10.6.6 Support for Underrepresented Groups

IGU implements various mentorship, counseling, scholarship, and peer support programs to empower underrepresented groups among its students, alumni, and academic and administrative staff. The main goal of these initiatives is to enhance equal opportunity in higher education, ensure the full participation of disadvantaged groups in university life, and foster an inclusive academic environment.

1. Career Development Center and Alumni Web Page
 

The Career Development Center and the Alumni and Members Coordination Office organize interview simulations, training seminars, and career summits to support the career development of both students and graduates. Programs broadcast on YouTube feature interviews with students, alumni, and industry professionals, providing role models and inspirational examples for current students. Career counseling, mentorship, and application guidance offer significant support, particularly for first-generation university students and those with limited access to professional networks.

2. Peer Mentorship Program

The Peer Mentorship Program is an important initiative that ensures equal opportunities, particularly for students who need support in adapting to university life. Conducted as an experimental model, the program examines the effects of peer mentoring on students’ career decision-making processes and career stress variables, thereby contributing to the scientific literature. At the same time, it encourages stronger academic and social participation among students from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups.

Peer Mentor Selection Criteria

Students selected as mentors serve as exemplary role models with strong academic and social skills. The main criteria for selection include:

1. Being a 2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-year undergraduate student at Istanbul Gelisim University,
2. Demonstrating strong communication skills and openness to innovation,
3. Preferably having proficiency in a foreign language and experience in student clubs or projects,
4. Having participated in social responsibility projects,
5. Being open to self-development, research-oriented, and eager to build new connections,
6. Having experience in delivering departmental presentations.

Program Contributions

• Free access to special mentor training sessions,
• Free participation in a self-awareness inventory,
• An official “Mentorship Certificate” upon completion,
• Opportunities to build a professional network,
• Development of counseling and event organization skills,
• Participation in at least one social responsibility project,
• Experience in multiple presentations and event planning by the end of the program.

This program not only supports individual development but also contributes to strengthening an inclusive learning environment within the university, enhancing the academic and social engagement of underrepresented student groups.

3. Psychological Counseling and Guidance Unit
 

• The university provides free psychological counseling services for both students and staff.
• The unit offers targeted support in areas such as stress management, adaptation, and resilience, particularly for disadvantaged and at-risk students.
• Through various workshops, the unit aims to enhance students’ emotional well-being and foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment.

4. Scholarships and “Come to Gelişim” Programme

In addition to the ÖSYM scholarships, IGU offers special scholarship opportunities for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Come to Gelişim Program:
 

This is an innovative admission and scholarship program that provides additional financial support to students who stand out with their talents, ideas, projects, or achievements.

Applicants submit motivation letters highlighting their unique qualities and areas for improvement. Applications are evaluated by a dedicated committee, and special scholarship support is granted to help reduce financial inequalities among students.

The following figure presents the number of students benefiting from the Come to Gelişim Scholarship Program.



Figure 11. Number of Students Benefiting from the “Come to Gelişim” Scholarship Program

5. Academic and Social Support Mechanisms

• IGU provides comprehensive academic, social, and personal development support to ensure that all students—particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds—can thrive in a fair and inclusive university environment.
• These supports include advising, mentoring, and career guidance services, all aimed at fostering both academic success and holistic growth.

Support for First-Generation University Students:

• Special mechanisms such as mentorship programs, scholarships, and orientation activities are provided for students who are the first in their families to attend university, helping them adapt to academic life and build confidence in their higher education journey.
• Support for Students with Disabilities:
• IGU implements accessibility initiatives, including adapted course materials, accessible campus infrastructure, and personalized academic adjustments to ensure equal participation in education.
• Support for International Students:
• International students benefit from Turkish language assistance, cultural orientation sessions, and social integration programs to facilitate their adaptation to academic and campus life.
• Community Engagement and Volunteering:
• Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged regions are encouraged to participate in community service projects and volunteer mentorship initiatives, contributing to social inclusion while developing civic awareness and empathy.

6. Gender Studies Application And Research Center:

Gender Equality Action Plan (2024–2028) of IGU The Gender Equality Action Plan (2024–2028), developed by theGender Studies Application And Research Center, aims to foster an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free academic and administrative culture across the institution. The plan outlines comprehensive strategies to ensure equal participation of all genders in education, research, and employment processes. It sets concrete objectives for preventing gender-based discrimination, violence, and harassment, increasing women’s representation in leadership, conducting awareness-raising trainings, and implementing data-driven monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This plan demonstrates the university’s institutional commitment to promoting social justice and equality, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 5 and SDG 10).


At IGU, support for underrepresented groups extends beyond administrative and academic mechanisms—it is reinforced through various student clubs, faculties, directorates, and administrative units that organize events, projects, and community initiatives.

A selection of examples from these inclusive practices is presented below.

1. Activity Name : There is Hope in Gelişim

Activity Date : 15.02.2024

Activity Content: In order to enhance social awareness and support students’ access to educational opportunities, a humanitarian aid project was carried out for village schools in the earthquake-affected region. Within the scope of the project, Mızraklı Primary School and Kenan Ahmet Öztürk Primary School located in Samandağ District of Hatay—which had been merged into a single institution due to structural damage—were supported. A total of 420 students from different age groups were studying in these schools.

The project provided clothing and essential school supplies (notebooks, pencils, erasers, books, sharpeners, etc.) to meet the students’ basic educational needs. The quantities were carefully planned and collected before being delivered directly to the schools. This initiative made a meaningful contribution to supporting students in disadvantaged regions, strengthening educational equity and promoting social solidarity—core principles of IGU’s social responsibility mission.