Dear Editor,
Bilkent University provides great opportunities to students from other Universities to use its library. I have not seen any problems at the main gate of our school for people visiting from outside of Bilkent, as long as they provide an ID card that will be given back when they leave.
However, from our neighboring university, Hacettepe, I have often faced unwelcoming behaviors by the gatekeepers. When I tried to visit my friends, I was not allowed to enter, but we were able to go to Bilkent together to have a picnic.
At one point, I had to go the Beypete Campus of Hacettepe University to pay my student loan at Ziraat Bank, which is near the back entrance close to Bilkent. My task would have taken about 30 minutes. However, I was not allowed to go through the gate. Why? I was told that no one, including students, could enter. However, several times I have seen Hacettepe students coming to Bilkent from that door.
I believe Bilkent University's policy for allowing other students to visit the campus, as long as they follow the rules, is perfect. I feel Bilkent students should have the right to visit other Universities, especially METU and Hacettepe, when the need arises. It is important that a reciprocal relationship be developed between authorities of the schools.
If we welcome other Universities, they should also welcome us.
Kind regards,
Emre Herdem (IE/V)
Response:
Dear Mr. Herdem
Bilkent University has, indeed, developed an open door policy, and we are especially pleased to offer the community access to our library. In fact, we encourage people to take advantage of the important research resources we have acquired.
However, each University must make their own policies based on their needs and views. Although we wish them to choose open door policies similar to ours, we do not expect other institutions to adopt the same approach that we have, and we respect their decisions.
Thank you for your letter.
Best Regards,
Prof. Kürşat Aydoğan
Vice Rector for Administrative and Financial Affairs
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