KAMPÜSTE ÇEŞİTLİLİK, HAKKANİYET VE KAPSAYICILIK KONUSUNDA ÖĞRENCİ DENEYİMLERİNİ ORTAYA KOYMAK – BİR TÜRK VAKIF ÜNİVERSİTESİ ÖRNEĞİ

Abstract

Bu çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinin kampüs ortamında önyargı, ayrımcılık, dışlanma ve ötekileştirme deneyimlerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bireysel deneyimlere ışık tutarak, bu çalışma mevcut literatüre katkıda bulunmakta ve üniversitelerin daha kapsayıcı ve destekleyici bir kampüs atmosferi oluşturmasına yönelik değerli öneriler sunmaktadır. Çalışma, İstanbul, Türkiye'de bir vakıf üniversitesinde öğrenim gören on uluslararası ve ulusal öğrenciyi içeren odak grup yaklaşımını kullanmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, uluslararası öğrencilere yönelik akademik ve sosyal alanlarda önyargılı tutumlar olduğunu ve bunun onların yabancılaşmasına ve dışlanmasına yol açtığını göstermiştir. Bu ayrımın, dil engelleriyle daha da derinleştiği, uluslararası öğrencilerin derslere ve ilgili aktivitelere katılımını engellediği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, yoğun akademik taleplerin yarattığı stres ve fakülte ile idari personelin mental sağlık sorunları konusunda yeterli bilince sahip olmaması mental sağlık sorunları yaşayan öğrencileri dezavantajlı duruma düşürdüğü belirlenmiştir. Dini ve cinsiyet kimliklerine dayalı dışlanma örnekleri, daha kapsayıcı bir kampüs ortamına duyulan ihtiyacı daha da vurgulamıştır. Araştırma bulguları ile, yeterince temsil edilmeyen öğrenci grupları için eğitim ortamını daha kapsayıcı hale getirmek üzere yükseköğretim kurumlarının politikalarına ışık tutmak ve bu öğrencilerin başarı oranlarını artırmak amacıyla kurumsal uygulamalara rehberlik etmek hedeflenmektedir.

Keywords

• Çeşitlilik
• hakkaniyet
• kapsayıcılık
• yükseköğretim
• uluslararası öğrenciler
• dil engeli

UNVEILING STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH CAMPUS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION – A CASE OF A TURKISH FOUNDATION UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore university students' experiences with bias, discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization within their campus environment. By shedding light on individual experiences, this study contributes to the existing literature on the subject and provides valuable recommendations for universities to foster a more inclusive and supportive campus atmosphere. The study utilized a focus group approach involving ten international and national students at a foundation university in Istanbul, Turkey. Research findings showed biased attitudes towards international students in academic and social realms, leading to their alienation and exclusion. This divide was further amplified by language barriers, hindering international students' engagement in courses and related activities. Equally concerning were mental health issues resulting from rigorous academic demands, which imposed substantial stress and highlighted faculty and staff's inadequate familiarity with mental health concerns. Instances of exclusion based on religious and gender identities further underscored the need for a more inclusive and empathetic campus environment. Research findings can inform policy decisions and guide institutional practices to enhance access, retention, and success rates for marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Keywords

• Diversity
• equity
• ınclusion
• higher education
• ınternational students
• language barrier

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