Rectors called for meeting in Ankara to assess state of universities related to corona virus

“KADIR HAS University” in Istanbul has announced that it has decided to halt education after the first corona virus case in Turkey. On the other hand, BAHCESEHIR University will continue its courses online. The “Higher Education Board” (YÖK) presidency summoned 207 university rectors to an emergency meeting in Ankara at 18:00 this evening to assess the state of the universities related to the Corona virus.

After the decision of Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the world’s top higher education institutions in the USA, to halt indefinitely due to the virus, Kadir Has University was the first to have a break due to the corona virus in Turkey.

All students and academics at the University were sent home. The doors of the campus were closed to education until March 20. Bahcesehir University decided that students and academics should not come to the campus, and that they should attend the classes live from home. The decision was also reported to students and academic staff.

The MEF University informed its academics to all its employees that departures abroad, including scientific conferences and presentations had been halted. Despite this, academic staff who leave abroad will be quarantined for 14 days and will not be allowed to enter the campus. It was also switched to online education at MEF University.

What will be done regarding all universities will be finalized in the evening by the joint decision of the president of the Higher Education Council, and 207 university rectors. All universities are expected to take holidays.