Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
SDG 11.2.1. Public access to buildings
Istanbul Okan University provides public access to various buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes of cultural significance. The university's campus features several buildings, open spaces, and green areas that reflect its commitment to creating a culturally rich and inclusive environment. These spaces are designed to support community engagement and enhance the cultural experience for both students and the visitors. The university often hosts events, exhibitions, and guided tours to make these facilities accessible and to promote cultural and educational activities.
SDG 11.2.2. Public access to libraries
After submitting an application, all students, academicians, and proprietors of student ID cards are granted unrestricted access to all libraries and learning resources.
SDG 11.2.3. Public access to museums
All applicants who have been evaluated by the administration are eligible to access exhibition spaces, galleries, and/or works of art and artefacts.
SDG 11.2.4. Public access to green spaces
Istanbul Okan University offers unrestricted public access to its green areas and open spaces. The campus is intended to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring a variety of public recreational areas, gardens, and parks. The purpose of these areas is to foster community interaction, relaxation, and well-being, and they are available to both students and visitors at no cost. The university's dedication to sustainability and community engagement is evident in its endeavours to preserve and distribute these verdant spaces to the general public.
SDG 11.2.5. Arts and heritage contribution
Through a variety of cultural events and public performances, Istanbul Okan University actively supports the local arts scene. The university consistently hosts annual performances by its choirs, theatre groups, orchestras, and dance ensembles, which serve to promote cultural engagement within the community and showcase the talents of its students. These events are accessible to the public and provide a forum for artistic expression, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of the local area. The local arts and culture are significantly supported and enhanced by Istanbul Okan University through these initiatives.
A design workshop was held with the students of Okan College
As the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Architecture, we decorated our upcoming exhibition titled “Notes from the Century of the Republic,” which will open on November 7, 2023, together with the students of Okan College.
The students' original designs will be on display at the Bekir Okan Culture, Art, and Congress Center throughout the exhibition.
Lozan Conference and Exhibition on its 100th Anniversary
The 100th Anniversary Lausanne Conference and Exhibition, jointly organized by our Faculty of Visual Communication Design and the Department of International Relations in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, took place on October 26, 2023.
Notes from the Century of the Republic” Exhibition Opened
The third exhibition of the Republic series, organized annually by our faculty, was inaugurated on November 8, 2023, at the Bekir Okan Culture, Art, and Congress Center. The exhibition is accompanied by a selection from the newspaper archives of Prof. Dr. Semih Baskan dated October 29. "Notes from the Century of the Republic" will be on display until December 8, 2023.
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SDG 11.2.6. Record and preserve cultural heritage
Istanbul Okan University is committed to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage by conducting a variety of projects that are designed to document and protect local folklore, traditions, language, and cultural knowledge. The university is actively involved in community-based initiatives and research that investigate and document the region's rich cultural heritage, which includes the traditions and narratives of displaced communities. The objective of these endeavours is to guarantee that valuable cultural assets are not lost, but rather preserved and passed on to future generations, thereby contributing to the broader cultural sustainability and diversity of the local and regional communities.
SDG 11.4.1. Sustainable practices targets
Istanbul Okan University is actively engaged in the measurement and establishment of targets to encourage the adoption of more sustainable commuting options. The university promotes the use of public transportation, carpooling, shuttle buses, and walking and cycling, in addition to non-motorized transportation. Furthermore, the university advocates for the implementation of environmentally favourable transportation alternatives, including electric vehicles. Istanbul Okan University endeavours to diminish its ecological footprint and improve the sustainability of commuting for students, faculty, and staff by means of these endeavours.
SDG 11.4.2. Promote sustainable commuting
Istanbul Okan University undertakes various actions to promote sustainable commuting. The university provides shuttle buses for students and staff, ensuring an affordable and eco-friendly transportation option. Additionally, it offers dedicated bicycle parking and storage facilities to encourage cycling on campus. The university has implemented a pedestrian-friendly campus layout and supports ride-sharing programs to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use. Furthermore, Istanbul Okan University promotes the use of electric vehicles by providing charging stations and offers preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Istanbul Okan University - Transportation Options
SDG 11.4.3. Allow remote working
Istanbul Okan University promotes remote working and telecommuting for its employees as a matter of policy, especially for roles where it is feasible. The university also offers flexible working arrangements, such as condensed working weeks, to reduce the need for daily commuting and support a more sustainable work environment. These initiatives aim to improve employee well-being, reduce commuting-related carbon emissions, and contribute to the university’s sustainability goals.
It is stated in Article 27 of the Administrative Staff Directive
SDG 11.4.4. Affordable housing for employees
At the Staff Dormitory long-term or short-term accommodation is provided by a small rent to all applicants on the basis of availability.
SDG 11.4.5. Affordable housing for students
Our dormitories are located within Istanbul Okan University Tuzla Campus and have a capacity of 1334 beds; It consists of 5 separate buildings, 3 girls' dormitories and 2 boys' dormitories. 5 minutes to all faculty buildings. Dinner is included in the dormitory fee 5 days a week (except public holidays) in our dormitories located within walking distance.
Within the dormitory buildings, there are study rooms, a laundry room that our students can use free of charge, an ironing room, a prayer room, wired and wireless Internet access, and 24-hour hot water service.
In all dormitories, the counselling staff and administrative staff working on a 24-hour shift system take into account the students' problems and suggestions and try to provide a peaceful and safe environment for our students.
All dormitory buildings are located on the campus area, and the campus and dormitories are monitored by Istanbul Okan University's security team and 24-hour camera system. In addition, there are nurses and ambulances in our dormitories 24/7 and health services are provided when necessary.
Cinema days, theatre performances, football, volleyball and basketball courts in the common area of the dormitories are among the services provided free of charge to our students for their social activities.
All dormitory rooms and common areas, which are student living areas, are cleaned by experienced staff.
In our dormitories, our students are offered accommodation in rooms ranging from 1-2-3 and 4-person standards. Within the dormitory rooms; There is a bathroom, WC, mini & midi type refrigerator, telephone, desk, wardrobes and plasma TV.
In addition to free use of our fully equipped sports center and swimming pool, our students also have the opportunity to use our on-campus car parks free of charge by providing the required documents.
Istanbul Okan University Psychological Counseling and Education Center (OPDEM), also located on our campus, tries to assist and guide our students in need with psychological counseling and guidance services.
Thanks to Istanbul Okan University dormitories, which are 10 minutes away from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, students coming from outside the city can have the chance to reach their dormitories in a very short time. Our campus, which can also be accessed by public transportation, also provides ring transportation on certain routes and times, as announced during the academic year.
SDG 11.4.6. Pedestrian priority on campus
Istanbul Okan University prioritises pedestrian access on its campus. The university has instituted a pedestrian-friendly campus layout that includes designated walkways, pathways, and green spaces. This layout is designed to promote secure and convenient mobility for students and staff by encouraging walking. This method not only improves accessibility but also fosters a more sustainable and healthful campus environment.
SDG 11.4.7. Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development
Istanbul Okan University collaborates with local authorities to address planning and development issues, including efforts to ensure that local residents have access to affordable housing. The university actively participates in initiatives and discussions with municipal leaders to contribute to community development and address the housing needs of the surrounding population. This partnership reflects the university's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable community engagement.
SDG 11.4.8. Planning development - new build standards
Istanbul Okan University constructs new buildings to sustainable standards. The university adheres to national and international guidelines, including those set by organizations. These standards focus on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly design practices, ensuring that new developments align with the university's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In Turkey, certification of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System is mandatory. The establishment of an ISO 50001 Energy Management System is mandatory for public buildings, commercial and service buildings, electricity generation facilities, industrial sites, and organised industrial zones by the end of 2023.
