What is MEDEK’s primary expectation regarding changes to the curriculum?
MEDEK’s primary expectation is that accredited programs continue to meet the MEDEK Evaluation Criteria after the accreditation decision. Curriculum changes such as the +1 implementation, or similar curricular changes, should be managed through a quality assurance approach. Compliance with the Evaluation Criteria should be documented in terms of program outcomes, the curriculum, practical training, and stakeholder contributions.
Does a curriculum change made under the +1 implementation after the accreditation decision affect the accreditation decision?
Curriculum changes made after the accreditation decision do not, by themselves, result in the termination or invalidation of the accreditation decision. However, the relationship between the change and the MEDEK Evaluation Criteria shall be evaluated. In particular, programs are expected to maintain their program outcomes, preserve the competency-based structure of the curriculum, and continue their practical training components in compliance with the Evaluation Criteria.
Does removing certain courses due to the +1 implementation create a problem?
The removal of courses is not, in itself, considered a problem. However, if the removal of courses results in any program outcome no longer being adequately addressed or weakens the course structure supporting professional competencies, this may constitute a concern in terms of the MEDEK Evaluation Criteria. Therefore, a comparison of the previous and revised curricula should be conducted on the basis of program outcomes.
Is an accredited program required to notify MEDEK when it changes its curriculum?
If a substantial change is made to the curriculum of a program after the accreditation decision, the change must be officially notified to MEDEK. The notification should include information and evidence demonstrating the scope and rationale of the change and its impact on the MEDEK Evaluation Criteria.
Does changing the semester in which courses are offered due to the +1 implementation require notification to MEDEK?
If changing the semester in which courses are offered affects the sequence in which program outcomes are acquired, student workload, prerequisite relationships, or the structure of practical training, MEDEK should be notified. Except for simple technical adjustments, changes that affect the integrity of the curriculum should be explained and supported by evidence.
What types of curriculum changes should be reported to MEDEK?
Changes that affect the program curriculum, program outcomes, ECTS distribution, practical training/internship structure, workplace-based vocational training processes, or graduate competencies should be reported to MEDEK. In particular, arrangements such as the +1 implementation that alter the structure of the curriculum fall within this scope.
How should a cover letter be prepared when notifying MEDEK about curriculum changes?
The cover letter should state that a curriculum change has been made under the +1 implementation in accordance with the relevant YÖK letter. It should summarize the rationale for the change, its effective date, the courses and semesters affected, its relationship with the program outcomes, and its impact on the MEDEK Evaluation Criteria. Detailed supporting documents should be submitted as annexes to the letter.
What happens if a change is not reported to MEDEK?
Failure to report substantial changes that may affect the Evaluation Criteria after an accreditation decision is not considered appropriate in terms of quality assurance and monitoring processes. Failure to report such changes may be considered a negative finding in subsequent monitoring, interim evaluation, or re-evaluation processes.
Is the +1 implementation mandatory?
The +1 Implementation is not mandatory for MEDEK accreditation processes.
Can courses delivered in a Theory + Practice (T+U) format be counted toward the “15 ECTS practical course requirement”?
Yes. Although a course may include some theoretical instruction or distance education, courses that are generally conducted in practical environments such as businesses, hospitals, laboratories, workshops, etc. may be considered within the scope of the “15 ECTS practical course requirement.”
Can the practical components of courses structured as 2+1 (T+U) in our program be counted toward the “15 ECTS practical course requirement”?
The +1 component of courses delivered with theoretical content cannot be considered practical training. For example, the course Statics, offered as a 2+1 (T+U) course in a Mechanical Program, is conducted entirely as theoretical instruction in the classroom and does not involve practical work in a laboratory, workshop, or similar setting. Therefore, it cannot be counted toward the “15 ECTS practical course requirement.”
If the curriculum was revised according to MEDEK’s Evaluation Criteria during the 2023–2024 academic year, will it be considered a deficiency if the program has not yet graduated students under the new curriculum?
No. If the curriculum change is stated in the Self-Evaluation Report and the revised curriculum began to be implemented as of the Fall Semester of the 2024–2025 academic year, the fact that the program has not yet graduated students under the new curriculum shall not be considered a deficiency.
Can elective courses be included within the 60 ECTS specified under Criterion 5.1 (“professional courses specific to the program/field”)?
No. Elective courses cannot be included within the 60 ECTS requirement because it cannot be guaranteed that all students in the program will take the same elective courses.
How can accreditation payments for Vocational School (MYO) programs be made?
Accreditation payments for MYO programs may be covered from the university’s special budget under the 03.5 Services Procurement expenditure item or from the Revolving Fund Budget under the 03.5 Services Procurement expenditure item.
Is there a specific format for academic staff CVs?
The information required for faculty/staff CVs specified in the Self-Evaluation Report format can be entered through the “Create CV” section in YÖKSİS. It is preferable that the information included in the Self-Evaluation Report be updated in YÖKSİS and that the CVs downloaded in “ÜAK Format (with Photo)” be used in the Self-Evaluation Report.