Academics at private universities faced with insecure work amid constant cost-cutting efforts

Academics at several private universities in Istanbul have been laid off in a series of mass dismissals since January 2024, according to a joint statement issued by eight academic organizations, professional bodies, and unions. At least 446 faculty members were let go between January 1, 2024, and July 8, 2026. The organizations claim the true figure may be even higher, and they describe the layoffs as “systemic, not isolated.” The affected institutions include İstanbul Arel, Maltepe, Beykent, Atlas, İstanbul Aydın, İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl, and İstanbul Gelişim Universities. University administrators have cited reasons such as “surplus staff positions,” economic contraction, department closures, and the expiration of contract terms to justify the dismissals. However, academics argue that staffing levels are being reduced based on financial calculations rather than academic necessity. Dr. Tuğçe Nur Biga, a faculty member at İstanbul Arel University and a board member of the Private Sector Teachers Union, confirmed that around 10 academics, including herself, were terminated. She described the layoff decisions as aligned with the cost and income-expense models used by the universities. Biga emphasized that foundation universities often aim to maintain departments with the smallest possible number of faculty. She noted that academics with more than three faculty members and two research assistants per department can be labeled as “surplus” and subsequently dismissed. She criticized the impact on educational quality, pointing out that while state university instructors are compensated for courses lasting over 10 hours, private sector academics may teach up to 15 to 18 hours weekly without similar remuneration. In the notice sent to Biga, the Arel University Board of Trustees stated, “Your services are no longer needed due to a surplus staff position.” Biga, however, raised several unresolved questions in a lawsuit petition challenging the layoff decision. These included inquiries into the objective criteria used to determine surplus status, the selection process for dismissal, and why she was deemed surplus compared to other faculty members. She also asked for documentation of the board’s decision, including its date and reference number. Dr. Gönül Karabolu, a research assistant at Beykent University, shared similar concerns. Her contract will expire on August 31, and she cited the closure of her department, the suspension of student enrollment for the 2025–2026 academic year, and the completion of her doctoral studies as justifications for the non-renewal of her contract. Karabolu argued that the process extends beyond individual layoff decisions, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for both academics and students. She highlighted the emotional toll on students, many of whom face anxiety about their futures. Some students reportedly had to abandon their studies due to the instability caused by these changes. Karabolu also mentioned that over 60 academics were laid off at Beykent University and speculated that further dismissals might occur under the guise of performance evaluations or departmental restructuring. Regarding legal recourse, Karabolu noted that there appears to be no valid legal justification for the non-renewal of contracts after a certain period. Both Biga and Karabolu expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and fairness in the decision-making process, suggesting that the dismissals reflect broader systemic issues within private universities in Turkey. Their accounts underscore growing concerns about job security and academic integrity in the private sector.