Giresun University’s Tirebolu Faculty of Communication made an important visit aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships.

Our Faculty Dean, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yağbasan, and the Head of the Radio, Television, and Cinema Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Söğüt, visited the Trabzon Regional Directorate of Communication and held an end-of-term evaluation meeting as part of an external stakeholder agreement, with the participation of Regional Director Murat Güler. The meeting addressed strategies to enhance current collaboration, joint projects, and the more efficient management of students’ internship processes. As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with the Press and Advertisement Agency (BİK) under the hosting of Provincial Director Ali Nuhoğlu, and an agreement was reached to sign an external stakeholder protocol between the two institutions. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yağbasan stated that the contacts made would make a significant contribution to the development of academic and sectoral collaborations.

Giresun University’s Tirebolu Faculty of Communication signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with Bialystok University (Uniwersytet w Bialymstoku), one of Poland’s established higher education institutions, under the Erasmus+ Program. The agreement, which will take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, will remain valid until the 2028-2029 academic year.

Under the agreement, three students from each institution will be able to participate in mutual exchange mobility each year. While students are expected to have at least a B1-B2 level of English proficiency, the agreement also stipulates that three academic staff members from each institution may engage in teaching and educational mobility each year. Located in northeastern Poland, Bialystok University has a strong academic tradition in the social sciences, and the coordination of the agreement will be carried out through the Faculty of Sociology (Wydzial Socjologii). Students and faculty members wishing to apply for Erasmus+ mobility can contact the Office of International Relations.

The Relationship Between Children’s and Parents’ Levels of Digital Addiction Was Examined

Under the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2209/A University Student Research Projects Support Program, a project titled “The Relationship Between Children’s Digital Addiction Levels and Parental Digital Addiction Levels” was prepared under the leadership of Buse Kaya and Eren Alabağa, with the supervision of Dr. Şule Karadağ Alçı. The study aims to determine the digital addiction levels of elementary school students and their parents in the Tirebolu district of Giresun province and to examine the relationship between these two variables. Conducted using a quantitative and correlational survey model, the study collected data from 349 students and 349 parents using scales with proven validity and reliability.

An event aimed at raising awareness about addiction was organized by the Tirebolu Social Services Center at the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication.

During the program held in the Merve Durmuş Amphitheater, Ayşe Taşdemir, a Social Services Specialist at the Tirebolu Social Services Center, provided information on types of addiction and, in particular, the individual and societal consequences of substance abuse. Emphasizing the importance of the ability to say “no” to harmful habits in preventing addiction, Taşdemir noted that self-control develops with age, and explained that in the decision-making processes of individuals aged 15–25, factors such as questioning, dopamine levels, and the reward mechanism play a significant role.

The “Markam Giresun” Giresun Brand Summit 2025, which addressed the branding and digitalization processes of brands operating in Giresun and Tirebolu, was hosted by the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication at Giresun University.

Organized by Tirebolu Faculty of Communication students Buse Okçu, Nergis Melek Akar, and Busegül Mürteza under the guidance of Dr. Anıl Uğur Oğuzcan as part of the Event Management and Organization course, “Markam Giresun 2025” Brand Summit, organized by students Buse Okçu, Nergis Melek Akar, and Busegül Mürteza from the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication under the guidance of Assistant Professor Anıl Uğur Oğuzcan as part of the Event Management and Organization course, was held at the Prof. Dr. Taner Karahasanoğlu Conference Hall in collaboration with the Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event, attended by district officials, academics, and students, addressed topics such as the positioning processes of local brands in the national market, digital transformation, trust, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and brand storytelling. Opening remarks were delivered by Giresun University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Güven Özdem, Tirebolu Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yağbasan, and Head of the Public Relations and Promotion Department Prof. Dr. Murat Güreşçi. At the summit, representatives from Marko Media, Erimez Kardağ, AFTA Group of Companies, Doğal Dükkan, Gaffaro Hazelnut, Yavuzkan Hazel Hazelnut, and Altun Food shared their experiences and offered assessments regarding Giresun’s brand potential. The program concluded as a significant academia-industry gathering that brought together young communication professionals and industry representatives.

Public Communication of Science: Digital Media in Science Communication at State Universities

The TÜBİTAK 1001 Project titled “Public Communication of Science: Digital Media in Science Communication at State Universities” (Project No. 123K063) was carried out in collaboration between Kocaeli University and Giresun University and was completed in May 2026. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meral Çifter, the project included Dr. Nedim Serhat Bilecen, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Yetkin, Prof. Dr. Ayşen Şimşek Kandemir, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülden Özkan as researchers. Within the scope of the project, strategies were developed to more effectively bridge scientific knowledge with society; the aim was to raise awareness regarding science communication and strengthen the interaction between scientists and the public.

At the “Stars of the Stage” event held at the Akasya Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, students participated in various activities throughout the day through workshops and stage performances.

The “Stars of the Stage” event was held on Thursday, November 27, in the garden of the Akasya Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Organized under the guidance of Dr. Anıl Uğur Oğuzcan, an Assistant Professor, as part of the Event Management and Organization course, the event was coordinated by Hasret Erkeç and Havva Nur Koçak. The event began with face painting and finger painting workshops accompanied by music. Students then took the stage to perform short acts to songs of their own choosing. As the program progressed, active games such as musical chairs and ribbon cutting were also included. The program schedule, designed to run throughout the day, provided students with ample opportunities for fun. The organizing team expressed their gratitude to Barış Toptepe, the director of the hosting institution. The team also noted that the event aimed to support the motivation and social participation of individuals with special needs. After the completion of the program’s activities, a short free time period was allocated for the students, and the event concluded with this segment of the day.

As part of the “Youth and a Safe Future” project conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Branch of the Giresun Provincial Police Department, an informational training session was organized for our faculty students on the topics of “What is terrorism?”, “What are the methods used by terrorist organizations to recruit members?”, and “Substance abuse and its harms.”

On October 22, an educational program targeting preparatory and first-year students was held at the Merve Durmuş Amphitheater of the Tirebolu Communication Faculty as part of the “Youth and a Safe Future” project. During the training provided by law enforcement teams, information was shared on the formation process of substance abuse, its effects, legal consequences, the UYUMA Drug Enforcement Application, and the Narcotics Data Analysis System. In the second part of the program, terrorism, extremism, and the methods used by terrorist organizations to recruit members were discussed, emphasizing the importance of young people being aware of such threats. The training also highlighted the importance of accessing accurate information on social media, questioning the reliability of news, and addressing issues of empathy and prejudice. The event concluded with the answering of students’ questions and the distribution of pens and notebooks to participants.

Addiction Prevention Training with Students of the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication

The Rectorate of Giresun University organized an orientation and addiction prevention training session for newly enrolled students at the Merve Durmuş Amphitheater of the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication. During the program, the Office of Student Affairs provided information on the Student Information System, the advising system, the academic calendar, course curricula, course and exam processes, student services, and the e-campus application. Library Assistant Lecturer Esma Şener explained library rules, while Public Health Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağla Yiğitbaş discussed the individual and societal impacts of addiction. Hayriye Erkan, a Computer Operator from the Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports, provided information on dining, nutrition services, and university events. The program concluded with a thank-you message to the participants.

Support for a Rural School from Students at the Tirebolu Faculty of Communication

Third-year students Ebru Yılmaz, Elanur İmat, and Melisa Çiğdem, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Anıl Uğur Oğuzcan, prepared an Intelligence, Play, and Support Room at the Asım Yıldırım Primary School in Çeğel Village as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility course project. The room, which was officially opened on Thursday, June 13, was equipped with paint, renovations, carpets, armchairs, intelligence games, books, chess, mangala, and stationery supplies for the students’ use. The project received support from faculty students, academics, administrative staff, the Private Black Sea Akasya Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, and the Tirebolu Çeğel Village Social Media Group. The event, aimed at contributing to the children’s personal development and ensuring they had an enjoyable day, was attended by local officials, and the program concluded with games and activities that lasted throughout the day.