Participation of Students in University and Faculty Administration in Turkey

Abstract

The active participation of students in university and faculty administration is a new phenomenon in Turkey. Before the boycotts of June 1968, the idea of student participation in university administration did not exist in Turkish universities. It made its first appearance at the moment of the June 1968 boycotts. The idea was first advanced by the boycotting students in a clear-cut way in the course of this boycott and occupation, which began on June 12. In a memorandum submitted by the Council of Boycott Committees of Istanbul University to the university administration, active participation in administration, through representatives of the student body, was specifically demanded. As soon as the students had made their demand, the research assistants-who in Turkey are regarded as non-members of the faculty-also made a specific demand for increased liberty and for a right of active participation in university and faculty administration.