2026 THEQC In-Depth Evaluator Training Completed in Muğla
2026 THEQC In-Depth Evaluator Training Completed in Muğla
The fourth and final phase of the “2026 In-Depth Evaluator Training,” organised by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC) to enhance the competencies of evaluators who will serve in the 2026 external evaluation programs, was hosted by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKU).
Held on 16 October 2026, the training was attended by academic and administrative staff from various universities and institutions, sector representatives, and students who will serve as evaluators.
Speaking at the opening of the program, Prof. Ümit Kocabıçak, THEQC President, shared current data regarding the state of the higher education system in Türkiye and quality assurance efforts. Recalling that THEQC has three core duties, namely institutional accreditation, recognition and authorisation of accreditation agencies, and the dissemination of a quality assurance culture, Kocabıçak emphasised that the Council has also gained international institutional accreditation authority as of 2025.
Stating that accreditation decisions also provide international visibility, Kocabıçak announced that THEQC aims to guide all higher education institutions through the accreditation process by the end of 2027. Pointing out the importance of deploying evaluators to the field fully equipped following the training, Kocabıçak noted that this process, carried out on a voluntary basis, will increase the global impact of Turkish higher education.
MSKU Rector Prof. Turhan Kaçar expressed his satisfaction in hosting the In-Depth Evaluator Training and noted that THEQC makes significant contributions to the development of the higher education system through its guidance, standard-setting, and independent external evaluation activities.
Prof. Ramazan Bayındır, THEQC Vice President, provided detailed information regarding THEQC’s activities and evaluation terminology.
Within the scope of the program, participants gathered for practical exercises focusing on evaluation processes. The training aimed to strengthen evaluators’ skills in correctly interpreting quality criteria, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and developing evidence-based recommendations.
In the subsequent section of the program, a “PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Tagging Exercise” was conducted, while the structuring of evaluation process outcomes was addressed under the title “How Should an Exit Statement Be Structured?”.
Aiming to enhance evaluators’ knowledge and competencies regarding evaluation processes, increase experience sharing, and reinforce a common understanding of quality, the program concluded following an examination and the completion of a satisfaction survey.
President Kocabıçak Met with MSKU Senate Members
Following the opening of the program, President Kocabıçak met with members of the MSKU Senate. The importance of universities’ quality assurance-oriented efforts was addressed during the meeting. In addition, evaluations were made regarding enhancing educational quality in higher education and reflecting the continuous improvement approach in institutional processes.
