University's Strategic Plan. These processes are carried out through advisory boards, cooperation programmes, meetings, workshops and projects.

As stated in the Boğaziçi University Quality Assurance Directive, advisory boards have been established under academic units and UYGAR Centres. These boards consist of representatives from the business world, local administrations and non-governmental organisations and make significant contributions to the university's education and research processes. A continuous dialogue environment is provided between stakeholders through meetings and workshops.

Boğaziçi University produces solutions that provide social benefits by conducting joint projects and research, especially with local governments and non-governmental organisations. These collaborations with local stakeholders demonstrate the university's commitment to fulfil its social responsibilities and to consider the needs of stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Related Links:

• Boğaziçi University 2024 Higher Education Quality Assessment Report
• Boğaziçi University Strategic Plan (2025-2029)
• Quality Assurance Directive
• Civil Engineering Department Advisory Board
• Alumni Advisory Boards Evidence File
• Boğaziçi University Stakeholder Engagement Policy

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-16 (Related Section)

Local Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms in University Decision Making Processes

Boğaziçi University acts in line with the following principles in order to encourage stakeholder participation and strengthen decision-making processes:

1. Transparency and Openness:

Providing stakeholders with access to information in decision-making processes, providing regular information about all decisions and their justifications, and supporting stakeholder participation in decision-making in line with the principles of transparency and accountability,

2. Opportunities for Participation:

To support the active participation of stakeholders in the processes by providing and organising various and accessible participation opportunities such as surveys, forums and working groups to ensure the participation of all stakeholders of Boğaziçi University,

3. Equal Representation and Inclusion:

Maintain an inclusive organisational structure to ensure equal representation of all stakeholder groups,

4. Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Data:

To pay utmost attention to the principles of confidentiality and protection of personal data in order to ensure that stakeholders provide sincere and honest feedback,

5. Regular and Multi-Channel Communication:

Actively using communication channels such as website, social media, e-mail announcements and ensuring continuity and easy access to information flow with stakeholders,

6. Strong Relations with Internal and External Stakeholders:

To develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders such as academic and administrative staff, students, alumni and external stakeholders such as public and private sectors and non-governmental organisations through sustainable collaborations,

Local Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms in University Decision Making Processes

7. Feedback Mechanisms:

Establishing effective feedback mechanisms through which stakeholders can convey their suggestions, criticisms and opinions, and reflecting them to institutional decision-making mechanisms,

8. Evaluation and Monitoring:

To regularly evaluate the effectiveness of participation processes and make improvements based on stakeholder feedback,

9. Legal and Ethical Compliance:

To carry out all participation processes in accordance with legal and ethical standards and to provide a participation environment that respects ethical values.

Click here for Boğaziçi University Stakeholder Engagement Policy:

https://mediastore.cc.bogazici.edu.tr/web/userfiles/files/paydas_katilimi_politikasi%20(1).pdf

Click here to see the stakeholder surveys:

https://sgdb.bogazici.edu.tr/paydas-analizi-anketleri