On Saturday, June 20th, 2015, Sabancı University will hold the commencement ceremony for its 16th graduate and 13th undergraduate classes.

The commencement ceremony will be attended by Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı and President A. Nihat Berker, who will join our graduates, parents and faculty members for celebration.

Awards in honor of the late Sabancı University Faculty Member Gürsel Sönmez, who passed away in 2006, will be presented at the ceremony.

The hat toss will be followed by live music entertainment by Ayhan Sicimoğlu.

Posts sent to #sumezuniyet15 and #meSUnoluyorum hashtags on Twitter and Instagram will be projected onto screens during the cocktail on the SGM patio. 

The ceremony my be viewed live on commencement.sabanciuniv.edu specifically for this occasion.

Closing lecture by Professor Gökhan Hotamışlıgil

Graduation events include the “Academic Year Closing Lecture,” given to the commencement class, their parents and all Sabancı University members one day before the ceremony. This year's lecture will take place on Friday, June 19, 2015 and the lecturer will be globally recognized scientist and Harvard University Faculty Member Professor Gökhan Hotamışlıgil.

After the lecture, Hotamışlıgil will join the graduates for the traditional laying of the alumni brick.

About Professor Gökhan Hotamışlıgil:

Gökhan Hotamışlıgil graduated from the Ankara University School of Medicine and became a professor at Harvard University at the age of 41. Hotamışlıgil is currently a J.S. Simmons Professor of Genetics and Metabolism at the Harvard University School of Public Health, and has an outstanding number of studies on diabetes, obesity and cardiac health. Professor Hotamışlıgil received Golden Turk and Most Successful Community Leader awards from the Turkish-American community for his efforts in TASSA and Boston Turkish Biology Group. Hotamışlıgil also holds the Vehbi Koç Award, TÜBİTAK Science Award, American Diabetes Foundation Exceptional Scientific Achievement Award, the International Obesity Foundation Wertheimer Award and the Columbia University Naomie Berrie Award.

Students who will take the ELAE on June 16th, 2015:

1. Students who have studied in School of Languages during 2014-15 academic year. (Petition is not required.) 
2. Inactive students who still hold exam rights & who have given in a petition to take the ELAE on June 16th, 2015 .

Those students who hold June ELAE exam rights will be announced on the doors of the School of Languages building on Monday, June 15th 

Location and Times:

WRITING & LISTENING            09.30 - 12:00 

READING                                   13:00 - 14:40

LOCATION                                 FMAN 1099

DATE                                          June 16th,2015

For the identification check to be done in time, we ask that students who will take the exam be at the exam hall half an hour before the exam starts and that they bring some official identification which includes their photograph (such as a passport, identification card, driver’s license) with them.

Students should also make sure that they bring a pencil, eraser and any other necessary pieces of equipment with them. 

Students are asked not to bring their mobile phones into the exam hall. Students are kindly reminded that if they bring their mobile phones, they will be collected.

The results of the ELAE will be announced on the external web page of Sabanci University. The results will also be posted on the doors of the School of Languages building. These results will be announced on Thursday, June 18 at 7pm.

Detailed information about the ELAE and a sample of the exam is available at the link below. We recommend that all students who will take the exam check this link.

http://sl.sabanciuniv.edu/students/elae

We wish you every success in the exam.

School of Languages

-Information Technologies Non Thesis Program: This program creates an opportunity towards a career in the IT area for newly graduates and those professionals planning a major change in their career track. The curriculum has a rich enough spectrum that's suitable for IT professionals as well who would like to improve their skills and broaden their expertise in the area.

-Data Analytics Non Thesis Program: This program creates an opportunity towards a career in Data Analytics area for graduates of disciplines such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, statistics, economics and other fields with a quantitative focus and for professionals who have ample work experience in a data-analytics-related area and are seeking in-depth training in Big Data Analysis.

-Energy  Technologies and Management Non Thesis Program: This program creates an opportunity towards a career in Energy area for graduates of disciplines such as engineering, basic sciences, economics, management, politics and other fields with a quantitative focus and for professionals who have work experience in energy or other related areas .

The candidates who have completed a undergraduate program are eligible to apply to these programs. Newly graduate candidates should complete their undergraduate degree till

09th September, 2015
 
Application Documents and Requirements:

1. Completed Online Submission Form & Specific Requirements Form

2. Official Transcript: Sealed and taken from Student Affairs of the applicant's university indicating the courses and grades taken.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation: These should be either submitted online or posted in a sealed envelope. For the sample letter please click here.

4. English Proficiency Exam Result: Any of the following test results baring the min.   Scores and which are within the validity period as indicated below. Photocopies are acceptable for application, but original copies should be submitted during admission.

TOEFL : Min. score 78 in Internet-based test, Min. score 210 in Computer-based test, Min. score 547 in Paper-based test.
IELTS : Min. score 5.5
KPDS : Min. score 65
ÜDS : En az 65 puan

YDS: En az 65 puan

e-YDS: En az 65 puan

The validity periods for these scores are as follows: TOEFL and IELTS 2 years, KPDS ,ÜDS, YDS ve e-YDS 3 years.
Applicants who could not submit a valid English Proficiency Exam Result may be admitted the program on the condition to get a satisfactory grade from the Sabanci University English Language Exam Assessment (ELAE). Those candidates who fail to attend or get a satisfactory score in the exam are obliged to attend and successfully complete a full course of English Language Preparation in order to continue with graduate courses. Failure to complete this course successfully will result in termination of enrollment at Sabancı University.

Graduates of Sabanci University who are admitted to a MA program are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within two years following their graduation.

5. Current Resume (CV).

6. Statement of Purpose

7. One recently taken photograph
 

For more Information:

Ece Kaya
Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences
Sabancı University
Orhanlı, Tuzla , 34956 İstanbul
Phone: (216) 483 9691
Fax: (216) 483 9550

mail: ekaya@sabanciuniv.edu
http://msit.sabanciuniv.edu/en

http://da.sabanciuniv.edu/en

http://energy.sabanciuniv.edu/en
 
Early Application and Interviews:
Last day of early applications is June, 05th 2015. After initial screening, interviews will be scheduled for potential candidates. Interviews will be done June, 08th-12th, 2015 (Interview schedule is subject to change).

Deadline and Interviews:
Applications must be submitted by August, 18th, 2015. After initial screening, interviews will be scheduled for potential candidates at Sabancı University during August,19th-21st,2015 (Interview schedule is subject to change).
 
Application Address:
Applicants either can submit their application packages in person or can send via mail to Department of Sabancı University Student Office. The date on which the documents are reached to SU will be taken into consideration. Applications sent by email could not be accepted.
 
Sabanci University

Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Cd. No:27,Student Resources Office
34956 Orhanlı/Tuzla
İSTANBUL

Phone: (216) 483 9093
Fax: (216) 483 9073
E-Mail: studentinfo@sabanciuniv.edu

CarrefourSA Common Management Culture Development Program (CMCDP), designed and delivered by EDU, had graduates.

Carrefoursa Common Management Development Program (CMCDP) which is designed and delivered by Sabancı University Executive Development Unit (EDU) produced its first graduates with a certificate ceremony held in Carrefoursa Headquarter on April 29, 2015.

The CEO of Carrefoursa Mehmet Nane, Human Resource Director Asena Yalniz and Human Resource Managers also attended the ceremony.

With the participation of manager candidates, CMCDP took place at Sabanci University, between February 2014 and March 2015. Within the 9 days program, store managers attended to “Basic Tools of a Manager”, “Managing Relationships”, “Leadership”, “Sales Techniques”, “Complaint Management” and “Visuals in Modern Retailing” modules. 99 participants graduated from the program delivered to for 6 groups in total and until the end of 2015; 10 more groups will attend the program.

Within the frame of a secondary programme, namely Carrefoursa Management & Transformation & Development Program, existing store managers participated in the “Productivity in Management, Relationships & Operations” training which was carried on for 3 days. So far 9 groups have completed program this and 10 more groups are planned to complete the program until the end of 2015.

Turkey's first and only “Behavioral Analytics & Visualization Lab”

Sabancı University and MIT partnered for the establishment of the Behavioral Analytics & Visualization Lab.

This will be Turkey's first and only lab on the subject of big data analytics.

Sabancı University takes another step in the strategic partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology the Behavioral Analytics & Visualization Lab was established within Sabancı University. An introduction meeting was held on Monday, May 25th, 2015 at the Karaköy Minerva Palas for Turkey's first and only lab on the subject.

The meeting began with introductory remarks by Sabancı University President Professor Nihat Berker. Speaking next was MIT Media Lab founder and World Economic Forum Big Data Initiative Cochair Professor Alex Pentland, who discussed “Big Data Analytics and the Importance of Cooperation." Professor Pentland began by speaking about wearable technology development at MIT in 1995. He explained the data acquired as a result of those studies, and that some of the technologies in use today were developed in those years. Professor Pentland said that these technologies enabled the collection of big data, and gave examples of areas where big data is used, from the medical industry to apparel. Professor Pentland commented that the data generated enable people to cooperate and socialize more in both their professional and social lives.

Finally, lab directors Sabancı University School of Management faculty member Associate Professor Burçin Bozkaya and Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences member Associate Professor Selim Balcısoy spoke on the activities to take place in the lab.

Associate Professor Burçin Bozkaya said that Big Data Analytics is increasing in importance and scope every year, and that large databases acquired in many different industries and applications can be analyzed for a variety of reasons to be converted into outputs for the betterment of individuals and societies. An example was analyzing search patterns for "flu" on search engines to determine the rate at which the virus spreads, informing the right people at the right time and allocating treatment resources accurately. Another example is analyzing the social media behavior and posts of a Facebook user to determine if he or she is going through any major life events such as graduation, marriage, new job, losing a job and others to make them offers that will simplify their life.

Associate Professor Bozkaya underscored the importance of protecting personally identifiable information, saying that regardless of the extent to which databases are anonymized, location and time data may cause people to be identified again, and that data privacy would be the highest of priorities in the work done in the laboratory and in the publication of outcomes.

Associate Professor Selim Balcısoy introduced the virtual Istanbul desk developed by data visualization. Associate Professor Balcısoy explained that the purpose of data visualization is to stimulate the sense of sight, helping people make sense of complex data.  Balcısoy said that conventional computer interaction was used as a method to analyze complex data, but there were problems regarding joint work and starting analysis without lengthy user training procedures.  Associate Professor Balcısoy explained that the nature of humans was to learn by touching and observing rather than using a keyboard and a mouse, which was why current computer interaction techniques and visualizations were unable to fulfill this need completely.

Associate Professor Selim Balcısoy continued, “When we analyzed research, we determined that we could overcome restrictions and interaction issues between studies on spatial screens and their physical visualizations. We built a data visualization system for this purpose, which projects images onto a passive or active physical visualization coming from a 3D printer. The Istanbul desk is one of the first examples of this work. Thanks to this environment of study and research, we can conduct interactivity studies on physical visualizations. As a result of this work, physical visualizations can work in interaction with spatial screens to build a system that allows users to jointly analyze complex and heavy data quickly and effectively. A literature survey showed that no similar system exists and there is a significant gap in physical visualization solutions focusing on data analysis." Balcısoy concluded that the Istanbul desk would be an important tool to make sense of and analyze data which would gather decision-makers, analysts and other stakeholders around the same set of data.

About the Behavioral Analytics & Visualization Lab

Big data analysis is becoming more important and widely available every day. Prior to the foundation of the lab, Sabancı University, MIT Media Lab and the leading financial companies collaborated to conduct studies on this subject. When these studies yielded positive results, it was decided to continue research within a larger and more comprehensive Lab. Big Data is particularly important for finance, telecom, retail, research and medical industries.  A company may benefit from research on Big Data provided by itself, or from the analysis of results obtained in a different industry.  These results can also be converted into new business models, products and services.  
The lab will be the setting for close cooperation and joint research with MIT Media Lab Human Dynamics Group faculty and researchers. The Human Dynamics Group strives to explain the behavior of people in daily life and social settings based on the analysis of Big Data collected from various sources, and seeks to develop mathematical models and techniques for predicting such behavior. These subjects are included in the areas of interest and study for the new lab, where exercises will include "data visualization" or the visualization of databases of complex relations to make sense of data.

The big data analytics work at the Sabancı Behavioral Analytics & Visualization Lab will explain the behavior of individuals, social groups and consumers in different settings by mathematical models and relations. Models and findings acquired as a result of these studies will have the potential to help associated groups, industry analysts and executives to create demos and prototypes for developing new business models. The results will also be applicable to business. There is also the possibility of obtaining findings and results that will be closely relevant to the academic world in terms of fundamental research.

Graduate and doctorate students and postdoctoral researchers are expected to work in the lab under the supervision of Sabancı University and MIT faculty members. The lab will lead research projects on data from different sources to be supplied by strategic partners.  Students will be able to conduct research that will help towards their master's or PhD dissertations.

Turkey is getting closer to European Student Union membership under the guidance of Sabancı University Student Union Cochair Çağlar Genç as Commission Chair.  After gaining Candidate Member status last May in Vienna, the second step, being a working visit, was conducted by 5 representatives between April 19th and 26th, 2015.

The delegation consisted of Candidate Member Coordinator William Benn (France), ESU Board of Directors Member Tijana Isoski (Serbia), Andrius Zalitis (Lithuania), Cristi Popescu (Romania), and Kirstine Josephine Pedersen (Denmark).  The delegation visited Istanbul, Ankara, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa for meetings with departments and divisions involved in the process.  The Istanbul leg of the trip included visits to Sabancı University, Bahçeşehir University, Haliç University, Istanbul University, and the Istanbul Policy Center.  In Ankara, the delegation visited Ministry of Education General Directorate for Foreign Relations and EU, the Parliament, the Council for Higher Education, the Justice and Development Party, Republican People’s Party, Nationalist Movement Party, Democratic Party of the Peoples, and Hacettepe University.  Destinations in Gaziantep included Gaziantep University and the Syrian refugees housed in the Nizip Container Camp.  Finally, the representatives visited Şanlıurfa Harran University before going back.  The delegation was assisted by Student Councils and university employees at every step of the way.  The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Nihat Buğra Ağaoğlu, Chair of the Student Council of Turkey, Kemerburgaz University Student Council Chair Rabia İrem Gamsızoğlu, Sabancı University Student Union Cochair Çağlar Genç throughout their visit.

The delegation from the European Student Council were accommodated at Sabancı University while in Istanbul.  The delegation paid a visit to Sabancı University on April 21st.  Acting under the umbrella of the Istanbul Policy Center, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences members Fuat Keyman and Ahmet Evin responded to student questions about current affairs.  The delegation then met President Nihat Berker, discussing the education system at Sabancı University, our international activities, and current issues in education.  Sabancı University Nanotechnology Center (SUNUM) Director Volkan Özgüz took the delegation on a guided tour of SUNUM, after which the group met with SOM Dean Ayşe Kadıoğlu, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Dean Yusuf Menceloğlu, SUNUM Director Volkan Özgüz, and Foundations Development Unit Director Zehra Sayers at a lunch hosted by the Rectorate.

The delegation left with a positive impression of Turkey, and were particularly happy about their meetings with the Sabancı University management and Student Union.

Turkey will present its case in the 69th Board of Directors Meeting to take place in Cluj, Romania in November 2015, and full membership will be accepted or denied depending on the outcome of the vote.

The 8th US Alumni Reunion took place on Friday, May 2nd at the Harvard University  Faculty Club in Boston.  Attending the dinner event were President Nihat Berker, School of Management Dean Füsun Ülengin, Faculty Member Halil Berktay, and Alumni Relations and Career Development Manager Şule Yalçın.

The dinner brought together 135 people, 80 of whom were Sabancı University graduates working or continuing their education in the United States.  A guest speaker was invited to the event for the first time this year.  Professor Beshara Doumani gave a lecture titled “A Look at the Middle East.”

Please click here for the full image gallery.

The Midterm Conference and Young Researchers Conference of the European Commission’s 7th Framework Program initiative MAXCAP on the current and future enlargement of the EU was held by MAXCAP partner Professor Meltem Müftüler-Baç at Sabancı University between April 20th and 24th. 

Distinguished scholars of EU enlargement and EU integration found the opportunity to share the results of their efforts for the past 18 months in the MAXCAP Midterm Conference. 

The results of the extensive work conducted in the MAXCAP FP7 Project since 2013 were presented in the Midterm Conference.  Panel discussions in the conference were designed in relation to the developments regarding the EU enlargement process.  Participating in the conference were project partners and the international board of overseers as well as bodies and institutions, and representatives from the European Commission and nongovernmental organizations.  The MAXCAP Young Researchers Conference provided an opportunity for young researchers pursuing doctorate degrees in Maxcap partner institutions to present their studies on the effects of EU enlargement.  

MAXCAP research examines EU enlargement analyses with regard to integration capacity and the support of the peoples of Europe, and investigates the impact of enlargement on EU deepening.  The studies are important for the future of Turkey and Balkan countries negotiating for EU accession, but also apply to other countries that do not seek EU membership but are subject to the neighboring policy of the EU.  Reports that have been printed to date are available on the project webpage at http://www.maxcap-project.eu

http://www.maxcap-project.eu/news/maxcap-partner-sabanci-university-orga...

Sabancı University School of Management Dean Füsun Ülengin took part in the 8th Trade and Industry Council of Turkey in her capacity as Advisor to the Transportation and Logistics Assembly of Turkey.  Füsun Ülengin has been an advisor to the Assembly since 2009.

The meeting was hosted by M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) at the TOBB Towers with the attendance of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.  The most important aspect of the council is the opportunity for the industry advisors and leaders of 81 Turkish provinces to meet with the prime minister and other ministers to report their five most pressing issues and look for quick solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dean Füsun Ülengin said, “I believe these platforms to be a facilitating medium for developing fast and effective solutions aimed at key issues in the industry.”

As Advisor to the Transportation and Logistics Assembly of Turkey, Füsun Ülengin issues a biannual report on the latest developments in the transportation and logistics industries.  The report discusses current situation, problems, threats, weaknesses and solution recommendations for all modes of transport in Turkey from medium- and long-term perspectives.

A ceremony was held to celebrate the emeritus professorships of Sabancı University faculty members Ahmet Alkan, Asif Şabanoviç, Gündüz Ulusoy and Yuda Yürüm for their contributions to the university and the society in their fields of specialization.

The ceremony at the Sabancı University Performing Arts Center was attended by President Professor Nihat Berker, deans of faculties, faculty members, students and employees.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Nihat Berker said that institutions bore the imprint of their members and complemented each other.

Berker continued, “Our members that we bestow with emeritus professorships have always been at the forefront of our university with their extremely valuable studies, personalities and wealth of experience.”

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Member Ahmet Alkan and Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Members Asif Şabanoviç, Gündüz Ulusoy and Yuda Yürüm became the fourth-term emeritus professors of Sabancı University.  Emeritus professors are distinguished in academia and the society in their respective fields.

Video: Messages to Emeritus Professors by their colleagues

Emeritus Professorship at Sabancı University

Emeritus professorship at Sabancı University is an honorary appointment bestowed upon distinguished faculty members who have been of extraordinary service to the university and the society throughout their academic careers, and retire at 68 years of age.  The title is recommended by the Faculty Dean, aproved by the President, and finally ratified by the Board of Trustees.

Emeritus professorship at Sabancı University aims to bolster the concentration of young and extraordinary talent with the wealth of knowledge and experience brought by distinguished professors.  The title also enables retired faculty members to continue prolific scientific efforts and take part in the activities of the university.