UNIVERSITY OF TURKISH AERONAUTICAL ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS ON GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND EXAMINATION SECTION 1

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1 UNIVERSITY OF TURKISH AERONAUTICAL ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS ON GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND EXAMINATION Purpose, Scope, Basis and Definitions Purpose SECTION 1 ARTICLE 1 (1) The purpose of this Regulation is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding graduate studies and examinations provided by the institutes of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association. Scope ARTICLE 2 (1) This Regulation comprises the provisions concerning graduate programs provided by the institutes of the Rectorate of University of Turkish Aeronautical Association. Basis ARTICLE 3 (1) This Regulation was drawn up based on the Article 14 of the Higher Education Act No dated November 4th, Definitions ARTICLE 4 (1) Wherever the following terms appear in this document, they shall be taken to refer to: a) ECTS: European Credit Transfer System, b) ALES: Academic Personnel and Graduate Study Exam, c) Department: Relevant department in institutes, d) Department of Art: Relevant art department in institutes, e) DYK: Doctoral qualifying committee, f) Institute committee: Relevant institute committee, g) Institute: Institutes of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, h) GMAT: The international Graduate Management Admission Test, i) GRE: Graduate Record Examination, j) IELTS: International English Language Testing System, k) Concerned head of department: Head of department/department of art/division, l) Director: Directors of institutes providing education under the university, m) ÖYP: Teaching Staff Training Program, n) Rector: The Rector of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, o) Senate: The Senate of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, p) TİK: Thesis Monitoring Committee, q) TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language, r) ÜDS: Interuniversity Foreign Language Examination, s) University: The University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, t) YDS: Foreign Language Proficiency Examination, u) YÖK: Higher Education Board.

2 SECTION TWO Admission, Registration and Re-registration Procedures Admission ARTICLE 5 (1) Candidates apply to the concerned institute for graduate programs together with the required documents within the date of application specified in the announcement. Original documents or copies certified by the institute are accepted in the application. Regarding compulsory military service and criminal records, the process proceeds based on the candidate s written declaration. (2) Applications of graduate programs are required to hold an undergraduate diploma; those applying for doctoral or qualification in art program are required to hold an undergraduate and/or thesis master s degree. Applicants graduated from different undergraduate fields can be subject to scientific preparatory program by departments. (3) If the applicant has studied abroad, a certificate of equivalence given by the Higher Education Board is required. (4) In order to be eligible for thesis master s program, candidates are to hold a minimum score of 55 from ALES based on the score type or an equivalent score from GMAT or GRE specified by YÖK. ALES score isn t required for non-thesis master s program. (5) In order to be eligible for doctoral programs, candidates must hold a minimum score of 55 from ALES based on the score type if they have a master s degree, and a minimum score of 80 from ALES based on the score type if they have an undergraduate degree, and they are required to have 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 or an equivalent score. (6) In order to be eligible for programs of proficiency in art, the applicants must hold an undergraduate or graduate degree, the applicants with master s degree are required to hold minimum score of 55 from verbal part of ALES, the applicants with an undergraduate degree are required to hold minimum score of 80 from verbal part of ALES, and a minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 or an equivalent score. However, ALES isn t required for student admission to faculties of fine art and conservatories. (7) ALES scores obtained are valid for the period of three years. However, ALES scores are not demanded from those who apply to doctoral programs maximum one semester after they finish their master s program or they are discharged. (8) The candidates applying to doctoral programs and proficiency in art programs are required to hold the minimum language proficiency score as determined by the Interuniversity Council. (9) Student admission to doctoral programs are carried out by taking into account undergraduate and/or master s CGPA, ALES score, results of interview and score of language proficiency exam. (10) Student admission to thesis master s programs is carried out by taking into account CGPA and ALES score. In Department of Fine Arts, CGPA and the score of entrance exam are evaluated for student admissions. (11) Students admission in non-thesis master s programs is carried out by taking into account CGPA.

3 (12) ALES score type for thesis programs are specified upon the decision of the relevant institute and the approval of Senate. Admission to scientific preparation program ARTICLE 6 (1) Applicants who are admitted to Master s or doctoral programs but who have been graduated from different field programs than the one they applied for can be subject to the Scientific Preparatory Program with the purpose of making them gain the required field knowledge. (2) Students who are admitted to Scientific Preparatory Program for Master s degree take courses from the undergraduate program and students who are admitted to Scientific Preparatory Program for doctoral program take courses from Master s program. Scientific preparation isn t applied in the distance learning non-thesis master s programs. The scientific preparatory courses taken for graduate programs don t substitute for the courses required to complete the relevant graduate program. (3) The period of Scientific Preparatory Program is one calendar year at most. The time spent in this program cannot be added to the period of master s or doctoral program declared in the Regulation on condition that it doesn t exceed one year. (4) Regarding the scientific preparatory program in graduate programs, attendance, exams, course grades, success requirements and other matters are conducted as per the provisions of this Regulation. (5) Students cannot take courses from the master s or doctoral program they are accepted during scientific preparatory program. (6) Students who continue their education in scientific preparatory program cannot suspend their education with the reason of military duty. Admission of Special Students ARTICLE 7 (1) Students or graduates of a higher education institution who wish to further their knowledge in a specific field are admitted as special students with the approval of the Executive Board of the institute. Students who are admitted as special students can take maximum 50% of the total credits in graduate program. (2) Special students cannot benefit from the rights of the students and cannot conduct thesis work or term project; however they are bound to fulfill their obligations to the University and the related institute and also to obey all the conditions of the courses they take. Special students are not given a diploma or a degree but they are given a document showing the courses they have enrolled in and their grades on these courses. Their status of being a student is stated in this document. (3) In case a special student is admitted to a graduate program according to the provisions of this Regulation, the courses s/he has taken as a special student can be exempted for the courses in graduate program upon the written application of the student and the approval of the Executive Board of the relevant institute. Admission of Foreign Students

4 ARTICLE 8 (1) The foreign students are required to hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree from higher education institutions in Turkey or a higher education institution abroad deemed equivalent by YÖK and to meet the requirements within the quota, principles and procedures determined by the Executive Board of the relevant institute. Foreign students are admitted to graduate programs within the framework of the principles set by YÖK and the decision of the Executive Board of the institute after taking the positive opinion of the head of department they apply for the graduate program. (2) Foreign students are obliged to give certified Turkish translation of BA or MA certificate of graduation and transcripts together with the original documents, a document indicating their Turkish proficiency taken from Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching, Research and Application Center (TÖMER) or an equivalent institution in application. The candidates applying for the programs conducted in foreign languages aren t requested to submit a Turkish proficiency document. (3) Foreign students receiving government scholarship and agreement students coming via the protocol signed with the government of the Republic of Turkey, bilateral agreement, European Union Harmonization Program and student exchange programs are accepted to the program without seeking any other condition. Admission through Transfer ARTICLE 9 (1) Transfer of the student successfully completed minimum a semester in the department of another institute within the university or in a graduate program of another higher education institution can be possible. (2) Transfer between thesis and non-thesis master s programs is only possible at the end of the second semester at the latest upon the application of student, suggestion of head of institute department and the decision of the Institute s Executive Board. The period spent in the registered program substitutes for the period in the transfer program. In transfers between thesis and nonthesis master s programs, among the courses taken in the registered program, those deemed valid also in the new program are indicated in the transcript as the courses taken in the new program. The student whose transfer application has been approved is liable to meet the requirements of the new program. Registration and Re-registration ARTICLE 10 (1) The admission list of the students to graduate programs finalizes upon the decision of the Institute s Executive Board and announced by the institute. Registration procedures are carried out within the time specified by the institute and as per the principles. Candidates failing to register within the specified time forfeit the right to be student. Candidates in the waiting list are announced and admitted instead of those candidates. (2) Students have to re-register at the beginning of each semester until they graduate from their program. Academic Calendar ARTICLE 11 (1) Academic calendar of graduate programs is determined by the University Senate ach year.

5 Courses, credits and credit transfer ARTICLE 12 (1) Every institute prepares its catalogue together with the content of the courses given upon the approval of the board of department /division. (2) In each semester, graduate courses and their lecturers are decided by the Executive Board of the institute upon the written opinion of the academic board of department /division. With the reasoned suggestion of department /division and the approval of the Executive Board of the institute, lecturers holding their PhD degree and those working in another higher education institution can be assigned as the lecturers of the courses. Other units of the University and also those out of the University can be assigned to give lecture in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary fields upon the decision of Executive Board of the institute if deemed necessary. (3) In departments of the institute without undergraduate programs, academic committee is composed of the lecturers teaching in that department /division. (4) The number of students required for a course to be offered is determined by the Executive Board of the institute. In case the number of students registered is below the determined number, those students can take another course with the approval of the Executive Board of the institute by considering their choices for the available courses they have already taken. (5) The credit value of a graduate course is the sum of all of its weekly theoretical course hours and half of the weekly hours of laboratory of practice. (6) The credits taken by students from the courses belonging to the department/division they are registered among those they have taken from another higher education institutions here/abroad in the last three years before registering to the institute can be deemed valid for the program they have been enrolled with the approval of the Executive Board of the institute and upon the suggestion of the relevant head of the department. (7) Within the framework of exchange programs, graduate courses taken from higher education institutions here and abroad are indicated on the transcript of the student together with its code, name, credit and ECTS. However, the credits of equivalent courses in the program substitute for the compulsory credits. (8) Credit values of graduate courses and which courses will be non-credit are determined with the decision of the institute board. (9) A student can take maximum three courses from another department /division of the institute or from other institute of the University or different higher education institutions upon the approval of the Executive Board of the institute. Compulsory Attendance ARTICLE 13 (1) Students are required to participate in 70% of the theoretical courses and 80% of practical courses. Attendance of students is monitored by the lecturer of the course. Excuse and Leave

6 ARTICLE 14 (1) Students with medical report or an excuse acceptable by the Executive Board of the institute are considered as on leave of absence within the specified period during the time of report or in accordance with the excuse on condition that they inform within the three work days as of the termination of their medical report. Students on the leave cannot attend the courses or take the exams during that period. (2) Students who cannot meet the attendance criteria including the leaves granted may take that course again. (3) Students who can t take the midterm exams because of leave are taken to make-up exam. Students who can t take proficiency exam because of leave take the proficiency exam in the next semester. (4) Students who can t continue their education due to such reasons as military service, education abroad, assignment abroad, a disease documented with a long-term medical report are considered not to use the rights of being student in the semesters specified by the Executive Board of the institute according to these periods. SECTION THREE Performance of Graduate Education, Courses, Examinations and Evaluation Responsibility of the heads of departments ARTICLE 15 (1) The heads of the departments are responsible to the institute for the implementation and execution of graduate education related to their departments. Assignment of faculty members ARTICLE 16 (1) For the implementation of graduate programs, the Executive Board of the institute assigns lecturers among professors, associate and assistant professors from the related department/division or among professors associate and assistant professors from other departments / divisions that have the same qualifications or if found necessary from another department/division or from another institute of higher education. Lecturers outside the institutes of higher education may also be assigned among people who are experts in their fields or who have worked as senior officials. Available courses ARTICLE 17 (1) In case the number of students registered is below the number determined by the Executive Board of the institute, this course can t be available and the students registered for that course is granted five days as of the first day of the semester in order to register for a currently available course. Examinations and evaluation

7 ARTICLE 18 (1) Students are taken to final exam and/or semester project evaluation in addition to midterm and/or studies conducted during the term. Examination program determined by the relevant department/division is announced by the relevant head of the department after being approved by the related institute. (2) It is obligatory for the students enrolled in graduate programs to participate in midterm(s) and to meet the requirements determined by the lecturer at the beginning of the semester in order to be considered in the final evaluation of a course. (3) Students take at least one midterm exam for every credit course they are enrolled in each semester. Evaluation of homework and projects prepared in compliance with the thesis writing guidelines could also be graded as midterm exams. Weighted average value of the exams is taken into account if there are more than one midterm exam. Midterm dates are determined and announced by the lecturers of the respective course within the time as specified by the academic calendar. (4) Evaluation of term paper or project prepared in compliance with the scientific research methods could also be graded as final exam. (5) In assigning a letter grade of a credit course, midterms and/or studies conducted during the term, final exam and/or semester project are evaluated. One of the below letters is given as grades: a) Score Intervals Letter Grade Coefficient AA BA BB CB CC DC DD FF 0.0 b) Grades which are not included in the above chart are indicated below: S: Satisfactory, U: Unsatisfactory, NA: Not attended, P: (Progressing) is assigned to students who are carrying on their non-credit courses. (6) In order to pass any course, the student must receive at least CC in a Master s program and at least CB for doctoral program.

8 (7) The grade NA (not attended) is assigned to students who can t take the final exam due to not fulfilling the specified attendance requirements or the provisions regarding the course practices and the letter grade of those students is processed as (FF). Such non-credit courses as thesis work, seminar and semester project are processed as satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). (S) and (U) grades are not taken into account in the calculation of grade point averages. The students who don t take exams are given (FF) grade. (8) Weighted grade of a course taken by the student is calculated after multiplying ECTS credit of that course by the final grade coefficient of the student. The Cumulative Grade Point Average is calculated through the division of the total credit points obtained from all the courses taken by the total ECTS credits. (9) For graduation, CGPA must be minimum 2.00/4.00 in master s program and minimum 2.50/4.00 in doctoral program and proficiency in art. (10) Exam results but errors in grading cannot be objected by seeking judicial review. The student can make her/his written application for error in grading to the institute within the seven working days as of the announcement of exam results. Objections not raised within the time specified are not taken into account. The objection for errors in grades is evaluated by the institute and the decision is given within ten days. If an error in grading is found, it is corrected by the Executive Board of the institute. (11) Additional requirements for success can be put by higher education institutions for students to be able to continue their programs after any semester. (12) All examinations measuring proficiency, level or course success is either can be carried out in written form and simultaneously or in electronic environment in a way to ask different questions to candidates at different times from a secure database classified by the field and level of difficulty. Principles concerning the preparation of questions to be directed in exams, formation and encryption of database, keeping the exam questions as hard copy or in electronic environment and ensuring exam security are determined by YÖK. (13) In graduate programs, the weighted average of grades taken from minimum one midterm and final exam are calculated by the respective lecturer of that course by using the coefficients ascertained and success grade of each course is determined. Evaluation in graduate programs is performed as per the provisions of this Regulation. (14) The results and documents of the exams applied in graduate programs are delivered to the institute within ten days at the latest. (15) The disciplinary procedures for students regarding cheating in homework or projects are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Disciplinary Procedures in Higher Education Institutions published in the Official Gazette No dated August 18 th, (16) Courses taken by the student within the scope of foreign exchange programs substitute for the courses in the master s program the student is enrolled upon the approval of the Executive Board of the institute.

9 Master s program ARTICLE 19 (1) Master s program can be conducted in two forms as thesis and non-thesis. (2) Upon the decision of Higher Education Board, distance learning graduate programs can be made available in higher education institutions without the obligation that lecturer and students must be present at the same place based on information and communication technologies. Fields appropriate for distance learning programs, courses to be given in distance learning program and amount of credits, preparation of course materials, form of examinations, protocols that will be signed between higher education institutions for that purpose and other principles regarding distance learning are determined by Higher Education Board. Period ARTICLE 20 (1) The thesis Master's program can be completed within three years at most. The students meeting all the requirements stated in this Regulation can complete the program in shorter time. (2) The students who can t complete the thesis master s program maximum in three years can register in order to continue their education on condition that they pay tuition fee of the respective semester according to the conditions stated in the Article 46 of the Law No In that case, their status as student remains by devoiding of the rights granted to students except for participation in courses and exams and thesis writing. Repeats ARTICLE 21 (1) If the student fails course/courses, s/he retakes it/them in the next semesters. (2) A student failing in the courses can either retake the relevant courses or take another elective course instead of the failed course. (3) Students are required to complete their courses and seminar course including repeating courses successfully no later than the sixth semester. Purpose and Scope SECTION FOUR Thesis Graduate Program ARTICLE 22 (1) The purpose of the thesis graduate program is to have students access knowledge through scientific research and to equip them with the ability to evaluate and interpret this knowledge. (2) The phases of a thesis graduate program consist of at least seven credit courses with a cumulative total of twenty-one credits, one seminar course and a thesis work. Seminar course and thesis work are non-credit and graded on a pass/fail basis. (3) Each semester, the student must register for the thesis work as of the beginning of the third semester at the latest. Courses

10 ARTICLE 23 (1) Following principles apply to the determination and assessment of the courses within the scope the thesis graduate program, a) The procedures of registration and selection of the courses to be taken by the student are carried out by the academic advisor until the assignment of the thesis advisor. Following the assignment, the procedures are carried out by the thesis advisor. b) The thesis graduate program consists of seven three-credit courses and a one non-credit seminar course. Four of the credit courses are available in the first semester and the other four, together with the non-credit seminar course, in the second semester. Each semester, special studies course may be offered by the academic advisors, in addition to their all other academic and administrative duties and responsibilities, to be available from the beginning of the month in which the course is approved by the relevant executive board of the institute to the submission of the thesis work to the institute, provided that the course does not exceed three hours. The course is graded on a fail or pass basis and the result is reported to the institute. Students who receive the letter grade U twice consecutively, or three times intermittently in this course are allowed to continue their education and register provided that the provisions of Article 44 and 46 of Law no are applied to them. In such cases, the status as a student is maintained without availing the student of the rights granted to all students other than carrying out the thesis work and taking the courses and exams. c) Credit courses taken each semester consist of compulsory or elective courses. The students take the compulsory and elective courses offered each semester. Seminar course offered in the second semester is compulsory. d) During the writing process of papers to be presented at the end of the seminar course, the Thesis Writing Guidelines set by the University Senate must be followed. At the end of the term, the seminar course is graded on a fail/pass basis. The copy of the paper is submitted to the institute together with the assessment of the seminar course lecturer with a signature on it. e) As of the beginning of the semester following the assignment of the thesis advisor, the student must register for the thesis work each semester. Students registered for the thesis work are considered as registered to the special studies course initiated by the thesis advisor. Assignment of thesis advisors ARTICLE 24 (1) The relevant head of the department, taking into account workload and areas of specialization of the lecturers, recommends to the institute a thesis advisor for each student no later than the end of the second semester. The institute executive board assigns the faculty members as thesis advisors based on their workload and areas of specialization as well as the recommendation by the department. In cases where there is no sufficient number of faculty members, lecturers holding a PhD degree may be recommended as advisors. In cases where the nature of the thesis work calls for more than one advisor, a second advisor may be assigned as co-advisor. (2) In cases where the thesis advisor retires, is assigned to another position or requests to withdraw from the advisory position, or the department finds the advisor incapable of fulfilling his/her duties

11 and render a reasoned opinion to the Institute, a new advisor will be assigned for the student as per Paragraph 1 of this article. Thesis Topic and Thesis Proposal ARTICLE 25 (1) Within ninety days following the date of the Institute Executive Board s decision regarding the thesis advisor assignment, the student decides on a thesis topic under the supervision of the thesis advisor, prepares a thesis proposal in accordance with the thesis writing guidelines and submits it to the related head of the department upon the approval of the advisor. (2) Thesis topic and proposal are assessed by the relevant board of the department and submitted by the head of the department to the institute after the approval. Thesis topic and proposal are finalized upon the approval by the executive board of the institute. (3) Students that fail to submit a thesis topic and proposal to the relevant head of the department without a valid excuse within ninety days following the date of the Institute Executive Board s decision regarding the thesis advisor assignment, and request an extension of time are granted an extension of no more than one semester. Students still failing to submit a thesis proposal at the end of the extension period are entitled to a non-thesis Master s diploma and dismissed from the program provided that the requirements of the non-thesis graduate program such as credit load, project writing etc. are fulfilled. Change of the Thesis Topic ARTICLE 26 (1) The provisions specified in Article 25 of this Regulation hereby apply to the changes in the thesis topic. Finalization of the Master s Thesis ARTICLE 27 (1) Students registered to a thesis graduate program must put her/his findings on paper in accordance with the thesis writing guidelines and defense the thesis before an examining committee. (2) For each thesis, five faculty members are recommended for the examining committee by the relevant head of the department considering their areas of expertise. The institute executive board establishes the thesis examining committee based on the recommendation and expertise areas of the faculty members. The examining committee is composed of three members, one being the thesis advisor of the student and at least one being from another department within the University or from another higher education institution. Moreover, two substitute members are assigned, one from the same department and the other from another department in the University or from another higher education institution. (3) Members of the examining committee convene within two months following their assignments and have the student defend the thesis. The thesis defense comprises the presentation of the thesis work and the consecutive question and answer session. The date and place of the thesis defense is announced in advance by the relevant department/division. The thesis defense is open to all audiences. (4) After the thesis defense is completed, the examining committee decides in absolute majority, whether the result is approval, revision or refusal. The concerned institute is notified of the decision of the examining committee latest within three days with an official exam report. Students who are asked to review their theses after the defense make required revisions and defend the thesis

12 once again before the same examining committee within three months at the latest. At the end of this period, students whose theses are not approved in the first defense or in the second defense after necessary revisions have been made are given another thesis topic to work on or, upon the request by the student, are awarded with a non-thesis Master s Degree and dismissed from the program provided that the requirements of the non-thesis graduate program such as credit load, project writing etc. are fulfilled. Students given another thesis topic can be registered to sustain their study provided that they make the payment of the tuition fee for the relevant term. In such cases, the status as a student is maintained without availing the student of the rights other than meeting the thesis requirements and taking the exams. (5) Master s program in art is subject to the procedures set for the thesis graduate program. The students studying Master s program in art may perform, instead of a Master s thesis, an artwork such as an exhibition, concert, recital or project recommended by their advisors and approved by the institute executive board. In the defense, students performing an artwork instead of a thesis are obliged to explain and document their exhibition, concert, recital or project with a text before an examining committee. Publication of the thesis or the semester project ARTICLE 28 (1) Approved thesis or semester project may be totally or partially published by the institute at home or abroad. The thesis or the semester project cannot be totally or partially published by any other person or institution without the written consent of the institute. Master s Degree ARTICLE 29 (1) Graduate students submitting at least three bound copies of their thesis found appropriate as per format within one month from the date of defense are entitled to a Thesis Master s Degree provided that they have been found successful in the thesis defense and they meet the other requirements. (2) The Thesis Master s diploma bears the approved name of the program the student completed. Purpose and Scope SECTION FIVE Non-Thesis Graduate Program ARTICLE 30 (1) The purpose of the non-thesis graduate program is to give student professional knowledge and show how to put the existing knowledge into practice. Non-thesis graduate programs can be conducted as an Evening Programs. A non-thesis graduate program consists of at least ten courses with a total of at least thirty credits, and a Semester Project course. The semester project is a non-credit course and graded on a pass/fail basis. The student must register for the semester project in the related semester and submit a written report at the end of that semester. Only the non-thesis graduate programs can be conducted as evening programs. Doctoral and thesis graduate programs cannot be conducted as evening programs. (2) Maximum three undergraduate program courses may be taken provided that they were not taken previously during the undergraduate education. Assignment of Advisors

13 ARTICLE 31 (1) The relevant head of the department in the institute assigns a lecturer or a PhD holding faculty member as an advisor for each student to supervise the course selection process and execution of the semester project no later than by the end of the first semester. Non-Thesis Master s Degree ARTICLE 32 (1) Students successfully completing the credit courses and semester project are entitled to a Non-Thesis Master s Degree. (2) The Non-Thesis Master s Diploma bears the approved name of the program the student completed. (3) Students pursuing a non-thesis graduate program can transfer to a thesis graduate program provided that they meet the minimum requirements set for the thesis graduate program. In such cases, courses taken within the scope of the non-thesis graduate program are substituted for the courses in the thesis graduate program by the decision of the institute executive board. Distance Learning Non-thesis Graduate Program ARTICLE 33 (1) Distance learning non-thesis graduate program is subject to the procedures set for the non-thesis graduate program. Purpose and Scope SECTION SIX Doctoral and Proficiency in Art Programs ARTICLE 34 (1) The purpose of the doctoral programs is to equip students with the skills of doing independent research, interpreting scientific phenomena with broad and in-depth analysis and determining the necessary steps that will lead to new syntheses. (2) Proficiency in art is a higher education program aiming at the creation of an original work of art, or, in the case of music and the performing arts, a superior creative production or performance. Duration of a Doctoral or a Proficiency in Art Program ARTICLE 35 (1) A doctoral program for students who hold a Master s degree consists of the phases of at least seven credit courses with a cumulative total of at least twenty-one credits, the doctoral comprehensive examination, the thesis proposal and thesis work, whereas for students who are admitted to the program with an undergraduate degree, it consists of at least fourteen credit courses with a cumulative total of at least forty-two credits, the doctoral comprehensive examination, the thesis proposal and thesis work.

14 (2) The proficiency in art program consists of courses with a cumulative total of at least twenty one credits, practicums and a thesis or an artwork such as exhibition, project, recital, concert or stage performance work. (3) Doctoral programs can be arranged as integrated doctoral programs in home country or abroad. Duration ARTICLE 36 (1) The maximum duration of a doctoral program for students who hold a Master s degree is six academic years, whereas for students who are admitted to the program with an undergraduate degree, it is nine academic years. The University Senate is authorized for the regulations regarding the execution of the program. (2) The maximum period in which the courses of a doctoral program must be successfully completed is two years for the students holding a thesis Master s degree and three years for those admitted to the program with an undergraduate degree. (3) The student successfully completing the credit courses, found successful in the comprehensive examination and whose thesis proposal was approved, but was unable to attend the thesis defense because of failure in completing the thesis work by the end of the sixth year specified in the first paragraph hereby, or by the end of the ninth year for those admitted to the program with an undergraduate degree, was granted time extensions of at least six months each time to defend the thesis before the examining committee upon the recommendation of the relevant department of the institute and by the decision of the institute executive board. (4) As per the provisions of Article 46 of Law No. 2547, students failing to successfully complete the credit courses or thesis work within the specified maximum period of time can register to sustain their education provided that they pay the tuition fee of the relevant semester. In such cases, the status as a student is maintained without availing the student of the rights other than carrying out the thesis work and taking the courses and exams. Among the students admitted to the program with an undergraduate degree, those failing in the doctoral thesis defense are entitled to a non-thesis doctoral program degree upon request provided that the necessary requirements such as credit load, project etc. are fulfilled. (5) Students fulfilling all the requirements set in this Regulation hereby may graduate in a shorter period of time. Assignment of Advisors ARTICLE 37 (1) A faculty member is assigned as the thesis advisor by the institute executive board upon recommendation of the concerned head of the department and approval of the academic board of the department/division latest by the beginning of the third semester. Assignment of the advisors is carried out based on the workload and areas of specialization of the faculty members. In cases where the nature of the thesis work calls for more than one advisor, a second advisor may be assigned as coadvisor together with the one assigned for selection of theoretical and practical courses and supervision of the thesis process or the exhibition or project.

15 (2) In programs run together with other universities at home or abroad, the advisor assigned by the other university is considered as the co-advisor. (3) In cases where the thesis advisor retires, is assigned to another position or requests to withdraw from the advisory position, or the institute approves the reasoned request by the concerned head of the department or the student, a new advisor will be assigned for the student. (4) The procedures of registration and selection of the courses to be taken by the student are carried out by the concerned head of the department until the assignment of the advisor. (5) Special studies courses may be offered for the students by the advisors. At the beginning of the term after the all the required courses are completed, students registered to the thesis, exhibition, concert, recital or project work are considered as registered to the non-credit special studies course offered by their thesis advisors. The course is graded on a fail or pass basis and the result is reported to the institute. Doctoral/Proficiency in Art Comprehensive Exam ARTICLE 38 (1) Doctoral and proficiency in art students that successfully completed the courses are entitled to take the doctoral/proficiency in art comprehensive examination. The purpose of this exam is to examine whether the student has in-depth knowledge of fundamental concepts and of concepts related to his/her doctoral study or artwork. (2) The doctoral/proficiency in art comprehensive examination is administered twice a year, in April and October. Students failing in the comprehensive exam take the exam in the next term. (3) The comprehensive exams are arranged and administered by a Doctoral Comprehensive Board of five full-time faculty members assigned upon recommendation of the relevant head of the department and approved by the institute executive board. This board may form examining committees to prepare exams in varied fields, and administer and evaluate these exams. The Doctoral/Proficiency in Art Comprehensive Board is assigned for a period of two years. (4) The comprehensive exam is administered in two phases, the written and the oral exam. The student must get the score of at least 70 out of 100 in the written exam. Students that pass the written exam are entitled to take the oral exam. The exam results are graded by the relevant head of the department on a pass and fail basis within three days following the exam and reported to the institute. (5) A student that was found successful in the comprehensive exam and already took all the required courses may be requested by the Doctoral Comprehensive Board to take an additional course(s) provided that the total credits of the additional courses do not exceed 1/3 of the total credits. Thesis Advisory Committee ARTICLE 39 (1) A thesis advisory committee is assigned, within one month, to a student who is successful in the comprehensive exam by recommendation of the concerned head of the department and approval of institute executive board as well as considering the opinion of the advisor. (2) The TAC is composed of three members, one being the thesis advisor of the student, one being from the related department/division within the University and the other one primarily from another higher education institution or another department/division of the institute. TAC is formed taking into account that its members have expertise in the area of the thesis and, especially for the interdisciplinary thesis works, the faculty members of the relevant discipline take part in the

16 committee. The co-advisor may also attend the committee meetings. The TAC members may be replaced in the terms following the formation of the committee by reasoned recommendation of the head of the department and approval of the institute executive board, considering the opinion of the advisor. (3) In the programs run together with other universities abroad, the co-advisor assigned by home institution (thesis advisor of the student in cases where the student is sent to complete his/her thesis work abroad) submit to the concerned head of the department a report that will constitute basis for the report of the TAC prior to the committee meeting. Thesis advisory committee reviews the report and incorporates it into the committee s report. Defense of the Thesis, Exhibition, Concert, Recital or Project Proposal ARTICLE 40 (1) Students successfully completing the comprehensive exam orally defends the thesis, exhibition, concert, recital or project proposal which comprises the purpose of the thesis work, the method and the future work plan within six months at the latest before the thesis advisory committee. The student submits to the committee members a written report about the thesis proposal at least fifteen days before the oral defense. (2) Defense of the thesis, exhibition, concert, recital or project proposal is open to all audiences. (3) After the defense of the thesis, exhibition, concert, recital or project proposal, the thesis advisory committee decides in absolute majority, whether the result is approval, revision or refusal. The concerned institute is notified of the decision of the thesis advisory committee latest within three days after the defense with an official exam report. (4) Students whose thesis proposal is not approved are entitled to choose a new topic and advisor. In such cases, a new advisory committee may be assigned. (5) For the students whose thesis proposals are approved, TAC convenes twice a year, once between January and June and once between July and December. The student submits a written report to the TAC members at least one month prior to their meeting date. In this report, a summary of the work covered thus far and the work plan for the next semester are given. The letter grade for the student s thesis work is determined as P or U by the TAC. Finalization of the Doctoral Thesis/Proficiency in Art ARTICLE 41 (1) After the final report of the thesis advisory committee stating the eligibility to take the thesis defense has been issued, students whose thesis works have been approved as completed must put the findings they obtained from the thesis/exhibition/concert/recital/project on paper in accordance with the thesis writing guidelines and orally defense the thesis or exhibition or project before the thesis advisory committee. (2) The dissertation to be prepared at the end of the doctoral program must meet at least one of the following criteria: Introducing an innovation in a scientific field, developing a new scientific method, or applying an already-known method to a new area. (3) For each thesis, ten faculty members are recommended to the institute executive board for the examining committee by the relevant head of the department considering their areas of expertise and opinions of the advisors. The institute executive board establishes the thesis examining committee based on the recommendations. In addition to the thesis advisory committee, the thesis examining

17 committee consists of five faculty members, at least one being from another higher education institution. Moreover, two substitute members are assigned, one from the university and the other from another higher education institution. (4) The examining committee members convene within two months at the latest as of the date they receive the thesis so as to have the student defend the thesis. The thesis defense comprises the presentation of the thesis work and a consecutive question and answer session. Substitute members are invited by the relevant head of the department to substitute for those committee member/members unable to attend the meeting with valid ground. The relevant institute executive board decides on the provisions that will apply to the examining committees unable to convene for the second time. (5) Examining committee members submit their evaluation reports about the thesis or the statement to the institute to be incorporated into the student s file prior to the thesis defend. (6) After the thesis/exhibition/concert/recital/project defense is completed, the examining committee decides in absolute majority, whether the result is approval, revision or refusal. The concerned institute is notified of the decision of the examining committee latest within three days with an official exam report. Students who are asked to review their theses after the defense make required revisions and defend the thesis once again before the same examining committee within six months at the latest. At the end of this period, students whose thesis are not approved in the first defense or in the second defense after necessary revisions have been made are given another thesis topic to work on. Students admitted to the doctoral program with an undergraduate degree but failed in the thesis defense are, upon request, entitled to a non-thesis Master s degree as per Article 36.4 of this Regulation hereby. Doctoral/Proficiency in Art Degree ARTICLE 42 (1) Students that have been found successful in the thesis defense and submitted, to the institute, at least three bound copies of the thesis/exhibition work or the project signed by the committee members within one month as of the date of the defense are entitled to a diploma with the name of the department/division written on it, provided that other requirements have been also met. Temporary certificate of graduation may be issued upon request until the issuance of diploma. (2) In order for the thesis to be formally acceptable, it is required to be written and reproduced in accordance with the thesis writing guidelines and satisfies the conditions stated in the guidelines concerning thesis delivery posted on the website of the institute and the thesis delivery guidelines posted on the website of the Higher Education Board.

18 SECTION SEVEN Miscellaneous and Final Provisions Documents obtained abroad ARTICLE 43 (1) For the admission to the graduate programs, the equivalence documents obtained abroad are valid for the same period of time as the exams held at home. Notification ARTICLE 44 (1) The students are deemed to be notified individually, once the announcements regarding the education, examinations and similar issues are made by the institute. All types of notifications to the student are sent to the address provided by the student in writing during the first registration process or to the address changed with a written notice. Publication of Thesis ARTICLE 45 (1) The governing legislation, the decisions of the Higher Education Board, the Interuniversity Council decisions and the decisions of the University Senate apply to the publication of the approved thesis works. Absence of Provisions ARTICLE 46 (1) In absence of provisions in this Regulation, provisions of the relevant legislation and the decisions of the Senate and institute executive board shall be applicable. Disciplinary Procedures ARTICLE 47 (1) The disciplinary procedures regarding the students are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Disciplinary Procedures in Institutions of Higher Education published in the Official Gazette No dated August 18 th, Invalidated Regulation ARTICLE 48 (1) The regulation entitled University of Turkish Aeronautical Association Rules and Regulations on Graduate Programs and Examinations published in the Official Gazette no dated December 15 th, 2011 has been invalidated. Exemption PROVISIONAL ARTICLE 1 (1) The provisions of Article 5.2 of this Regulation hereby shall not apply to the students registered to the non-thesis graduate programs prior to February 6 st, 2013.

19 (2) The rights of the students becoming successful at the Foreign Language Proficiency Examination for State Employees (KPDS) before this Regulation was issued are reserved. Enforcement ARTICLE 49- (1) This Regulation hereby shall enter into force as of the date of its promulgation. Execution ARTICLE 50- (1) The provisions of this Regulation shall be executed by the Rector of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association.