A series of seminars were organized for municipal personnel as part of the cooperation protocol signed between Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) and Atakum Municipality.

The seminar program began on October 4 last year and covered ten current topics, ranging from financial literacy to local governance. Organized by the Atakum Municipality Human Resources and Training Directorate, the seminars took place in the Municipal Council Meeting Hall with a high level of participation.

OMU Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mutlu from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration coordinated the program, which hosted OMU academics over a period of four months.

Seminar Topics and Presenters:

• Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mutlu – The Social and Political Importance of Local Governments
• Dr. Cuma Yıldırım – Municipal Legislation and Ethical Conduct Principles in Municipalities
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Aydın – Institutional Belonging in Municipalities, Communication and Motivation, Responsibility Awareness and Solution-Oriented Approach in Effective Communication, Leadership and Effective Management
• Research Assistant Berkay Yalçınkaya – Effective Service Delivery
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Yönten Balaban – Climate Change Issues and Local Policies
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Sakınç – Financial Literacy
• Dr. Duru Çiğdem Şimşek – Various Topics of Her Expertise

At the end of the training sessions, Atakum Municipality presented the academics with certificates of appreciation and Atatürk statuettes as a token of gratitude.

“A Great Example of Municipality-University Collaboration”

Atakum Mayor Serhat Türkel emphasized the importance of OMU’s presence in the city, contributing to Atakum’s reputation as a "university city." He stated:

"As Atakum Municipality, we base all our efforts on education and science, and we act with this vision. Within the framework of our protocol with Ondokuz Mayıs University, we brought together our municipal personnel with the esteemed academics of our university. The training sessions were highly productive and well-attended. This initiative is a great example of municipality-university collaboration. Our cooperation will continue with new sports, cultural, and scientific projects that will bring a fresh perspective to Atakum."