Directorate of Information Technologies

Mission

Our Directorate closely monitors developments in the field of information technology, operates and enhances our existing systems, and contributes to the research, projects and other activities of our academic staff; facilitating access to information technology so that our students can receive a higher quality education and access the information they require more quickly; streamlining the work of our administrative staff, supporting them with application programmes to ensure that processes are carried out more swiftly, effectively and reliably, and establishing a structure that allows for the verification of accuracy; and fulfilling any other information technology services required by our university.

Vision

To establish an IT and technology infrastructure that provides knowledge-based, cutting-edge technology solutions to ensure our university ranks among the world’s leading institutions; to expand internet coverage for users; to procure licensed software for teaching and learning activities; to develop locally produced software for administrative processes; and to rank among the top institutions in terms of service quality and user satisfaction; and to operate as an organisation that delivers innovative services using new technologies.

Institutional History

Our university was established by Law No. 7141, which entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette dated 18 May 2018 and numbered 30425, with the aim of contributing to the country’s development and progress; the Directorate of Information Technology commenced its activities on that date. In this context, the newly established Directorate of Information Technology set out with a visionary approach, committed to contributing to the university’s achievement of its aims and objectives through the innovations brought by technology, whilst focusing not only on routine IT services but also on activities that create distinction and value.

About Us

Our Directorate continues its work by keeping pace with technological developments and strengthening the University’s IT infrastructure. As part of these efforts, it carries out activities in the fields of software development, systems, networks, cyber security, technical support and administrative processes. With its team of experts, it conducts its work in line with the University’s and the Directorate’s vision, mission and strategic objectives. In particular, to achieve strategic objectives, the Department is making significant efforts to procure the licensed software required by the University, expand internet coverage, integrate new technologies, ensure systems operate seamlessly, manage a data centre in line with current technologies, and maintain uninterrupted IT services.
 

Legal Obligations

Decree-Law No. 124 of 7 October 1983 on the Administrative Organisation of Higher Education Authorities and Institutions, Chapter 7, Article 34: The duties of the Directorate of Information Technology are as follows:

 ∙ To operate the university’s information technology systems; to provide support for education, teaching and research,

 ∙ To provide other information technology services required by the university

Legislative Analysis

The primary legislation defining the legal boundaries of higher education institutions is the Constitution and the Higher Education Act No. 2547, which serves as a framework law. Article 130 of the Constitution states that higher education institutions, “institutions possessing public legal personality and scientific autonomy, comprising various units, which, within a framework based on modern principles of education and teaching, aim to train human resources suited to the needs of the nation and the country by conducting education and teaching at various levels building on secondary education, as well as scientific research, publication and consultancy, and serving the country and humanity.”

Pursuant to the provision of the Constitution stating that “The establishment, organs, and operations of higher education institutions, as well as their elections, duties, powers, and responsibilities, and the use of financial resources, shall be regulated by law,” The following are the principal laws and regulations to which our Presidency is subject and which are applied in the performance of its duties, as set out in Article 12 of the Higher Education Act No. 2547, which was prepared in accordance with this provision and is currently in force:

•    Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data

•    Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications Made on the Internet and the Fight Against Crimes Committed Through Such Publications

•    Regulation on the Procedures and Principles for the Implementation of the Electronic Signature Law

•    Information and Communication Security Guide

•    ULAKBİM Acceptable Use Policy

•    Regulation on Internet Service Providers

•    Circular No. 2007/4 on the “Guidelines for Public Institution Websites

SWOT Analysis    

Strengths

A young and dynamic workforce.

Staff who are open to innovation, team-oriented, dedicated and self-sacrificing.

Experienced team members who are experts in their field and have worked on establishing a campus from scratch.

Well-developed inter-departmental cooperation within the unit.

Senior management’s approach to IT activities.

Being open to innovation in technological and strategic areas.

The existence of an approach based on collective wisdom and participation in decision-making.

The development of our own in-house software in line with the university’s needs and its operation within an integrated structure.

Data centre hosting and system management within our structure being carried out by specialist IT staff.

The establishment, management and support of the campus network topology being carried out by specialist IT staff.         

Cybersecurity activities being carried out by specialist IT staff within our organisation     

The development of good relations with other units both within and outside the university.    

Weaknesses

Insufficient budgetary resources.

Insufficient numbers of specialist staff.

A decline in staff loyalty.    

University staff’s attitude towards IT

Inadequate physical premises and environmental conditions.

Lack of clarity regarding job descriptions and responsibilities due to insufficient staff.

Shortcomings in the use of licensed software, depending on the number of licences and the budget.

Lack of relevant technical staff within faculties and departments to address local IT issues.

Disaster recovery systems not being fully in place.