Control over Haliç University temporarily transferred over ‘mismanagement’

ISTANBUL

The control of Haliç University, a foundation university established less than 20 years ago, has been temporarily transferred to Istanbul University, which was previously designated as the former’s guarantor institution, citing “mismanagement” of the university’s financial affairs. The decision was taken in order to “eliminate risks” for the students and professors of Haliç University, Turkey’s Higher Education Board (YÖK) said. 

Reports claimed YÖK’s audit commission’s findings from the 2014-2015 academic year were discussed at the board’s general assembly, where it was agreed that the financial situation of Haliç University posed a risk to both students and academics.

Following the decision, YÖK decided to temporarily halt the university’s official authorization “in order to eliminate risks which will result from mismanagement, in order to protect the rights of students and academics and to enable the continuation of education and activities,” in line with related regulations. 

As a consequence of the decision, Istanbul University, one of Turkey’s most rooted institutions, will take over the university’s administration as its “guarantor.” Istanbul University’s board of directors will run Haliç until a fresh board of overseers is designated. 

Students enrolled at Haliç University will continue their education without any setbacks, YÖK said, in an attempt to reassure the school. 

Meanwhile, the president of Istanbul University, Prof. Mahmut Ak, said his university was designated as the guarantor for Haliç upon the latter’s request. 

“The designation of Istanbul University as a guarantor university happened entirely with the demand and wishes of the founders of Haliç University,” Ak said, stressing it was not based on a demand by YÖK.  

While the reported reasons for the decision were “mismanagement” and “deliberately obstructing” efforts to audit the university’s financial status, reports also alleged the university was financially in bad shape because it was run “like a family enterprise.”

Three people from the university’s board of directors shared the same last name, Topçuoğlu, reports said, adding the cafeterias inside the school’s campuses were operated by the same family’s relatives.