The third Transnational Project Meeting (TPM-III) of the IMAP4U (Integrated Model for Strategic Excellence in Higher Education Institutions) project, coordinated by Hitit University and carried out within the European Union Erasmus+ Program, is being held at Kastamonu University on January 22-23, 2026. 

At the opening meeting held on January 22, 2026, at the Erasmus+ Welcome Office, topics aimed at developing international cooperation in the fields of higher education quality, strategic governance, and institutional excellence were discussed. 

The meeting was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, the Rector of Hitit University, Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Öztürk, the Vice Rector of Hitit University, Prof. Dr. Eşref Savaş Başcı, our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, the General Coordinator of External Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Öztürk Akcaoğlu, the Coordinator of International Projects at Hitit University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Seyrek, the Head of the Information Technology Department,  Lecturer Ahmet Tabanlıoğlu, and unit personnel, as well as representatives from the project partners: the University of Valencia from Spain, Sumy State University from Ukraine, and the Czech Association of Professional Higher Education (CASPHE) from the Czech Republic. 

The opening speech of the meeting was given by the Assistant. Prof.Dr. Mustafa Seyrek, Coordinator of International Projects at Hitit University.

Assist.Prof.Dr. Seyrek provided participants with information about the program, offering a general assessment of the project's purpose, outputs, and activities carried out in 2025. In his speech, he stated that the IMAP4U project aims to address strategic planning, performance evaluation, and resource management in universities through an integrated action and performance model that takes a holistic approach. 

Speaking at the opening of the program, Hitit University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Öztürk stated that the IMAP4U project plays an important role in helping higher education institutions adapt to changing global conditions. Stating that the project offers a holistic model that addresses both academic and administrative processes in universities, Öztürk said the outputs produced within its scope will contribute to quality-focused corporate approaches. He emphasized that the model, developed with contributions from partner countries, will become more internationally applicable.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated in his speech that our University is actively involved in the project, thanked all stakeholders who participated in the meeting, and expressed that the necessary support will be provided throughout the project process.

On the first day of the two-day meeting, progress on the development of the IMAP4U Model was assessed, while the afternoon sessions focused on the model's institutional applications at our university. On the first day of the two-day meeting, progress on the development of the IMAP4U Model was assessed, while the afternoon sessions focused on the model's institutional applications at our university.

Following the sessions, the discussion and feedback session continued with the presentation of the project report; participants exchanged views on the findings and areas for improvement. 

On the second day of the meeting, the remaining project activities will be planned, internal agreements and financial procedures will be discussed, and a one-year project evaluation and risk analysis will be carried out. The TPM-III meeting will officially conclude with the closing session. As part of the program, a cultural trip to Mount Ilgaz will also be organized to introduce participants to the region's natural and cultural values.