Atatürk Üniversitesi (the University) formally recognises a democratic, independent students’ representative body through the Atatürk Üniversitesi Öğrenci Konseyi (Student Council of Atatürk University), and institutionalises its role, election, and activities in university governance and student life. This commitment is embedded in university regulations, by-laws, election processes, and ongoing operations, thus fulfilling the requirement for full institutional recognition of a student union or equivalent. Below is a comprehensive description of this structure, its policy basis, governance, operation, rights, and evidence of functioning.
1. Policy and legal basis
The University has in place the “Atatürk Üniversitesi Öğrenci Konseyi Yönergesi” (Student Council Directive) which explicitly defines the purpose, coverage, election mechanisms, scope and rights of the Student Council. According to Article 1 of the Directive:
“This Directive regulates the election principles of the Atatürk Üniversitesi Student Council which is to be established with the authority to represent the associate degree (ön lisans), undergraduate (lisans) and postgraduate (lisansüstü) students of Atatürk Üniversitesi.” Atatürk Üniversitesi
Article 2 states the scope includes all programmes of the University. Atatürk Üniversitesi
Article 4 specifies:
“The Student Council shall represent Atatürk Üniversitesi students internally in the University and externally at national and international level, subject to obtaining permission from the Rectorate.” Atatürk Üniversitesi
These provisions set out the independent representative nature of the student body.
2. Coverage of undergraduate and graduate students
The Directive and the Council’s structure cover all students enrolled in the University’s associate, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. For example, Article 5 states all students in associate and bachelor degrees are natural members of the Council. Atatürk Üniversitesi
Thus, the Union (Council) is inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate (post-graduate) students, meeting the requirement of coverage across study levels.
3. Election process & institutional recognition
The Directive governs the election of student representatives: programmes, departments, faculties, institutes hold elections; results are submitted to the Rectorate. Atatürk Üniversitesi
The Council is clearly institutionalised within the university structure: the University website lists the Student Council section under the Student Dean’s Office, showing an official recognition of the body. Atatürk Üniversitesi
Thus, the University as a body recognises the Student Council: it is established by Directive, elected by students, and functions with institutional integration.
4. Independence and scope of the students’ union
The Student Council is independent in terms of its election by students and its representational role. The Directive states the Council represents students inside the University and at national/international level (with approval). Atatürk Üniversitesi
While it operates within the University governance system, it is organisationally distinct from University administration and constitutes the recognised student voice. Its activities (e.g., elections, assemblies, representation) are autonomous from direct administrative appointment.
5. Activities, visibility and student engagement
The University provides online information on “Öğrenci Temsilcilerimiz – Faculty-Level Student Representatives” via the Student Dean’s Office website, demonstrating functioning student representation and structures. Atatürk Üniversitesi
In addition, social-media posts by the Student Council confirm student-led organizational activities (for example a Council orientation presentation for new students). Instagram
These indicate active engagement, visibility, and operation of the recognised student union body.
6. Institutional governance and support
The University acknowledges and supports the Student Council as the representative body for its student community. The directive recognised it and provided election mechanisms; organisational structures such as Student Dean’s Office, Student Council General Assembly and the Faculty-Level representation show participatory governance and institutional integration.
Thus, Atatürk Üniversitesi as a body incorporates, recognises and supports an independent student union.
