Professor Background is Not a Prerequisite for Rectorship Anymore

The title of professor, which was once necessary to be eligible for appointment as a rector at Turkish universities, was nulled in the latest emergency decree.

“The president appoints the rector in state and foundation universities. In universities founded by foundations, the rector is appointed after the Board of Visitors makes an offer. The rector represents the legal entity of the university or the higher technology institute,” the new decree read.

According to the regulation, the president was given the power to choose from three rector candidates determined by Turkey’s Higher Education Board (YÖK) for state universities. However, the president can appoint a rector directly if he does not select one of those presented by YÖK within a month and the body does not present a new candidate, the decree said.