European Union programs, including the Erasmus exchange program, have accepted prioritizing inclusion and diversity policies for disadvantaged groups as a prerequisite during the new period starting between 2021 and 2027. Within the scope of ECHE commitments, our university has also aimed to develop new strategies for these policies. The primary objective is to ensure that all participants benefit from opportunities equally within the program and to enable individuals with various barriers or facing economic disadvantages to become a part of the Erasmus+ program. In this context, groups with the following barriers are classified as disadvantaged individuals:

• Individuals with physical, mental, and sensory disabilities
• Individuals with health problems
• Individuals with educational barriers
• Those facing difficulties due to cultural differences (Migrants, ethnic origin differences)
• Individuals lacking social competence (Orphans, fatherless/motherless children, single-parent families, individuals with a history of addiction problems)
• Low-income individuals with economic barriers
• Individuals facing discrimination
• Groups that are disadvantaged due to their geographical location

Our university's objectives between the years 2022-2027 in involving these individuals, who are categorized as disadvantaged, into international exchange programs are given below:

1. To create a common, inclusive understanding within the institution for the participation of individuals classified as disadvantaged in exchange programs
2. To develop a positive approach toward disadvantaged individuals among institutional stakeholders
3. To build an institutional culture regarding commitment to inclusion and diversity in all internationalization activities carried out within the context of our university
4. To ensure that inclusion and diversity policies take place in all stages of exchange programs/projects (supporting participation in the project beforehand, selecting and supporting participants during the project, evaluation, and participating in post-project impact and dissemination activities)
5. To carry out dissemination activities such as organizing necessary seminars, meetings, and distributing brochures to encourage the participation of disadvantaged individuals in internationalization activities

In order to achieve the objectives listed above, the following strategies will be implemented within our university between the years 2021-2027.

• When selecting participants, additional points will continue to be awarded to prioritize individuals classified as disadvantaged groups in the evaluation process.
• During visits to our partner institutions, meetings will be held particularly with participants from disadvantaged groups; their physical, social, or emotional needs will be evaluated face-to-face, and if necessary, financial and moral support will be provided.
• Whether disadvantaged individuals have access to online announcements and applications (Erasmus Mobile App, University Application System, Online Learning Agreement) within our university and partner institutions will be monitored.
• Necessary financial funding will be established to provide professional mentoring to disadvantaged individuals.
• Regarding the additional grant support provided/to be provided to disadvantaged groups under Erasmus+, 100 brochures will be printed and distributed within the institution each year. For partner institutions, these brochures will be printed and sent in English.
• Blended intensive mobility programs will be created so that disadvantaged groups can carry out virtual mobilities in the upcoming Erasmus+ period (2021-2027).
• The foreign language skills of disadvantaged groups need to be improved so they can participate in internationalization activities. For this purpose, additional foreign language courses will be opened for these individuals selected for the exchange program, ensuring the development of their language proficiency.
• Each year, an employee within the Erasmus Office will be selected as the inclusion and diversity officer. This person will be requested to visit all academic units to organize information seminars once in both the fall and spring academic semesters, distribute the 100 printed brochures, and ensure that the required posters (5 promotional posters per unit) are displayed in each unit. Furthermore, this person will follow the work carried out by the European Commission for developing inclusion policies and remain in communication with the Turkish National Agency.