Istanbul Kültür University carries out various mentoring, counseling, and peer support programs to support students from underrepresented groups. The Orientation Equality Club provides a safe space for individuals with diverse identities and orientations to express themselves and offers mentoring, psychological support referrals, and peer solidarity to its members. In addition, through the Farkındaysan Club, the university supports the active participation of individuals with disabilities in social life and organizes awareness-raising activities.
Orientation Equality Club Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/iku_yonelimesitligi/
Farkındaysan Club Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/iku_farkindaysan/
Istanbul Kültür University considers the psychological, social, and academic support of students and staff from underrepresented groups as an institutional priority. In this context, individual counseling, psychological support, mentoring, and peer support programs are carried out for students and employees.
According to the 2024 activity report of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Application and Research Center (RPD-UAM), the center has conducted extensive work to support the mental health of students and staff. Throughout the year, the center organized individual counseling sessions, psychological resilience workshops, psychoeducation seminars, and group studies. Based on the 2024 performance data, hundreds of students benefited from individual sessions; the most common issues addressed included anxiety management, adjustment processes, academic stress, and identity development. In addition, special support sessions were held for individuals with special needs, students with diverse identities and orientations, and international students. RPD-UAM also provided psychological counseling services to staff members upon request, creating an inclusive support network in line with the principle of confidentiality.
RPDAUM Evidence File Download Link
In addition, the Peer Mentoring Project, coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students – Kültür Noktası, is an institutional support program that has been carried out since the 2017–2018 academic year to facilitate the adaptation of first-year students to university life. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 155 mentor students took part in the program. Second-, third-, and fourth-year students mentor first-year students, supporting them in areas such as academic adaptation, time management, campus facilities, club activities, and psychological resilience. Mentor–mentee pairings are made based on academic departments, and regular meetings lasting seven months ensure strong peer support. In addition, mentor students attend the “Mentorship Training Series” before the program, receiving education on communication, empathy, crisis management, and leadership skills.
Peer Mentoring Project Website: https://kulturnoktasi.iku.edu.tr/tr/kariyer/akran-mentorlugu
Office of the Dean of Students – Kültür Noktası Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/kulturnoktasi/
