The “ORIENTATION’26 – Welcome Week and Introduction to University Life” programme was organised for students enrolling at Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) for the 2026–2027 academic year. A total of 1,450 new HKU students experienced the excitement of making a well-prepared and engaging start to university life.
Scientific, Cultural and Sporting Activities for Students
Designed to help students familiarise themselves with the university and campus life, plan their career paths and build new friendships, ORIENTATION’26 took place across the university, primarily at the Performance and Arts Centre. The programme featured scientific, cultural and sporting activities, alongside inspiring seminars delivered by distinguished guest speakers.
We Remain Firmly Committed to Nurturing Qualified, Virtuous and Productive Individuals Who Contribute to Their Country
Haluk Kalyoncu, Chairman of HKU’s Board of Trustees, stated: “Since the establishment of Hasan Kalyoncu University, we have remained firmly committed to our responsibility to nurture qualified, virtuous and productive individuals who contribute to their country, guided by the disciplined approach to education entrusted to us by the founders of our foundation. This year, a further 1,450 students have joined the Hasan Kalyoncu University family. As we continue our educational journey with nearly 8,000 students, we are constantly advancing our work in education and research. We have established the first and only Department of Industrial Design in the region within our Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture. To date, 42 inventions developed by our academics have been granted patents. We do not regard university life as being limited to academic education. We also attach great importance to our students’ personal development in social, cultural, artistic and sporting fields. Our 65 student societies make a significant contribution to campus life through the events, talks, workshops, projects and social responsibility initiatives they organise. We encourage our students to turn their ideas into projects and develop their abilities across different disciplines. With the first step you take today, you are opening a new chapter in your own story. I hope that when you look back on this campus in years to come, you will remember the university journey that begins here today as one of the most wonderful beginnings of your life. You are here not simply to earn a degree, but to develop yourselves, turn your dreams into reality, make a lasting impact and contribute to the future of our country,” he said.
The True Value of a University Is Measured by Its Contribution to Its Students, City, Region and Country
HKU Rector Professor Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan addressed the new students, saying:
“Today, as students joining Hasan Kalyoncu University, you are taking a significant step in your career journey. In a few years, you will leave this university with much more than a degree. You will take with you the knowledge you have gained, the friendships you have formed, the experiences you have acquired, the ideas you have developed and the value you have contributed to society. I have always been deeply moved by the following words of our university’s late founder, Hasan Kalyoncu: ‘We must leave behind a legacy in this city, where we have earned our living, that will make a meaningful contribution to the future of our country, our region and our young people: a distinguished and respected university of the highest quality.’ Looking at you today, we understand more clearly than ever the significance of these words and the great responsibility we bear. A university’s true worth lies not merely in its buildings, departments or facilities. The true value of a university is measured by the contribution it makes to the lives of the young people it educates, as well as to its city, region and country.”
Seminars and Experience-Sharing Sessions
As part of ORIENTATION’26, students had the opportunity to meet experts from a range of professional fields.
Neuropsychology specialist Dr Şöhret Karaduman delivered a seminar entitled “The Inner Compass: Mental Resilience and Meaning”; Gaziantep MP and lawyer Mesut Bozatlı presented “From Campus to Life: University Memories”; Ahmet Muaz Ateş, General Manager of ASELSAN Gaziantep, spoke on “The First Step towards the Future: The Spirit of the National Competence Initiative”; Fatma Çiğdem Savaşçıoğlu, Press and Public Relations Adviser at the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), delivered a seminar entitled “What Can We Achieve Together?”; and Professor Haluk Şen, President of the Gaziantep Branch of the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay), presented the “Green Crescent Addiction Awareness Seminar”. Through these sessions, the speakers shared their knowledge and professional experiences with students.
Students Gain First-Hand Experience of Campus Life
Held with the participation of academics, ORIENTATION’26 provided new students with a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with the university and settle into campus life. The orientation programme will continue until the end of October with sporting activities and excursions.
