Bill including student amnesty and new regulations for academics passes TBMM committee

The bill foreseeing radical changes in the higher education system was accepted in the TBMM committee and moved to the general assembly agenda. The regulation grants two additional exam rights to senior students who have completed their maximum study period. In addition, a comprehensive package is presented including new sanctions regarding the term of duty of academics, disciplinary processes, and academic ethics violations.

With the new regulation, the way is opened for faculty members who have reached the age limit to serve until the age of 75 with the approval of YÖK and the university. For academics who will serve in Turkish Republics and within the scope of international agreements, the right to paid leave is introduced. Precautions are also taken against ethics violations, and those who write theses for others for a fee or free of charge, as well as those who use these studies, may face the penalty of dismissal from the profession.

The bill also re-regulates disciplinary processes in line with the decisions of the Constitutional Court and brings the condition of granting at least 7 days to the personnel who will make a defense. While the additional payment ceiling rates for personnel receiving specialist training in medical faculties are equalized with the Ministry of Health personnel, the payment of revolving fund shares to foreigners is stopped. The bill is expected to be discussed and enacted in the TBMM General Assembly in the coming days.