The Guidance and Psychological Counseling (GPC) Program of the Department of Educational Sciences at Ondokuz Mayıs University continues to strengthen its collaborations with external stakeholders as part of its accreditation and continuous improvement efforts. To enhance the developmental areas identified within the program and to increase students’ professional practice opportunities, a comprehensive institutional collaboration process has been initiated with the Atakum Guidance and Research Center (RAM).
In line with the objectives identified during the program’s monitoring and improvement process, including increasing students’ field experience, establishing sustainable partnerships with external stakeholders, and expanding the social impact of institutional activities, an important step has been taken.
On June 11, 2026, the Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Hatice Kumcağız, and the Vice Head of the Department, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nurdan Doğru Çabuker, paid an official visit to Ms. Nuray Kahraman, Director of the Atakum Guidance and Research Center (RAM). During the meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Director Kadir Yıldız and Psychological Counselor Şazile Karagöz, a strategic collaboration framework was discussed to support the professional development of future counselors and strengthen institutional ties.
Bridging Theory and Field Practice
During the highly productive meeting, several concrete decisions and plans were made for implementation in the upcoming academic periods:
• On-Site Training Opportunities at RAM for Students
Beginning next semester, students enrolled in the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Practices in Schools course will be assigned to Atakum RAM as part of their field experience. Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to observe educational assessment, guidance services, and institutional processes firsthand, thereby enhancing their professional competencies and field awareness.
• Bringing Field Expertise to the Traditional GPC Days Event
Discussions were also held regarding the co-organization of the department’s traditional and highly anticipated GPC Days event in collaboration with Atakum RAM. This strong partnership, which aims to bring together academia and professional practice, is expected to increase the event’s social contribution and broader impact.
