News

As part of the spring festival activities, Water Ballet Team of Near East University displayed a magnificent show, which has been spectated by many. The show was displayed by the outstandingly talented members of the team, who have been trained by the water ballet instructor Deniz Aker.

Deniz Aker spoke to Near East University (NEU) TV and said: “We take part in the spring festivals and display a water ballet show every year. We plan on putting on a solo, duet and a team show later on in the year. We have made certain changes this year. Our students will put on a solo and a duet show within the team show.”

Deniz Aker stated that they had prepared the show by training 1.5 hours, 3 times a week. She said “the youngest team member is 9 years old. She will put on a solo show.”

Melis Sevinç, regarded as one of the fairies of the water ballet team, also spoke to NEU TV. She expressed that she had been doing water ballet for the last 4 years, besides continuing her education life at the NEU.

Another member of the water ballet team is Çisem Koze; a swimming trainer at the NEU Olympic swimming pool and Izel Alemdar; who said that she had been doing water ballet for the last 3 years.

Assist. Prof Dr Hakan Atamtürk, Director of the Office of Health, Culture and Sports of NEU, presented flowers to the team members once the show ended. As he was doing so, he expressed how pleased and proud he was to have a water ballet team within the body of NEU. He ended his words by wishing them all success in their future events.

“The Mapping Techniques in Visualization of Knowledge Seminar”,organized by SATEM, The Ministry of National Defense in Ankara between 16th – 17th May 2013, was held by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sağsan, Head of Knowledge Management Department, Near East University. As Sağsan indicated that the process of knowledge hierarchy has to be evaluated by objective and subjective strand in order to protect organizational knowledge. The Seminar took two days with fifty six participants, from the Turkish Naval Forces, Turkish Land Forces and Turkish Air Forces who shared their tacit knowledge with each other at the last three hours of the seminar during workshop.

Near East University General Secretary Dr Yeter Tabur was a guest at a TV program hosted by Mert Özdeş on Ada TV. At the TV program titled as “Öğle Ajansı” they spoke of Near East University and the quality of education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Dr Yeter Tabur gave information how Near East University started off with two university departments in 1988 and developed into a big university of 16 faculties. A university, whichprovides quality in the field of education.

Dr Tabur accentuated that the Near East University (NEU) was providing a wide range of educational opportunities for the students seeking quality in education. He added that theTurkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was a country known as the “island of education.” Dr Tabur said that the NEU was doing its best to contribute to this notion in the best possible way.

Students from 68 Different Countries…

Dr Tabur expressed that they, as the NEU, were working hard on how they could provide better opportunities for the students of NEU, which has reached the number of 21 thousand. He stressed that NEU had students from 68 different countries.

Dr Tabur proudly stressed that they students of NEU had every possible means to live the life of a university student in well-developed countries. He said that they had organised a spring festival titles as “Spring Fest 2013”, aiming to free students from their stresses piled throughout the academic year.

Furthermore, he expressed that through the festival organisation, they aimed to bring together students from68 different countries. He said that bringing together students of different cultures was a significant matter. Dr Tabur stressed that with the awareness of bringing different cultures together, they had worked hard to complete the spring festival in this direction.

Dr Tabur expressed that Faculty of Medicine had started providing education after a “White Coat Ceremony” held in 2008. He added that they had added they had provided the opportunity to get internship at the Faculty of Medicine Research and Training hospital since 2010.

NEU Hospital received Gold Quality Reward among 72 Different Countries

Stressing the success of the Hear East University hospital, Dr Tabur expressed how NEU Hospital had received “International Arch of Europe Gold Quality Reward of” among 72 different contributing countries in Europe.

Dr Tabur pointed out that they were proud to have received such an award after a period of 3 years. He added that it was not possible for one to be unsuccessful after completing an internship at the NEU Hospital.

Graduates of NEU Faculty of Dentistry came 2nd among graduates from 21 Different Faculties of dentistry.

Dr Tabur also drew attention to the success of the NEU Faculty of dentistry. He added that the graduates of NEU Faculty of Dentistry came 2nd in the dentistry Speciality Exam “DUS” among graduates from 21 different faculties of dentistry.

33 of the 96 Professors of Law in Turkey are academic members of the NEU!

Dr Tabur expressed that all the faculties of Near East University were known for their success and added that Faculty of Law of NEU comprised the 33 professors of the 96 professors of Law in Turkey. Dr Tabur added that graduates from this faculty had the privilege of getting a reference from these professors before they left the faculty.

NEU Entrance Exam is on 8th June 2013

Dr Tabur mentioned that the entrance and scholarship examination of Near East University will be administered on 8th June 2013 and added that registry to the examination had started.

Dr Tabur accentuated that there was a high interest to the departments of Health. Moreover, he said that the applications were coming primarily from students studying at secondary schools in the TRNC; providing education in English, and from individuals who have taken their language courses abroad.

Dr Tabur was asked to answer the following question: “What are your thoughts about the negative criticism regarding the universities in the TRNC?”

In his response to the above question, Dr Tabur expressed that he did not believe that these criticisms existed anymore. He said that he had reached this conclusion through the expressions of the graduates that the NEU had given. He reemphasized that the negative thoughts regarding the universities disappeared completely over time.

The Near East University, Faculty of Pharmacy celebrated the National pharmacy Day at the Orange Hall of the Faculty of Communication on May 14. NEU Faculty of Pharmacy has been realizing the pharmacy Day on May 14 since 2007. This day each year, vibrant celebrations are held at the university including a variety of events.

During the opening ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Rümeysa Demirdamar addressed to the guests and celebrated the pharmacy Day of the pharmacists. Prof. Dr. Demirdamar indicated that they had celebrated the pharmacy Day traditionally since 2007.

Prof. Dr. Rümeysa Demirdamar noted that the Faculty of Pharmacy organized the pharmacy Day celebration program in order to provide opportunities to pharmacists to come together with their colleagues and discuss the common problems and to brainstorm for solutions. She highlighted that such organizations would enable pharmacists to exchange ideas and experiences, thus contributing to strengthening their careers and improving the image of pharmacist in public.. Prof. Dr. Demirdamar delivered information relevant to the initial discussions about the pharmacy Day and said: “Discussion for a pharmacy Day was first begun in 1949, when pharmacist Remzi Kocaer published an article about the pharmacy Day in Turkey (Turkiye Eczacılıgının Günü). Remzi Kocaer was the first pharmacist who pointed out the necessity of a pharmacy day on which the pharmacists could come together and discuss the developments in pharmacy and propose plans required to be done in future. Mr. Kocaer’s ideas and the rights of Turkish pharmacists continued to be discussed in several academic publications in the following years. May 14, the foundation date of the first medicine school (Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane) including a pharmacy class within its body was proposed and accepted as the pharmacy Day. The first official National pharmacy Day celebration took place on May 14, 1968.”

Following the opening speech, the Director of TRNC Pharmacists Association Fatma Azgın addressed to the guests and delivered information about the process related to the issue. “First of all I would like to present my thanks on behalf of the pharmacists to the NEU for this outstanding organization. “At the very beginning, pharmacy training was offered within the body of medicine schools. The first pharmacy class was in the body of the medicine school (Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane) established on May 14, 1939. However, on November 1963 the first Faculty of Pharmacy began training within the body of Istanbul University, so Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy is the first faculty with the name of pharmacy” said she.

Fatma Azgın indicated that they had been making efforts on the pharmacy training but there was still a need for pharmacy staff. “We are paying particular importance on producing trained pharmacy staff. The extended role of the pharmacist can be achieved by having a team who are competent to support and deliver a safe and effective pharmaceutical service” noted she.

Fatma Azgın highlighted the significant development of pharmacy in TRNC by pointing out the emergence of rent seeking in our era to earn income by capturing economic rent through pharmacy.

During his short speech, the Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Şenol Bektaş thanked to Prof. Dr. Rümeysa Demirdamar for her contributions in organizing the pharmacy Day celebration program. The Vice Rector emphasized the vital role of pharmacists by stating that pharmacists work devotedly to provide safe and quality pharmaceutical service and contribute the health of the society.

Prof. Dr. Bektaş indicated that they applied for accreditation and certification to the USA for competency, authority, or credibility in pharmacy education. “The Faculty of Pharmacy of NEU has achieved much work in a short time. Upon receiving the accreditation, everything will be much better in pharmacy education” noted he.Prof. Dr. Şenol Bektaş stated that most of the pharmacists, alongside with their professions, were also interested in arts, sports and politics individually. “I feel happiness to be among the devoted pharmacists and I wish the continuation of such friendly organization programs in benefit of the health of the society” said he.

Upon the completion of the celebration program, the Dean of the NEU Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Rümeysa Demirdamar talked to Near East TV reporter and voiced her happiness due to being together with her pharmacist colleagues. “I am very gratified that every 14 May pharmacy Day is realized as a traditional day with celebrations held at NEU” said she.

The Director of Pharmacists Association Fatma Azgın talked the Near East TV reporter and stated that she was an active pharmacist but she also dealt with politics in order to contribute the society within her possibilities.

Following the speeches, Certifications and Mortars were presented to the Turkish Cypriot pharmacists; Suna Atun, Kamuran Aziz, Mehmet Bayram, Şerife Eminağa, Ayşe Gökyeğin, Erdoğan Sakinoğlu and Ziya Sencer.

14 May pharmacy Day celebrations came to an end after the slide show.

Students of Near East Junior College (NEJC) have sat the entrance exams, held by the Ministry of National Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and have attained high achievements. The students of NEJC sat these exams to try themselves out and see their successes at these exams held as an entry requirement to the secondary school “Türk Maarif Koleji”, which is an institution that uses English as the language of instruction.

Despite the fact that some of the successful students of NEJC did not feel the need to take the exams held by the Ministry of National Education, since they had gained full scholarships due to the exam held by the Near East College, only a group of other successful NEJC students sat the exams for the Türk Maarif Koleji and have attained great success.

657 students entered the Ministry of Education exams held in Nicosia and 129 students of these achieved grades 85 and up over a grading mark of 100. 53 of the 129 successful students are students of the NEJC. There is only one student who achieved 100 over 100 in the Nicosia exam. We are proud to announce that this student is a student of the Near East Junior College.

Near East College is taking a pioneering step in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by initiating interactive education via tablet PC’s. This step is regarded as a reform in education. Apress conference was given to introduce the reform to the public and a slogan as “We are freeing education from limitations of time and location” was used.

A crowded group of press members, both from Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, attended the press conference which was held at the Near East University Grand Library. The press conference was held under the helm of Assist. Prof Dr Irfan S. Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NEU, and it was presented by Mustafa Ufuk Çelik, Director of NEU Information Office.

The press conference started with an introductory film. Işılay Arkan, Headmaster of the Near East College; Alpay Ertaç Chief-Vice Principal; Vice Principals- Lesley Hakseven,Ömer Özkan, Sait Baki and Vedat Tekiner; Ahmet Savaşan, Member of the Board of Directors of the Near East University hospital; and Prof Dr Nerin Bahçeciler, Head of Department of Paediatrics of NEU, took part in the press conference.

At the conference the NEC authorities proudly expressed that, Near East College will be the first institution to initiate interactive teaching and learning in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Işılay Arkan, Headmaster of the Near East College, was the first person to speak at the press conference. In his speech, he expressed that the step taken by the Near East College was regarded as a reform, beneficial for both the students of the Near East College and to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in general.

Mr Arkan added that the curriculum would not change but the delivery method of the education would be through utilization of the tablet PC’s. Moreover, he said that integrating technology in education was a “must” in today’s world. In this regard, he accentuated that he believed in what they were doing and that this reform would make great contributions to educating students in the best possible way. He expressed that utilizing technology in education eliminated the limitations of time and location of conventional education.

“As you all know, we are a well-known and appreciated college in the TRNC. We are celebrating our twentieth anniversary this year. We are proud to say that our school is known for its achievements gained within the last 20 years. We believe that we have provided the best education opportunities for our students since the day of foundation. In this regard, we can say that we have positively contributed to the development of the Turkish community in general. We, as the Near East College, initially started off with 40 students and 15 teachers. Now, we have reached 1420 students and 211 teachers. This alone is an indication of our success. Yet, our achievements are not only academic achievements; we have also made success in sportive and cultural activities too. We are a consistent institution and we plan on working hard to keep up the good work. Consequently, we are taking a pioneering step through integrating technology into our education. This will be by facilitating interactive education via the use of tablet PC’s. This act is regarded as a reform in education, and we are very proud to be the first institution,in the TRNC,to take this step. Our tablet integrated education will start at the beginning of the academic year 2013-2014. “

Following Işılay Arkan’s speech, Assist. Prof Dr Irfan S. Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NEU, made a speech. He said: “A new era has begun in the world through integrating constantly developing technologies into education. We, as an institution which believe in high standards, are ready to do everything in our power to level up with the contemporary teaching methods applied around the world. In this regard, the Near East College is closely following theshifts in the field of education and is now ready to take a new step towards this direction. We are taking this step with the awareness that we are required to raise students with the skills and knowledge which enable them to adapt to the constantly developing circumstances around the world. We are ready to provide opportunities to meet the necessities of the 21st century. Adapting our education system to the developments happening around the world is a “must”. We cannot be settled with our past academic success and we aim to work hard for better and newer achievements. Technology integrated education is a big issue around the world. In this regard, Near East College has taken a pioneering step within the TRNC and I am sure that we will be successful towards our goals.”

In his speech, Assist. Prof Dr Irfan Günsel also mentioned the significance of raising technology literate students at K12 level. He said that technology has evolved in such a way that it had become an inseparable part of our lives. In this regard, he added that everyone is using technological devices in their lives, in the kitchen, for communication, at work, etc. He said that technological devices had invaded our lives in such a way that we could not think of another way of living. As a consequence of this, a new notion as “mobile learning” rose in well-developed countries. He said that m-learning referred to educational technology that focused on learning across contexts and learning with mobile devices. He added that these devices were devices such as smartphones, tablet PC’s, etc. Individuals living in well-developed countries have the necessary skills and knowledge, in other words are technology literate, and can manage technology consciously. Assist. Prof Dr Irfan Günsel ended his words by saying that Near East College was ready to facilitate mobile learning with the relevant skills, as mentioned above, and that this could be interpreted from their slogan “We are freeing education from limitations of time and location.”

Following Assist. Prof Dr Irfan S. Günsel’s speech, Prof Dr Nerin Bahçeciler, Head of Department of Paediatrics, made a speech. She stressed that she was very impressed with the step that the Near East College was taking. She said “as an academic member from the field of medicine and as a paediatrician, I would like to say that we are also required to closely follow the technological developments within the medical literature. In this regard, just as Near East College, we are also ready to adapt to the ever-changing education strategies within the world.”

Students will be free from carrying school bags of 8-10kg of weight…

Prof Dr Bahçeciler: “We all know that students need to carry certain amount of books and exercise books with them as they go to school. Sometimes the weight of these books reaches almost 8-10 kilograms. As a paediatrician, I am aware of the negative impact of carrying such weights, especially for individuals within the growth period. We see children carrying backpacks on a single shoulder. When a heavy backpack filled with books is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force can pull a child backward. To compensate, a child may bend forward at the hips or arch the back, which can cause the spine to compress unnaturally. This makes a negative impact on the spine and could cause certain diseases. These diseases range from height development to problems in the waist area. Baring these problems in mind, I am pleased to hear that students will be free from the burden of carrying heavy books, they will be able to benefit from mobile learning. They will be free from suffering from diseases such as herniated disc in the waist or the neck. The use of tablet PC’s will not only provide contemporary learning facilities, but it will also lead to healthier individuals.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, held a reception at the Near East Mansion and hosted the headmasters, deputy headmasters and the guide teachers of the high schools throughout TRNC.

The administration staff of NEU, including the Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Şenol Bektaş, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Sadıkoğlu, and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş, and the deans of all NEU faculties were attended the invitation hosted by the Chair of Board of Trustees, Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel.

The invitation was realized at the Near East Mansion and Mr. Günsel welcomed the guests at the door.

All guests and the vice rectors, the deans of NEU faculties came together during the cocktail party held at the pool side in a friendly environment. After having a souvenir photograph taken, the Chair of Board of Trustees of NEU, Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel made a speech and addressed to the guests.

We, as the Near East University, are greatly pleased to welcome you here today. We feel great pride in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Near East University which has contributed outstandingly to our country in the path of becoming a country of education. NEU has reached a high educational level by achieving much work in little time. Many of our projects and innovative attempts were described as dreams. However, we provided all possibilities required to actualize them. We have realized all planned projects and innovative goals in a short span of 25 years. Now, we live the pride of it” said he.

Mr. Günsel pointed out the importance of inevitable changes in education due to the rapid advancement in technology or exponential technological changes by stating that the Near East University with its fully equipped infrastructure and superstructure is capable to put all projects into life. “It is obvious that the innovation and technological changes that are occurring in today’s world should be reflected in today’s education infrastructure and superstructure. The Near East University is an educational institution which values its country and its people. NEU has undertaken a central role as a superstructure supporting the values of society. There is no “dream” concept for NEU, the Near East University with its contemporary infrastructure and superstructure is committed to realize all required projects and objectives to contribute the values of the society and the promotion of the country” emphasized he.

İrfan S. Günsel highlighted that NEU would continue to make significant contributions to education and TRNC and added that the precious staff of NEU had contributed distinctly in achieving outstanding success in a short span of 25 years.

Mr. Günsel pointed out the importance of mutual cooperation in achieving success by stating that NEU had developed a great number of projects with many high schools so far. He particularly emphasized that the Near East University was always ready to work on any projects proposed by high schools. “We are dedicated to bring the current cooperation to a more comprehensive point” said he.

By emphasizing NEU’s commitment in providing services to both the youth and TRNC, Mr. Günsel concluded his speech with the sayings of the Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel “Living a continental life on the island”.

Upon the completion of his speech, the Headmaster of Güzelyurt Kurtulush High school, Veli Büyükağa presented a bunch of flowers to the Chair of Board of Trustees of NEU, Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel.

Then all guests came together in the garden of Near East Mansion for the meal organized in a friendly and cozy environment. NEU hosted its guests with a warm interest and friendly service. During the meal, the guests found opportunities to discuss the educational issues of TRNC and bounce ideas among themselves. All guest enjoyed delightful moments during the meal and left the invitation elatedly.

Music Teaching and Gifted Education Programs of Atatürk Faculty of Education of Near East University have received approval from the Council of Higher Education, Turkey.

Vice Dean of the Atatürk Faculty of Education of NEU, Prof Dr Hüseyin Uzunboylu made a statement to the Publicity and Public Relations Centre of the Near East University. In his statement, Prof Dr Uzunboylu stated that Music Teaching and Gifted Education Programs will take place in the handbook of the Student Selection and Placement Centre of Turkey, starting from the academic year of 2013-2014.

Highly qualified academic members will be teaching at the Music Teaching Department

According to Prof Dr Hüseyin Uzunboylu’s statement, the basic aims of the Music Teaching Department will be to train the students (as candidate teachers) of the department with the necessary knowledge on art, creativity, and equip them with an ability to transfer these skills through artistic activities. Furthermore, the department aims to equip the candidate teachers with relevant skills and abilities to be music teachers in first and secondary education. Prof Dr Cavanşir Rehimoğlu Guliyev, Dr Ertem Nalbantoğlu, Dr Rauf Kasımov, Mine Sadrazam, Mehmet Sakarya, Irada Melikova, musicians Ilias Abdoulline and Kemal Belevi will be taking part in the academic staff of the department.

There are only two Gifted Education Departments in Turkey

The Gifted Education Department aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the gifted students at schools. Graduates from this department will be able to facilitate educational activities appropriate for the different learning characteristics of the gifted students. According to the statement of the Vice Dean Prof Dr Uzunboylu, the Department of gifted Education is committed not only to training teachers but also to conducting research relevant to the education and training of gifted individuals. Prof Dr Uzunboylu added that especially to the authorities of private schools would show interest in recruiting the graduates of this department.

Graduates from this Department have got High Chances of Finding a Job

Prof Dr Uzunboylu accentuated that there were only 2 Gifted Education Departments in Turkey. In this regard, he said that graduates from this department had high chances of finding a job. He added that he, himself, Prof Dr Zafer Gençaydın, Prof Dr Latife Bıyıklı, Assist. Prof Dr Çiğdem Hürsen, Assist. Prof Dr Mukaddes Sakallı, Assist. Prof Dr Hüseyin Bicen, Assist. Prof Dr Murat Tezer, Dr Fatma Akfert and Dr Afet Arkut are the academic staff of this department.

Moreover according to Prof Dr Uzunboylu’s statement, 10 Students from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and 40 from the Turkish Republic will be recruited to the Music Teaching Department of the Atatürk Faculty of Education of Near East University.

10 students from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and 60 from Turkey will be enrolled to the program

Prof Dr Uzunboylu stated that TRNC citizen students who wish to study at the Gifted Education Department will be required to be successful in the Near East University Student Placement and Scholarship Exam. For the Turkish citizenstudents, there is a prerequisite of getting at least 180 points from the exam held by the Student Selection and Placement Centre (ÖSYM). The Department of Gifted Education is planning to recruit 10 students from the TRNC and 60 from Turkey.

Prof Dr Hüseyin Uzunboylu ended his words by stating that students who are interested in studying in any two of the above mentioned departments could get further information from the NEU Registrar’s Office and/or through telephone number: 6802000 – 110.

The Project of the Century, Northern Cyprus Water Supply Project designed to bring water through pipeline from Turkey to North Cyprus for a time span 50 years, is being put into life step by step. The completion of the project will provide fundamental solution for water issues in TRNC in the short-term. In the long-term outcomes, it may lead to the realization of similar projects for the Middle-East and Gulf-Region countries which might change the hydro policy in the region. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş, who has comprehensive information about the issue, continues to take place in the world press with his explanations relevant the project.

Prof. Dr. Gökçekuş often delivers information related to the project either to local or international journals and magazines. He also appears on TV programs and informs the public about the project. He last spoke to Fileleftoros, the most circulated newspaper in South Cyprus, and gave information about the project. He has also delivered information to many international prestigious journals and newspapers and his article “Northern Cyprus Sees Hope in Water Pipeline” appeared in the following media. The links relevant to his article on each newspaper is provided.

The International Herald Tribune

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/world/europe/northern-cyprus-sees-hope-in-water-pipeline.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0,

New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/world/europe/northern-cyprus-sees-hope-in-water-pipeline.html?pagewanted=all

European Voice

http://euvoice.eu/2013/04/iht-special-northern-cyprus-sees-hope-in-water-pipeline/

Besides, his article “Dream to Reality Project of the Century” appeared as the cover and 6 paged journal-article on the last issue of the Magazine Ekoavrasya.

(2013/2  http://ekoavrasya.net/dergi/dergi-22/ )

Prof. Dr. Gökçekuş indicated that the remaining period for the completion of the project was about 300 days as of today and he voiced his belief that the project would have been completed on March, 7, 2014 as planned. Mr. Gökçekuş highlighted the importance of water and said: “Water is fast becoming the world’s most precious natural resource in the 21st century. North Cyprus will experience a new era when the project is completed. The completion of the Water Supply Project will contribute to the country’s economy to develop on more sustainable basis and provide Turkish Cypriots with better and higher standards of living. The completion of the Water Supply Project will contribute to whole Cyprus and regional peace as well.”

Organised with the cooperation of Near East University and Youth Department of Ministry of National Education and Sports, the sports festival titled as “NEU SPORTS 2013” has started with an opening ceremony at the Near East College Hall.

Mr Mutlu Atasayan, Minster of National Health and Sports; Assist Prof Dr İrfan S. Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Assist Prof Dr Hakan Atamtürk Head of Office of Health, Culture and Sports of NEU; students and parents attended the opening ceremony of the festival.

In his opening speech, which he made at the opening ceremony Assist Prof Dr Hakan Atamtürk; Head of Office of Health, Culture and Sports of NEU, expressed that this organisation was a significant event for the athlete students who were planning to study at the Near East University. He said that it was an opportunity for them to get to know both the country and the university.

Moreover, Assist. Prof Dr Atamtürk stressed that athletes from other countries found the opportunity to compete athletes of the country and added that they also planned to facilitate social activities so that the visiting athletes found the opportunity to interact with the host athletes.

Subsequent to Assist. Prof Dr Atamtürk’s speech, Mr Mutlu Atasayan; Minister of National Education and Sports made a speech. In his speech, he expressed how pleased he was to see such an organisation which initiated bonds between overseas students and students of the island. Furthermore, he reminded the guests that sports activities should be based on friendship and respect. In this regard, Atasayan expressed that due to this organisation, there were 270 students as guests on the island.

Atasayan accentuated that having guests athletes on the island was not only an opportunity to compete with them, and that it was also an opportunity for these students to get to know the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He reminded the participants of the opening ceremony that introducing the TRNC and the universities on the island was of significant matter. The Minister ended his words by thanking the Near East University for organising such an event and by wishing all the athletes good luck for the competition which will be held during the sports festival.

The ceremony continued with the folk dance shows of the Near East University Folk Dance Group and the Anatolian Folk Dance Group.

The sports activities of the “NEU SPORTS 2013” comprises basketball matches at the NEU College Hall; Table Tennis Matches at Gymnastics Hall, Badminton Matches at the Sports Hall of the new Near East College Building; and the Swimming Competitions at the NEU Olympic Pool.

The sports festival will end with an award ceremony which will be held at Dorona Hotel at 20:00 on Friday, 10th May 2013.

Mr. Ahmet Savaşan, the Member of the Board of Directors of NEU Hospital, participated in a TV program at Genç TV yesterday. During the program he delivered information on the opportunities offered by NEU Hospital with the most comprehensive care and the latest cutting edge treatment options including liver, kidney, bone marrow, stem cell, artificial heart and heart transplantation procedures. Mr. Savaşan’s explanation hit the headlines of the local newspapers; Vatan Gazetesi and Kıbrıs Postası.

The Near East University hospital is ready to perform liver, kidney, bone marrow, stem cell, heart and artificial heart transplantation procedures.

Ahmet Savaşan, Member of Board of Directors of NEU Hospital, participated in a TV program yesterday and during the program he explained that the Hospital of Near East University was ready to perform liver, kidney, bone marrow, stem cell, artificial heart and heart transplantation procedures.

Mr Savaşan stated that the Near East University had completed all preparations required for performing liver, renal, bone marrow, stem cell, artificial heart and heart transplantation procedures. “The multidisciplinary organ transplant team of NEU Hospital is comprised competent surgeons, medical specialists, medical technicians, nurses, and ancillary staff members who provide superior, specialized expertise in all life saving transplant procedures for child or adult patients under risk of losing their lives due to organ failure. All technicians, nurses and ancillary staff are well trained and experienced to assist the surgeon(s) in organ transplantation” noted he.

Mr. Savaşan highlighted the commitment of NEU Hospital by stating that the NEU Hospital with its contemporary infrastructure, cutting-edge high technology and multidisciplinary organ transplant team is ready to perform organ transplantation “The NEU Hospital is ready to achieve success and become the leading hospital in the field of transplantation in TRNC” emphasized he.

Media and Communication Studies Graduate Program designed with a never ending enthusiasm to offer a wide range of comprehensive course content under the supervision of competent and devoted staff has received YÖK’s approval.

The Chair of the Department of Public Relations and Advertising at the Faculty of Communication, and the Executer of the Graduate Program, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Abisel gave information about the mission of the program by emphasizing the importance of communication as an interdisciplinary field. “The goal of the faculties of communication is to produce competent graduates who are able to use mass media tools efficiently. The Faculty of Communication of the Near East University offers the Mass Media and Communication Graduate Studies Program leading to the Master degree in communication with a specialization in mass communication and media studies. The program boasts cutting-edge curricula that combine theoretical studies with practical and real-life professional experience. The program is committed to furnish students not only with deep knowledge of main business concepts, but also with specific key parameters in the study of media, culture and communication that meet the challenges and needs of the industry, globalization and the informative society of the era. Since mass media and communication have an interdisciplinary nature and a significant role in establishing individual and social perceptions and shaping the social and ethical values, opinions and attitudes, and the social conventions and norms of today’s world, the professionals to be employed in mass media are required to be equipped with comprehensive knowledge on the basic notions of social sciences. The Media and Communication Studies Program fosters the master degree students to conduct scientific research and to come up with creative ideas on relevant topics. The program is committed to providing the students with broad educational opportunities comprising immense knowledge and applications leading to excellence beyond specialization” said she.

The Association of Radiology Technicians, TÜMRAD, is holding a series of seminars to inform the radiology technicians both in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In this regard, the latest seminar was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and congress Centre.

A seminar on radiology was actualized for the first time in the TRNC. It was hosted by the Near East University. Prof Dr Nail Bulakbaşı, Director of NEU Vocational School of Health Services; Muhammed Emaoğlu, specialist; Murat Karakoç, GE Healthcare Education and CT Advanced Application Specialist; Assoc. Prof Dr Banu Alıcoğlu, from the NEU Department of Radiology; Ahmet Kumaş, educationist, author and researcher;Yusuf Ergün Togay, Head of Society for Radiological Protection of Turkey and Senior Physics Engineer; Caner Afacan, Head of Fujifilm Products; Gürdoğan Aydın, Radiology Specialist at Education and Research hospital of Ahi Evran University, Heybet Aslanoğlu, President of the Association of Radiology Technicians ”TÜMRAD” acted as spokespersons of the seminar. A lot of people showed interest in the seminar which was held in two sessions.

As one of the spokespersons, Assoc. Prof Dr Banu Alıcıoğlu, a radiologist at the NEU Department of Radiology, gave information on dose administration in CT (computed tomography) stating the importance of computed tomography as one of the most significant radiology examinations among the other imaging techniques. She added that CT imaging techniques is being frequently applied with other developing imaging technologies. Assoc. Prof Dr Banu Alıcıoğlu ended her words by accentuating the significance of the yearly dose of radiation that could be administered according to the Basic Security Standards, as part of Regulation of Basic Security of Radiation Protection.

Ahmet Kumaş;educationist, author and researcher, focused on the effects of radiation on human health. He expressed that radiation burns, diseases associated with ionising radiation exposure, shortening of natural life span, cancer and genetic mutations from radiation exposure were only some of these effects.He also stated that radiation could even lead to sudden deaths if there was a high exposure to radiation.

Senior Physics Engineer Yusuf Ergün Togay also focused on the effects of radiation exposure. He stressed that radioactive substances are integral to some technologies used in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, industry and others and that it is important that people can benefit from their use without being exposed to unacceptable risks.

In this regard, he accentuated the significance of two principles:, the Principle of Justification and the Principle of Optimasation , for radiological protection. The Principle of Justification involves admjinisitering radiation for the sufficient benefit to the exposed individual or to society to offset the radiation detriment it causes. The Principle of Optimasation, also known as the practice of “ALARA” (as low as reasonably achievable) means that the radiation exposure resulting from the practice must be reduced to the lowest level possible considering the cost of such a reduction in dose.

Caner Afacan, Director of Fujifilm Products, provided detailed information on computed radiography (CR). He expressed that CR used similar equipment to conventional radiography except that in place of a film to create an image, an imaging plate, a latent plate was used. The imaging plate is placed in a special cassette and placed under the body part to be examined and the x-ray exposure is made. Hence, instead of taking an exposed film into a darkroom for developing, the plate is run through a special laser scanner, or CR reader that reads and digitizes the image.

Gürdoğan Aydın drew attention to the significance of quality assurance and quality controls of the devices used in radiology. He added that these devices should be calibrated if found necessary.

Heybet Aslanoğlu stressed that there was a decision of increasing the working hours of health personnel of radiology from 25 hours to 35 hours, which meant that the potential risks due to their work were also increased, putting the personnel’s health under danger. In this regard, Aslanoğlu expressed that this decision should be reconsidered and cancelled.

After the seminar was completed, the spokespersons made statements to the Near East TV. Gürdoğan Aydın expressed that they were leaving the country with good feelings regarding their experience at the Near East University and that they were very pleased with the amount of participation they had received to the seminar. Moreover, he stated that they had informed their colleagues of the latest technologies developed for the field of radiology and of new techniques utilized in radiation protection.

Heybet Aslanoğlu, President of the Association of Radiology Technicians (TÜMRAD), stated that the headquarters of the association was in Istanbul and they had facilitated the seminar at NEU with the assistance of Prof Dr Nail Bulakbaşı; Director of NEU Vocational School of Health Services. Furthermore, he stated that they were very pleased to be in cooperation with the NEU. He said that he was very happy to be a part of an organisation which informed colleagues in the TRNC and the students studying at the NEU Department of Radiology.

Ahmet Kumaş spoke to Near East TV and stressed that they were very pleased with the attention they had received and expressed many thanks to Near East University.

The Seminar ended after participation certificates were handed to the participants and a memory photograph was taken.

The long-termed relations established at the international platforms by the Near East University with an insight to bring forward the advances so far has been made in TRNC and introduce the potentials of TRNC to the rest of the world, attracted attention and appreciation of international institutions interested in the quality of investments and total quality management. As a natural consequence and recognition of such an effort, the Hospital of Near East University was awarded with International Arch of Europe Gold Quality Award by the Business Initiative Directions (BID) at the 26th International Arch of Europe Convention held in Frankfurt, Germany. The 26th International Arch of Europe Convention Awards and Gala Dinner Ceremony took place at the InterContinental Convention Hall in Frankfurt, Germany, on 28th April.

The awards of International Arch of Europe in 2013 Celebration were given in three general categories: Gold, Platinum and Diamond. This year, Business Initiative Directions Awards, designed to recognize, evaluate and appreciate the prestige and success of the outstanding companies, organizations, and businessmen in the business world were presented at the 26th International Quality Convention Awards and Gala Dinner Ceremony held at the InterContinental Convention Hall in Frankfurt, Germany. The International Arch of Europe Awards are presented to leading organizations in recognition of outstanding commitment to quality and excellence in economy, art, academic studies and corporate image. This recognition is based on the criteria of the QC100 quality model, implemented in over 100 countries. The Hospital of Near East University achieved the unique honor of receiving the prestigious Gold Quality Award due to its commitment to quality and excellence.

According to press release of the Department of the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of NEU, up to now, the Gold Quality Award had only been awarded to the world’s largest business organizations such as Tata Group, which has over 289.500 employees and $28.8 billion annual income, the largest multinational conglomerate company of India which encompasses more than 100 companies operating in more than 80 countries across six continents, Turner Construction Company U.S.A, the constructor of numerous high profile buildings such as Burj Khalifa, and with a construction volume of $8.6 billion, one of the leading construction management companies in the world, RAO UES of Russia, the largest power holding in Russia that holds $ 79 billion market share and engaged in the power generation, transmission and retailing of electricity and heating with its 600 thousand employees, and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) which was ranked as 240th world’s richest corporations on the list of Fortune Global 500. This year Near East University hospital has been deemed worthy to be awarded with Gold Quality Award.

According to the press statement, along with İrfan Günsel, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of NEU, Mustafa Kemal Gökeri, the Berlin Representative of TRNC, Tourism Attache’ Önal Dorak, Mr. Ahmet Savaşan, the Member of the Board of Directors of NEU Hospital, Aziz Günsel and Ahmet Çağman attended the 26th International Quality Convention Awards and Gala Dinner Ceremony held at the InterContinental Convention Hall in Frankfurt, Germany. Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees has had the unique honor of receiving the prestigious Gold Quality Award on behalf of the Near East University hospital of TRNC.

Representatives of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Northern Cyprus held a press conference in Frankfurt

After the award ceremony, Asst. Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel, Frankfurt Counsel General of the Republic of Turkey Ufuk Ekici, Mustafa Kemal Gökeri, Önal Dorak and Ahmet Savaşan held a joint press conference at InterContinental Hotel and emphasized the importance of Gold Quality Award received by Near East University hospital of North Cyprus.

Frankfurt Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, Ufuk Ekici addressed to media members at the press conference and pointed out that the prizes awarded by international organizations had great importance for North Cyprus. He congratulated the Near East University hospital and voiced his great happiness concerning the achieved success and representation and promotion of North Cyprus by means of Hospital of Near East University at international platforms.

Following that, Mr. Günsel addressed to the press members and delivered information stating that, “The Republic of Northern Cyprus may be a small state in terms of its land size and population. However, the contemporary infrastructure and the most advanced cutting-edge technology of the Near East University and hospital of NEU that were created through hard work and determination, the outstanding efforts to go beyond the current global standards and benchmarks, and outstanding international success that have been achieved in the fields of science and health, has brought North Cyprus into a notable position in the world to exemplify quality and excellence with its current high technology”.

Mr. Günsel highlighted the importance of cooperation and steady relations at the international platforms in achieving success and said: “The official authorities of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Northern Cyprus need to work in mutual cooperation in order to furnish the world with adequate information that the Hospital of Near East University and indirectly TRNC were awarded with the Gold Award for Quality and Excellence at the International Arch of Europe Convention.”

NEU has greatly contributed to the promotion of TRNC

Mustafa Gökeri, in his speech highlighted the positive impacts of the representation of North Cyprus at international platforms in terms of strengthening the image and impression of TRNC. He pointed out the importance of Günsel’s speech at the opening ceremony of the 26th International Arch of Europe Convention which participated by 72 countries. “The speech of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, İrfan Günsel is extremely important in terms of promotion of our country as it provided the participants with a clear impression about the determination and fortitude of people of Cyprus, the unique, deep- rooted historical, cultural and natural attractions and outstanding touristic facilities provided in North Cyprus, he said.

The number of tourists who prefers TRNC for vacation has increased

During his speech, Önal Dorak noted that the number of tourists of the third age group has increased as a positive result of health insurance provided by the cooperation between the hospital of NEU and Near East Bank and in the line with the already provided safety and quality; tourism sector of North Cyprus is growing and developing on more sustainable basis. “North Cyprus has become one of the world’s safest, most preferred and exclusive tourism destinations as a result of the reliable and safe healthcare services provided by the Hospital of Near East University. The initiative undertaken by the Near East University to introduce medical tourism to North Cyprus and this has already started to bring in important contributions to the promotion and economic sectors of the country”, he said. Mr. Dorak, congratulated the Near East family before the Founding Rector, Dr. Suat Günsel and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, İrfan S. Günsel.