Newswise — Within the next month, Alfred University will expand its campus facilities and enrollment when a new branch headquarters, attracting more than 400 students, opens in Istanbul, Turkey.
Known as Alfred University Istanbul Campus (AUIC), a newly constructed, 100,000-square-foot building is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 15, 2007, on a 30-acre, "main" campus in Istanbul. Here, nearly 80 percent of the expected 400-plus new students will begin a year of full-time instruction in the English language before beginning classes in four-year degree programs. The other 20 percent will begin classes in selected degree programs in the College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"This is an important opportunity for Alfred University," said Dr. Charles M. Edmondson, AU president. "Because of its cultural, political, and economic development, Turkey will play an important role in the future of both Europe and the Middle East. It is exciting for us to have a modest role in contributing to that future," he concluded.
Plans for AUIC began more than a year ago after the Turkish agency Universal Education Inc. approached Alfred University administrators with the idea. Universal Education officials were looking for a small, private, comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs. They believed that type of institution would be in a position to entertain their proposal. Alfred University fit the bill and they met with Suzanne Buckley, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Buckley and William Hall, associate provost and interim dean of the College of Business, visited Istanbul and determined the venture was feasible for AU and began reviewing the idea with the Alfred University Board of Trustees and faculty in the programs to be offered.
Once all parties were satisfied with the plans, an agreement was signed making the branch campus a reality. The agreement with Universal Education Inc. stipulates there be both student and faculty exchanges between the Alfred, NY campus and AUIC.
Dr. Orkun Hasekioglu was named director of AUIC. He and staff and faculty members from Turkey have visited the Alfred, NY campus several times to familiarize themselves with Alfred University and to assure Alfred University administration and faculty that the programs in Istanbul would carry the same focus, vision and values as those on the AU campus.
"'I am very pleased and honored to be instrumental in bringing a United States university education to the door-steps of my fellow countrymen without necessarily traveling overseas," said Hasekioglu. "In particular, Alfred University, being internationally recognized with its broad spectrum of programs both undergraduate and graduate and superior quality education, constitutes a perfect match."
"Our involvement in the establishment of Alfred University academic programs (in Turkey) is exiting and rewarding," said Hall. "Establishing an educational experience that reflects the mission and values of an Alfred University education will provide a unique opportunity for students living in Turkey. This initiative will reaffirm in a distinct way our commitment to being a globally connected University."
"This partnership speaks to our strategic goals and will provide many opportunities for students and faculty," said Buckley. "It was a pleasure to be part of some of the stimulating conversations AU faculty and students have had with our colleagues associated with AUIC," she noted. "The conversations underscored for all of us the possibilities for AU I the 21st century."
The Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits Alfred University's programs, was consulted and has given the go-ahead for the branch campus. Each program is to be the "mirror image" of the course taught on the Alfred, NY campus. Alfred, NY and Istanbul officials all emphasized the importance of courses being taught in English. The end result is that all students would graduate after having passed English-language courses, whether they are students on the Alfred, NY campus or those at AUIC. A Middle States representative will visit AUIC shortly after it opens in October to ensure programs meet its accreditation standards.
AUIC officials say recruitment outreach has touched some 13 million Turkish residents. More than 400 students will enroll the first year, but the demand for programs is much higher, they say.
Once the College of Business programs are introduced, AUIC will next offer liberal arts courses.
RSS