YÖMEGA: Empowering Faculty Members in Türkiye Through a Collaborative and Sustainable Professional Development Voluntary Initiative

Abstract

As a result of digital transformation and crisis situations, faculty professional development has evolved toward contemporary approaches. In this chapter, the authors feature a voluntary faculty professional development network initiative in the Republic of Türkiye - YÖMEGA Higher Education Professional Development Network - which represents members from diverse institutions, academic titles, and disciplinary areas. In this network, member engagement is supported via a holistic and sophisticated approach to faculty development open to colleagues at all higher education institutions, including NGOs, to address gaps in the quality of education in Türkiye and globally. Beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic, YÖMEGA is a model of a diverse and inclusive non-formal faculty learning community with the aim of embracing both global developments and cultural differences. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Vicki L. Baker, Aimee LaPointe Terosky and Laura Gail Lunsford; individual chapters, the contributors.