2020
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| ISSUE 10 | January 2020 | |
2020 METU Alumni DayThe traditional METU Alumni Day has been celebrated annually with the participation of METU alumni, faculty members, students, members, and their families since 1991. In the morning of this special day, the alumni get together at METU Culture and Convention Center (METU CCC), and in the afternoon, they meet up again at their departments for various activities. In the traditional medal ceremonies, the alumni, who celebrate their 10th, 20th , 30th, 40th, 45th, 50th and 55th graduation anniversary, are presented their medals. In this regard, the alumni of the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th years are kindly asked to submit a Medal Application Form, which is usually announced in late January so that their names can be engraved on the medals. We believe that our alumni are the best ambassador of METU to the outside world. The success and achievements of our alumni encourage our students. In that sense, we are always proud to see our alumni interacting with our current students and faculty. The alumni who come together once a year on the Alumni Day stay together with our recent alumni network, “ODTÜM”, at anytime and anywhere!For further details please visit our web page. We are looking forward to seeing you for the upcoming METU Alumni Day on June 27, 2020, Saturday.
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Next Generation Wing DesignProfessor Yavuz Yaman and his team from METU Aerospace Engineering Department has developed Turkey’s first task compatible aircraft wings that can change their shapes. The airplane using a deformable wing system was successfully flown within the frame work of a TUBITAK project in partnership with the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI). The new wing design will result in fuel efficiency, environmental friendless and economical flights.
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Professor Gökalp at METUProfessor İskender Gökalp, who is between the researchers returned to Turkey by TÜBİTAK 2232 Scholarship Program to Leader Researchers, continues his research at METU. Professor Gökalp has been performed his studies in France after graduating from ITU Aeronautical Engineering Department. Professor Gökalp and his team continue to support Turkey’s efforts to manufacture domestic engine at METU. |
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The Third METU Speed Networking Meeting HeldThe third “METU Speed Networking” meeting was held in cooperation with the Department of Statistics, METU Career Planning Center and METU Alumni Office on Saturday, December 07, 2019, at Yüksel Proje Building. More than 150 alumni, faculty members, junior, and senior students attended to this special event. We would like to thank the Statistics Department instructors and the students of the Statistics Club for their contribution. We will continue to perform speed networking activities with the participation of our respected alumni and students.
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Burhan Alkar ExhibitionThe exhibition of Burhan Alkar, who is the sculptor of “Space and Youth Monument”, has been opened on December 20, 2019. The monument which became one of the most important icon of our campus is also known as “C Aldım” sculpture. You can visit the exhibition to see the valuable works of Burhan Alkar in the METU CCC Exhibition Hall until January 15, 2020.
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AdımODTÜ Free Dinner for Students at Cafeteria!AdımODTÜ has offered a surprise “New Year’s Dinner” to all METU students in the Cafeteria on December 27, 2019. METU faculty members and staff joined to this special event and had their dinner together with our students. 6000 students have been attended to AdımODTÜ dinner.We would like to thank our donors for making this special event possible.
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Recycling is fun with New Recycling Machines!Recycle machines were installed on our campus within the framework of a joint project of AdımODTÜ and ODTÜDEN. Students can contribute the recycling by disposing of plastic, metal, and glass wastes in the campus. In return, they can collect points and get various gift from ODTÜDEN.
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OpenMETUMETU Open Science Platform, OpenMETU, was built in order to compile the scientific and intellectual outputs produced at our university and to create an open-access to institutional academic archives in accordance with the international standards in order to ensure long-term preservation and continuity of access. In this context, METU Open Science Conference and the opening of OpenMETU (https://open.metu.edu.tr/) was held on December 20, 2019 at METU CCC Hall.
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| ISSUE 11 | February 2020 | |
METU Science and Technology Collection Exhibition Area RenovatedMETU Science and Technology Collection Exhibition Area has been recently renovated and the website of the center has been renewed. The Exhibition Area opens its doors again on February 19, 2020. The following workshops have been recently added in the Exhibition Area. (i) LEGO Makerspace (within the science center thanks to donations from LEGO Education), (ii) Coding and 3D printer workshops (within the Science Workshops building), (iii) Audio Guide for Classic Car Exhibition [through Audio-Visual Systems Research and Production Center (GİSAM) support], You can listen to a sample at the following link: http://bit.ly/2NOIu1s (iv) Göbekli Tepe workshop (within the Science and Technology History Exhibition building), (v) Recycling workshop within the scope of environmental activities. The highly motivated and experienced academic staff at the Science and Society Center serve an annual average of 28,000 K-12 students free of charge. Registrations for the workshops that will be held throughout the spring semester will start on February 10, 2020.
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METU’s Recycling Application Makes Recycling FunThe new recycling program on campus makes recycling at Middle East Technical University both attractive and fun. With the goal of recycling plastic, metal, and glass waste, the program aims to increase the number of recycling booths, the first of which have been placed in front of the Department of Basic English, the ODTÜDEN Store, and the dormitory area. For more information please visit the website.
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TÜBA-GEBİP Award to Asst. Prof. Batur ErcanAssistant Professor Batur Ercan from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering has been selected as one of 28 people to receive the award, which was is within the framework of the Turkish Academy of Sciences Outstanding Young Scientists Award Program. Asst. Prof. Batur Ercan received the TÜBA-GEBİP Award for his research on biomaterials and tissue engineering. His research aims to control cellular functions by changing the surface properties of implants, i.e., surface chemistry, morphology, roughness, etc., placed into the body to interact with tissues. For further information you can visit our website.
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Bio-mechanical Research Team Applies for PatentAssoc. Prof. Ulaş Yaman and his team, who developed solutions to eliminate the need to use special support structures used in the production of complex parts of 3D printers, has applied for a patent.
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“Science is Life” on TRT Radio 1METU Science Communication Team prepared a science program in cooperation with Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) to be broadcasted on Radio 1. The program, airing with the name “Science is Life”, was created by METU faculty and students using the GİSAM studio. The radio program aims to present the joyful and playful nature of science to impact the multitude of parts of society by providing examples from daily life. You can listen to the program every Monday on TRT Radio 1 (93.3). You can also listen to the podcast of the show using the following link: |
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Science at HomeThe METU Science Communication Team (METU-SCT) and Pergamon Production have recently produced a science and technology television show with engaging content. The show was filmed on the METU campus and was hosted by Cengiz Eşiyok and METU students, who are the winners of the competition organized by METU-SCT. You can access all episodes of the first season from the following site: https://www.trt.tv/belgesel/bilimin-ev-hali (in Turkish)
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ODTÜDEN for KidsThe ODTÜDEN store expanded its product range for newborns and children. There are many new pieces for little METU fans that you will love in the ODTÜDEN store. Please do not hesitate to visit their campus store or their website for online shopping.
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ODTÜLÜToday, games play an increasingly important role both in adult education and child development. But what role will it have with humanity at the point where it has come today, as we move on to the next step of civilization? In this 67th issue, ODTÜLÜ focuses on such humans and brings together articles that will support our understanding of the game concept and our changing, transforming world.
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| ISSUE 12 | March 2020 | |
2020 Memorial Medal Request Applications StartedMETU Alumni Day will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm with various activities in METU. The 2020 Memorial Medal Application Form is now available on our website mezun.metu.edu.tr . Alumni celebrating their 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th graduation anniversaries are invited to fill out the form to apply for Memorial Medals. The medals for those alumni celebrating their 45th, 50th, 55th, and 60th graduation anniversaries will be automatically prepared without their request. However, we recommend that all alumni confirm that their names are on the list of Memorial Medal Application Form and, in case of any problem, please contact us via mezun@metu.edu.tr . The program details of the Day and Memorial Medal Ceremony will be announced on our website soon. We will be pleased to welcome you at METU on Alumni Day.
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In this issue:
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Project Grant of 13 Million Euros for METUThe Ministry of Industry and Technology’s Competitive Sectors Program, now in its second phase, has funded two projects at METU. This funding is within the scope of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which is co-funded by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey.
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Magnificent Cold: Antarctic and Arctic ExpeditionsAssist.Prof. Korhan Özkan was the guest of the Science Café interviews on 19 February 2020. Korhan Özkan participated in three expeditions to the North Pole and two to Antarctica, both for the purpose of conducting ecological research. In Turkey, he continues these studies in high altitude lake ecosystems that have features similar to polar ecosystems. You can get more detailed information on the link below to watch his talk about “Magnificent Cold: Antarctica and North Pole Expeditions.”
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Horizon 2020 eNOTICE Project “Serious Game” from METU TeamThe METU Team of Horizon 2020 eNOTICE Project has designed a “serious game” for places such as hospitals and disaster areas, aiming to educate both officials and the wider public in cases of any biological weapons use, epidemics or disasters.
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Laser Assisted Small Pyramid ProductionThe “Laser Assisted Surface Texturing for Silicon-Based Solar Cells” method, developed by Assist. Prof. Selçuk Yerci and his team, decreases the cost – while increasing the efficiency – of silicon solar cells. The new method allows for damages during the wire cutting process to be eliminated without the need for chemical etching. In order to eliminate the cutting damage area, laser beam scanning is performed on the washers instead of a standard abrasion. Vertical pyramids of controlled dimensions are produced with the surface etching process following the same laser scanning process.
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METU Alumni Europe Gathering“METU Alumni Europe Gathering” will be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on May 1st and 2nd 2020! The program will kick off with a historic city walking tour on Friday May 1st afternoon, and will continue on Saturday May 2nd with a boat tour through the Amsterdam canals, followed by dinner. If you’re interested, please check out below link and register before 31st March 2020!
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Alumni Discount at METU CyprusTo produce METU graduates who are equipped to help the world, METU Northern Cyprus Campus offers a 20% discount on tuition fees for children of METU alumni.
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METU Career FairMETU Career Fair was held at the METU Culture and Congress Center (CCC) on February 27-28, 2020 with 70 important participants from the private sector, public and foundations. The AR-GE, BEST, GGT, IEEE and VT communities also contributed to the fair organized by the METU Career Planning Application and Research Center (CPARC). Nearly 3000 students and alumni had the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings, learn about job and internship positions and share their resumes through stand visits. Private interview rooms designed and developed by the METU CPARC at the fair were used by our students for the first time in the “Career Booth” CCC exhibition hall. These Career Booths enabled participating companies to carry out more productive interviews with our students.
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Science and Technology WeekMETU Science and Technology Collection Exhibition Area awaits its visitors with its renewed face. Various events were organized within the scope of the Science and Technology Week. For detailed information, please visit their webpage .
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AdımODTÜ Free Movie Screening NightAdımODTÜ held the eighth free movie screening event on the evening of February 18, 2020 in the U3 Lecture Hall in the Physics Department. Nearly 400 METU students attended the free movie event where the Joker movie was shown.
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AdımODTÜ Undergraduate Research ProjectsAdımODTÜ created a fund to support the research efforts of undergraduate students through donations. This year, nearly 100 applications were made to our project proposal call and 57 undergraduate research projects were found worthy of support by the jury. The undergraduate research projects to be supported by AdımODTÜ this year can be accessed at https://adimodtu.org.tr/pdf/SupportedProjects-2020.pdf. To support the undergraduate research projects, you can visit the link below.
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| ISSUE 13 | April 2020 | |
Online Distance Education at METUThe precautionary measures regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) implemented at our university have been taken and are being updated in accordance with the recommendations and guidance provided by the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health, and through constant interaction with these institutions. Initially, the online distance education process began with various projects and programs conducted without compromising the quality of education, especially during this crucial early period. This distance education process, which started on March 23, 2020 in the Spring Semester of Pre-School, Associate, Undergraduate and Graduate courses in the 2019-2020 Academic Year, continues via both asynchronous and synchronous instruction. In the asynchronous course option, lecture notes, PPT presentations, reading files, assignments and other resources are presented weekly through the ODTÜClass system, and asynchronous interactive discussions can be held with students through the ODTÜClass forum service. In the synchronous course option; the Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom and BigBlueButton applications are supported, which can log up to 100 people at the same time. Academic staff members and students will be able to get assistance about online education at the following website https://its.metu.edu.tr/uzaktanegitim/en/. On this website, there are tools for faculty members to render their courses appropriate for online education, resources and answers to frequently-asked questions.
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AdımODTÜ Internet ScholarshipMETU switched to online distance education during coronavirus closure.Connected to this, we would like to provide an internet scholarship, for 3 months at 75 TL per month, to 1,200 METU students who are in need of support and who will continue their spring term via online education. Support will primarily be provided to students who receive a meal and a dormitory scholarship. If donations increase, our other students will also be supported. You can support the project via https://adimodtu.org.tr/proje/odtu-internet- and send your messages to our students if you wish.
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Precautions Taken at METUThe precautionary measures regarding the Coronavirus have been, and are continuing to be implemented very carefully at our University since the very beginning of the pandemic. All the regulations at our University regarding the Coronovirus are being renewed according to the unfolding circumstances here, with the specific purpose of minimizing physical interaction among individuals. Every regulation that related to the activities of our shared areas of use in this particular situation is made by taking into consideration the number of staff who are still working at this period. In this context, primarily the Dormitories, Triple Amphitheater, Yüksel Project Amphitheater, Culture and Convention Center, Cafeteria, Social Building, Garages, Main Cafeteria, Library, Sports Halls, Society and Science Center Buildings, and all Buses have been disinfected.In addition, sanitizer devices are being installed in all buildings within the campus, and information regarding the necessity of cleaning the common areas and classes is already being regularly sent to all our units.
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Informational Note about COVID-19METU Science Communication Team has posted a youtube video with Assist. Prof. Müslüm İlgü, from the Department of Biological Sciences of METU,about the Coronavirus. Dr. İlgü briefly gives the answers of the main questions such as: where are the viruses found, how do they spread into our bodies, what distinguishes Coronavirus from the others, and who are most affected by the Coronavirus,among others.
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“Donut Language”You can start talking English any time with “Donut Language”, developed by instructor Jason Steinberg, METU Department of Modern Languages, and Orçun Çevrim,
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METU Press on “Teacher Library”Children’s books published by METU Press (Publishing) can be accessed from the “Teacher Library”, in cooperation with METU and Ministry of National Education. All teachers can immediately download the application from their Android or iOS phones and start reading.
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METU Design Factory against COVID19METU Design Factory, like all the constituents of our university, is rapidly working towards solutions that could help the global community, especially healthcare professionals, in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Towards this purpose, the METU Design Factory Team has developed solutions that can be easily manufactured and customized if necessary. Our current plan is to deliver this protective equipment to healthcare personnel as fast as possible. All designs and manufacturing details for these solutions are accessible at the link below. Rapid prototyping or simple hand tools can be used to manufacture these models. You are more than welcome to contact us if you need more information or to offer help.
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| ISSUE 14 | May 2020 | |
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Dear Members, Alumni and Friends, I deeply hope that you, your families and your loved ones are safe and well. METU faces serious challenges from the global pandemic. All precautionary measures regarding the Coronavirus implemented at our university are being taken and updated in accordance with the recommendations and guidance provided by the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health, and through constant interaction with these institutions. In line with the Council of Higher Education’s guidance about Coronavirus and in common with other Turkish universities, METU has suspended all face to face teaching. Instruction in the Basic English Department and all associate degree, undergraduate and graduate courses has been carried out via distance education since 23 March 2020. METU is undertaking a collective effort to respond to COVID-19 in many different ways. We have combined all of our science, technology, and research capabilities and experiences to address the direct and indirect aspects of Coronavirus. You can follow our scientific efforts against the pandemic As the president of METU, please allow me to thank our faculty members and staff doing their best to encourage our students to continue learning and moving forward. And finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our alumni for keeping the METU spirit alive and maintaining our solidarity in these difficult times. Dear METU Family, Please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to the day when we all return to our beautiful campus. Hope to see you soon at METU. Best Regards, Prof. Mustafa Verşan Kök President |
In this issue:
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METU Ranked in Top 10 in THE Impact RankingsAccording to the Impact Rankings 2020 results announced by the world universities ranking institution Times Higher Education (THE), METU has become the university with the best results among the Turkish universities, taking place in the top 10 in the title of “clean water and sanitation”.
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Prof. Haluk Külah and his Team Awarded “ERC-2020-PoC”GrantThe project called “New Generation Hearing Implants”, directed by Prof. Haluk Külah from the METU Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and his team, was awarded as the only grant from Turkey within the scope of the “ERC-2020-PoC” call. The aim of the Project is to eliminate the downsides to creating the first fully implantable, low-power, energy-harvesting next generation cochlear implant that mimics the natural hearing mechanism of the ear.
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Chloroquine against Covid-19METU scientists synthesized chloroquine, previously used for the malaria METU scientists also announced that they would be able to produce larger
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Vaccination Studies against Covid-19You can reach the information given by Prof. Mayda Gürsel from the
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METU GÜNAM Granted for “Turkish Photovoltaic Technologies Platform” ProjectThe “Turkish Photovoltaic Technologies Platform” Project submitted by METU GÜNAM (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications), together with 8 other national partners to the “Call for High Technology Platforms,” opened within the scope of the TÜBİTAK Center of Excellence Support Program (1004 Program), has been accepted and passed to the next stage.
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2020 METU Alumni Day PostponedMETU Alumni Day, which we announced to be held on June 27, 2020, has been postponed to a later date by our University within the “Measures Taken with the New Coronavirus (COVID-19)”. In line with the unfolding developments over the coming months, the new date to be determined for 2020 METU Alumni Day will be shared with you on our website, social media accounts and mail list. Thank you once again for your understanding and support for the measures taken during the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. We hope to meet face to face with all our graduates on Alumni Day.
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Online Live University Promotion for High School StudentsMiddle East Technical University started delivering live online
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METU Zero Waste Unit Placed 2013 Waste Collection BoxesZero Waste Unit, established in 2019 within the METU Directorate of Administrative and Financial Affairs, has started to work on the establishment of the Zero Waste Management System and placed waste collection bins at various points throughout the campus. The aim of the initiative is to reach the highest level of benefits at the lowest cost in the various processes of waste reduction, separation at the source, temporary storage, collection, transportation and processing by using the Zero Waste Management System. METU aims to obtain the Basic Zero Waste Certificate by completing the installation of the Zero Waste Management System by 31 December 2020.
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AdımODTÜ Internet Scholarship ProjectWithin the scope of “AdımODTÜ Internet Scholarship Project”, we have started providing scholarships to our students who need internet. We would like to express our gratitude to all METU graduates and friends who have supported the initiative.
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| ISSUE 15 | June 2020 | |
Happy METU Day!This year we are celebrating the 64th anniversary of the establishment of METU. Middle East Technical University was founded under the name “Orta Doğu Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü” (Middle East High Technology Institute) on November 15th, 1956 to contribute to the development of Turkey and Middle Eastern countries, with the specific goal of training people so as to create a skilled workforce in the fields of natural and social sciences. “Arrangements and Procedures as for the Foundation of METU, Law No 6887” was enacted on January 29th, 1957. Finally, the “Foundation Act No 7307”, which sets forth the particular standing of METU and describes the conditions rendering METU as a juridical entity, was enacted on May 27th, 1959. Therefore, we celebrate the 27th of May as METU Day and hold a special ceremony in its honor. In the first section of our METU Day celebrations, we present METU Outstanding Service and Appreciation Awards in the KKM Kemal Kurdaş Hall. In the second part of the ceremony, Turan Baskan Service and Incentive Awards are given to the administrative staff of our university. The Service Plaques are presented to our retired academic and administrative staff who have given service to our university for 20 years, and Service Documents are given to our members who have completed 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20 service years at METU. 2020 METU Day celebrations are planned to be held on the Opening Day of the 2020-2021 Academic Year because of the continuing COVID-19 precautions.
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AdımODTÜ Internet ScholarshipWe initiated the “AdımODTÜ Internet Scholarship Project” to provide
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Undergraduate Program WebcastsWe continue to promote our undergraduate programs online through our official Youtube account (Youtube.com/middleastechuniv) as part of the distance learning process we began on March 23, 2020, undertaken with valuable support from our departments. You can find the presentations made so far below. We kindly ask for your valuable support in delivering this information to students preparing for the university entrance exam and to their families around you.
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METU Science Communication TeamA webinar on “Designing Games that Resonate with Learners and Learning” was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 9.30 pm (US time at 2.30 pm), with the organization of METU GİSAM President Prof. Dr. Kürşat Çağıltay and Researcher Dr. Çiğdem Uz Bilgin from MIT Eğitim Arcade/Yıldız Technical University, in cooperation with METU Science Communication Group. Prof. Eric Kopfler, Head of Comparative Media Studies and Writing, and Director of Scheller Teacher Education Program and The Education Arcade of MIT, attended the webinar as the speaker. The webinar was broadcasted in English and in Turkish.
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METU at First GlanceHow many students are studying at METU? What is the capacity of our dormitories? How many laboratories, lecture halls, and classrooms are there? You can discover METU at first glance prepared by the METU Institutional Development and Planning Office, (IDPO) to find answers to all such questions you may have. Please click the link below for more information.
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Three Awards to the METU Team from the 23rd IBECCThe student team of Prof. Semra Aşcıgil, the faculty member of the Department of Business Administration at METU, won first and first runner up prizes in the prize category “graduate division” of the 23rd International Business Ethics Case Competition (IBECC), which was initially planned to be held in Boston between April 22-24, 2020 but was untimately held as a virtual competition due to the epidemic.
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My METU Short Film/Video CompetitionThe deadline for applications to the My METU Short Film/Video Competition 2020 has been extended until 1 September 2020. A new theme, We Missed METU, has also been added to our competition to account for the COVID-19 epidemic. From the eyes of alumni, employees, and students of METU, we want to leave films as an inheritance to the future in such categories as comedy, thriller, memory, documentary, and promotion, etc. reflecting the METU culture/spirit.
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ODTÜDENODTÜDEN web site is now ready for shopping online with its renewed interface. You can find brand new and restocked products and make donations for scholarships via AdımODTÜ & ODTÜDEN’s collaboration. For further information please visit ODTÜDEN.
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