This paper explores the complex dynamic of student integration in QA in Turkish Higher Education.

Student participation in internal QA is widely recognized as a cornerstone of inclusive and effective governance. This qualitative exploratory study investigates how top-level university management across six diverse Turkish HEIs perceived and managed student integration mechanisms under typical operational conditions and during recent large-scale systemic crises, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 6th of February earthquakes. Drawing on structured interviews with Vice-Rectors and QA Coordinators, the study aims to identify innovative policies employed to move beyond passive participation and ensure proactive QA, and lessons regarding QA structures that can be transferred to strengthen resilience in other EHEA contexts. The findings reveal a systemic strategic commitment, with student integration placed at the strategic level and representatives incorporated at every level. During crises, management demonstrated remarkable agility, utilizing online tools to maintain continuity while deliberately shifting from analysing feedback "as an unit" to providing personalized, one-by-one resolutions. The study concludes that the Turkish QA management culture offers a practical model for building resilient and inclusive QA systems, demonstrating that robust formal integration must be complemented by dynamic leadership capable of agile adaptation during profound external disruptions. This approach provides valuable lessons for quality policy and practice across the EHEA.

 

This paper was presented at EQAF and reflects the views of the named authors only.

ISSN: 1375-3797

Complex Dynamic of Student Integration in QA: Innovative Insights from Top Management in Turkish Higher Education

Berkay Tarim, Eren Çanga, Ece Alara Özdarendeli, Nurefşan Acar
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