At the 'Science Cafe' meeting at MAKÜ, Rector Dalgar discussed the university of the future with students

At the 'Science Cafe' meetings organized by the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Science Communication Coordination, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, who met with students, made important evaluations on the future of higher education, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and career development.

Students from different departments within the campus, as well as representative students from districts, attended the program held at the Book Cafe Cafeteria. In his speech titled “Future Trends in Higher Education,” Prof. Dr. Dalgar emphasized that the importance of universities has not diminished in an era where digitalization is rapidly increasing; on the contrary, it has increased even more.

Stating that artificial intelligence and digital tools facilitate access to information, Rector Dalgar said that the main issue is not to access information, but to ask the right questions, analyze the obtained information, and be able to distinguish between right and wrong. Rector Dalgar pointed out that universities should no longer be focused on rote learning but should be institutions that teach what to do with knowledge, saying, “Technology is a tool; the human is at the center.”

Rector Dalgar noted that they have taken important steps to adapt to the transformation of artificial intelligence as a university, stating that they are among the first universities to make the artificial intelligence course mandatory in all departments. He emphasized the importance of equipping students not only with academic knowledge but also with versatile competencies such as digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication.

Rector Dalgar stated that individuals who can quickly adapt to change will stand out in the future world, and said that they support students' multifaceted development with practices such as micro-credentials, social diplomas, and career schools.

In his speech, Rector Dalgar also mentioned the importance of experience-based education, stating that the sector now demands not only diplomas but also practical skills and field experience. Rector Dalgar noted that thanks to the “6+2 Education Model” implemented at MAKÜ, students receive direct education in the sector during the last two semesters, and explained that the employment rate of students in the institutions where they intern reached 67% in some departments and faculties.

Rector Dalgar also drew attention to the value of the opportunities offered by Turkey in the field of higher education, stating that the state-supported university system, scholarship opportunities, and dormitory facilities provide significant advantages, and emphasized that students should make the best use of these opportunities.

At the end of the program, Rector Dalgar listened to the students' requests and answered their questions. The meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, was also attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Rector Advisors Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Alpaslan, Prof. Dr. Dursun Köse, and Science Communication Coordinator Assoc. Dr. Hakan Ulutaş.