Sabanci University (Turkey)

25 Years of Experience: Sabancı University Civic Involvement Projects

Founded in Istanbul by the Sabancı Foundation, Sabancı University began its educational journey in 1999 by admitting its first students. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Sabancı University contributes to the generation and development of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary research while nurturing internationally competent and self-confident individuals under its mission of “Creating and Developing Together.”

One of the most significant innovations Sabancı University has brought to higher education in Türkiye is the inclusion of the Civic Involvement Projects (CIP) course as a compulsory course in the curriculum. This course, continuously implemented since 1999, aims to make university students aware of the society they live in through active citizenship awareness and represents the university’s leadership in the field of social responsibility.

CIP 101 is a course that every student must take before graduation. By participating in projects addressing social issues, students have the opportunity to enhance both their individual and societal awareness. CIP adopts a peer leadership model, where projects are managed and implemented by peer leaders. These leaders take active roles in every stage of the projects, from managing the project team to implementing the projects, with wide-ranging responsibilities. This course supports students in developing leadership, teamwork, and social impact skills.

Efforts are ongoing to enable the implementation of this pioneering course at other universities in Türkiye. In recent years, various initiatives have been launched to introduce and promote the program at the high school level. In this context, the Award Program for High School Students, initiated in 2024, marked an important milestone. The first awards were presented on December 5, 2024, International Volunteer Day, aiming to spread social responsibility awareness among high school students.

Sabancı University’s innovative educational model has equipped students with a strong sense of social responsibility, creating a long-term impact on individuals and society. This 25-year journey has successfully realized the University’s mission of “Creating and Developing Together” while further strengthening its leadership in social responsibility and civic engagement.

Sabancı University, in addition to its interdisciplinary approach and innovative education model that places social responsibility at the core of the educational process, is one of the three foundation universities in Türkiye holding the title of “Research University.” Through its faculties, centers, and forums in the fields of natural and social sciences, engineering, business, and arts, the University contributes to scientific research, economic development, and society.

According to the 2025 World University Rankings announced by Times Higher Education (THE), Sabancı University ranked in the 351-400 band among 2,092 universities worldwide. It also ranked first among the 91 Turkish universities included in the rankings. These achievements reflect the success of Sabancı University’s 25-year journey, driven by its interdisciplinary approach and innovative educational model.