New Generation University: A Model Proposal

In the last quarter century, since the university is the main source of the human resources required by the knowledge society, structural and functional restructuring efforts of the university institution have been increasing to strengthen the positive impact on economic growth and social development through education and research activities. Today, the Anglo-Saxon and the Far East countries have the most successful university examples in this context; European universities come second in performance, although there are tremendous differences among member countries. Being a candidate for the European Union membership and as a member of the Council of Europe as the first signatory states of the Cultural Convention; implementation of reforms in the European Higher Education Area is obligatory for Turkey. In this study, an organizational and operating model has been developed in line with the European university reform agenda. CoHE's university approach which focuses on thematic and regional development has also been taken into consideration. Five innovations can be mentioned in terms of organizational and functional configuration of the model: (i) Profile of graduate and mission of the new generation university in the fields of education, research and community services, (ii) Policy development and implementation offices, (iii) University ecosystem consultation and steering committee and other committees and boards, (iv) Concept courses and branded courses, (v) Recognition of prior learning, (vi) Coop-education and solution partnerships.