1. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, family status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, citizenship status, arrest, conviction record, or any other legally protected status. Discrimination or harassment based on these classifications is not tolerated and is punishable by disciplinary action. The university accepts applications from and grants admission to any individual who meets the application entry requirements, without discrimination based on language, religion, sect, race, gender, lifestyle preferences, etc.

2. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University is committed to prioritizing the protection of educational and employment rights for individuals who report discrimination. Our university ensures that individuals filing complaints related to discrimination and inequality are supported under current regulations without facing any educational or employment disadvantages. It is committed to combating discrimination and creating a fair working environment.

3. The Council of Higher Education has allocated quotas in associate and undergraduate programs of state universities for women over the age of 34 who have been unable to attend university for various reasons; thus, this practice is supported and implemented at our university.

   a) Provides equal opportunities to all men and women employees and students at all levels.

   b) Follows an inclusive policy that promotes non-gendered professions, ensuring equality across genders and professions.

   c) Ensures academic and administrative staff, as well as student exchanges, are conducted without gender discrimination.

   d) Adheres to gender equality principles in all scientific and social activities without compromising competence and quality.

   e) Supports the research and activities of all personnel, students, researchers conducting research, and individuals coming to the University through academic exchange programs, without gender discrimination.

   f) Encourages increasing the number of female academics and the active participation of women in every unit of the university within the framework of achieving social equality.

   g) Organizes activities and scientific studies to raise social awareness on gender equality.

   h) Supports the active presence of women in every unit of the university, based on merit, within the framework of gender equality.

   i) The Women, Family, and Social Policies Application and Research Center (KASPAM) within our university contributes to conducting research on women, families, youth, and disadvantaged groups (women, children, elderly, migrants, victims of violence, dependents, etc.), preparing projects with stakeholders, and developing strategies to improve their quality of life. It organizes scientific and social activities to prevent violence against women and early and forced marriages, supports academic studies, and collaborates with public institutions (Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, Provincial Health Directorate, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports) and NGOs in Niğde, providing consultancy services.

   j) Supports the activities of all units contributing to gender equality, primarily the Women, Family, and Social Policies Application and Research Center Directorate, Youth Counseling Center Coordination, and student organizations. It encourages national and international level studies such as conferences, seminars, symposia, and projects within this framework.

   k) Aims to make services provided by the Women, Family, and Social Policies Application and Research Center Directorate and the Continuing Education Center accessible to women residing in Niğde. Plans and implements programs for women (e.g., drama, painting, culinary courses, parenting education).

   l) Organizes activities to identify and address the psychosocial needs of women living in Niğde, collaborating with local institutions and NGOs that provide services in this area.

   m) Aims to ensure that women participate in every stage of working life under equal conditions without gender discrimination, protect and promote women's rights, and achieve gender equality. Through these activities, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University supports achieving gender equality within the framework of sustainable development goals.

   n) Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University prioritizes ensuring equality in all aspects of working life. Wages at the university are determined by the principle of equal pay for equal work, without any discrimination, including gender, and it prevents the emergence of gender-based or other disparities. This is outlined in the University's Employment Policies and implemented by the Directorate of Personnel Affairs, which reports to the Rectorate.

   o) Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University aims for women to participate in every stage of working life under equal conditions without gender discrimination, protecting and promoting women's rights, and achieving social equality. Through these efforts, it supports achieving social equality within the framework of sustainable development goals.

   p) Within the scope of the policy on achieving social equality, the university supports female students and employees in opening courses, participating in national and international events, and organizing events, providing financial and moral support for research.

4. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University is committed to supporting maternity and paternity rights. The university encourages women and men to continue their work and education after parenthood by providing affordable childcare options for employees and students' children.

   Under Article 104 of the Civil Servants Law No. 657, for a mother giving birth and a father whose spouse has given birth:

   a) Female civil servants are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave, eight weeks before and eight weeks after birth. In cases of multiple pregnancies, the maternity leave period before birth is extended by two weeks. However, a pregnant civil servant who submits a doctor’s report confirming she is fit to work up to three weeks before the expected birth date may, upon request, continue working until that time. The periods worked based on this report are added to the post-birth maternity leave. If the birth occurs early, unused portions of the pre-birth maternity leave are added to the post-birth maternity leave. In the event of the mother's death during or after maternity leave, the father, if a civil servant, is entitled to the same leave period granted to the mother.

   b) A civil servant whose spouse gives birth is entitled to ten days of paternity leave upon request. They may also receive seven days of leave upon the marriage of themselves or their children or in the event of the death of their spouse, child, or their or their spouse's parents or siblings.

   c) In cases other than those specified in (a) and (b), if there is no annual leave, unit supervisors may grant up to ten days of leave to civil servants, either consecutively or in parts, due to necessity. If further leave is required, another ten days of leave may be granted under the same procedure, but this additional leave will be deducted from the annual leave.

   ç) Candidate civil servants who are not yet eligible for annual leave may be granted up to ten days of leave in case of necessity.

   d) Female civil servants are entitled to three hours of breastfeeding leave per day for the first six months and one and a half hours per day for the second six months, starting from the end date of their maternity leave. The time and frequency of breastfeeding leave are determined by the preference of the female civil servant.

   e) During annual and excuse leave, financial rights and social benefits remain unaffected.

5. Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey provides a guarantee for equality, stating: “Everyone is equal before the law without distinction based on language, race, color, gender, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, sect, or similar reasons. State organs and administrative bodies are obliged to act in compliance with the principle of equality before the law in all their proceedings.” The relevant articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which our country became a party in 2009, also guide reducing inequalities.

   In this context, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University upholds the principle of equality before the law, values individual differences as strengths, does not permit discrimination of any kind across all units, and supports the right to education by providing equal opportunities. The University’s policy to reduce inequalities includes the following points:

   Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University provides, without discrimination, opportunities for underrepresented groups (and groups with potential for underrepresentation) in society, such as ethnic minorities, low-income students, and students with disabilities:

   a) Access to education in associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, as well as continuous education programs.

   b) Access to accommodation, scholarships, support, and social facilities.

   c) Equal employment opportunities.

   d) Establishes and enforces policies to combat discrimination and harassment in all units.

   e) Conducts scientific and social events to combat discrimination and harassment.

   f) Cultivates an institutional culture that fosters an equal work environment.

   g) Conducts facilitating and supporting activities, including R&D, to ensure that individuals with disabilities can benefit from all services offered.

6. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University aims to employ its staff in a manner that respects human dignity, eliminates potential issues such as stress and personal tension arising from workplace conditions, provides an ergonomic work environment, enhances employee loyalty to the institution, and secures the health of employees and their families. It aims to provide the necessary environment for the effective and efficient work of human resources, one of the key mottos of economic growth.

   In this context, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University:

   a) Implements an employment policy that offers equal opportunities for everyone.

   b) Supports fair wages that respect human dignity.

   c) Opposes modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor.

   d) Takes measures to prevent all forms of unethical behavior in the workplace, such as bullying, harassment, psychological violence, pressure, humiliation, and other actions that undermine respect and dignity.

7. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University implements a comprehensive policy to protect the equal rights of employees in all activities conducted with third parties. In all collaborations, contracts, and business agreements with third parties, the university includes provisions to ensure that employees are not subjected to discrimination, inequality, or unfair treatment. Employee rights and safety are among the university’s top priorities; therefore, in all dealings with third parties, it ensures fair treatment and equal rights for all employees. Necessary oversight and control mechanisms are established to ensure adherence to principles of equality and justice in agreements with third parties. The implementation and review of the policy are regularly assessed, and updates are made as necessary.

8. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University strives to offer comprehensive support to individuals with disabilities and disadvantaged individuals. In addition to the support provided to all students, special measures and facilities are available for students with special needs, addressing their individual requirements. The university conducts necessary work to ensure barrier-free access to all campus facilities. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University views students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as students with various disabilities, as elements that enrich the campus. Furthermore, physical infrastructure adjustments have been made to provide accessibility for students with disabilities, such as ramps, elevators, and voice-guided navigation systems within the campus, ensuring they can move around freely. The university has guidelines to ensure equal access for students with disabilities. These guidelines aim to guarantee fairness and equality in the educational process and maximize each student’s potential.

   Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, without discrimination among students:

   a) Allocates a budget to the Disability Student Unit Coordination to facilitate the educational process for students with disabilities and eliminate any barriers.

   b) Uses scholarship and financial support programs to assist students facing economic challenges.

   c) Designs campus buildings and facilities to ensure easy access for students with disabilities, including accessible ramps, wide doorways, low-gradient pathways, and voice navigation systems.

   d) Ensures elevators are equipped to facilitate easy access for students with disabilities to classes, the library, and other campus areas.

   e) Provides specialized technological tools to support the education of students with disabilities. For instance, tools such as speech recognition software, screen reading programs, and special keyboards are used to improve access to course materials.

   f) Modifies physical environments to ensure the effective participation of students with disabilities in practical and laboratory courses.

   g) Offers specialized counseling services for students with disabilities. Advisors are assigned in faculties and vocational schools to support students’ academic and personal development, manage interactions in their course schedules, and provide necessary support services.

  h) Provides personal assistance services, particularly for students who need help with mobility.

   i) Regularly organizes interactive events and awareness activities to enhance the participation and integration of students with disabilities into campus life.

   j) Conducts educational and awareness programs aimed at students and faculty to increase disability awareness. These programs offer guidance to university personnel serving students on interacting effectively with individuals with disabilities.

   k) Establishes volunteer peer groups to support students with disabilities.

  l) Has a disability unit that provides information and, if needed, legal support to students with disabilities regarding their rights. This unit aims to guide students in matters of justice, equality, and other related topics.

   m) Makes accommodations in educational environments and exams to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities.

   n) The elements listed above form part of the university's strategy to provide comprehensive support for students with disabilities. This continuously updated and developed strategy aims to enhance the educational experience of students with disabilities, focusing on their success.