Near East University, Near East Preschool, Near East Primary School and Near East College announced that there will be no increase in tuition and dormitory fees in the 2020-2021 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affects the whole world and the negative global economic consequences it creates. In the statement released by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, in line with the decision taken by the Board of Trustees, it is reported that there will be no increase in tuition and dormitory fees for registered students and new students studying in graduate programs in the new education year at the Near East Pre-School, Near East Primary School, Near East College and Near East University. In the statement, it was noted that the fees for education and dormitory applied in the 2019-2020 academic year at the Near East Schools Group and the Near East University will be in effect. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We are working so that no children and young people stay out of education…” Near East University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that, in the 2020-2021 academic year, Near East Pre-School, Near East Primary School, Near East College and Near East University will not increase the tuition fees in order to enable students and parents to overcome this process more easily due to the negative economic results caused by the coronavirus that has affected the world and still affecting billions of people. Stating that they do their best by determining a road map to ensure that no children are left out of education. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that their first priority is education and health. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that students, who are part of the large Near East family, should also act in a sense of trust and solidarity considering their parents’ economic concerns, as well as their academic concerns. Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “As Near East University, we will mobilize our opportunities by creating a human and moral sensitivity in preparing the new generations for the future, considering the fact that the pandemic can be resolved with a global common consciousness and solidarity.” Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel underlined that the day is the day of solidarity. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are expecting to face changes in all areas, from economy to education, from health to foreign policy, to our daily routine habits. Our primary priority is to ensure that our children do not fall behind from educational objectives due to the negative economic effects experienced during this period. We will overcome this troublesome process with the least harm. We will ensure that our children do not stay away from education by taking certain economic support measures that will ensure and build the future of our children against the negative impacts of the pandemic.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Near East University Faculty of Communication, Radio-TV and Cinema Department held a film production techniques interview with Photography Director Hayri Çölaşan within the scope of online activities. According to the information provided by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, Near East University Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio-TV and Cinema Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fevzi Kasap and lecturer Zeyde Örek moderated the interview titled “Film Production Techniques”, an activity conducted within the framework of “Internal Internship and Film Cameramanship” courses with the participation of Photography Director Hayri Çölaşan who gave information about the types of cameramanship and the experiences of cameraman. Çölaşan describing the rules that students should pay attention to when using the camera, stated that he became a jury member at many film competitions in Turkey and in the world, and gave general information about how the jurors assess the film. Çölaşan also shared with students that the book he wrote about the film festivals and how to use the light in cinema and television will soon be published. Hayri Çölaşan added that he shared his knowledge and experience through the http://www.kameraarkasi.org website for students studying in the field of cinema.

Since 1999, Near East University has been holding “International Photography Days” biennially to which photography artists from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey participate in, alongside artists from many other countries. At its 20th year, it was organised online with “Nostalgic Exhibitions” as its theme. According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, “Near East University International Photography Days-Nostalgia” event consisted of works of hundreds of photographers, academics and students exhibited and compiled from past events that have been held 9 times up to date. The works of İzzet Keribar, Sıtkı Fırat, Simber Atay, Ahmet Selim Sabuncu and Mehmet Arslan Güven, which took place in the Near East University 1st International Photography Days exhibition, which was held in 1999, were included within the scope of the exhibitions that will be renewed every 15 days. Access to Near East University International Photography Days-Nostalgia Exhibition can be made via http://www.photodays.neu.edu.tr About Near East University International Photography Days International Photography Days, which was first launched in 1999 under the leadership of Near East University, is the single largest event in Cyprus. Photography artists from Northern Cyprus, Turkey, the United States, Canada, England, Holland, Argentina, Japan and Russia take part in the Near East University International Photography Festival where in addition to personal and group exhibitions, academic papers on workshops, panels, conferences, interviews, publication signing days, excursions and photography are presented. The first Near East University International Photography Days were held at the helm of his Excellency Late Founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Rauf Denktaş and 7 personal and 5 mixed photography exhibitions were opened with the participation of nearly 100 photography masters and academicians. Personal exhibitions of İzzet Keribar, Sıtkı Fırat, Louis Morilla, Simber Atay, Toygun Shefki, Mehmet Arslan Güven and Mesut Öztürk took part in this organization. Furthermore, there was a mixed photography exhibition comprising works of photographers from the TRNC in addition to group photography exhibition of students from Universities of Dokuz Eylül, Yıldız Teknik, Eskişehir Anadolu and Near East University. It was pointed out that access to the 1st International Photography Days could me made via http://iletisim.neu.edu.tr/uluslararasi-fotograf-gunleri-nostalji-sergisi.

Near East University Social Research and Development Center conducted community analysis. The Near East University Social Research and Development Center prepared an analysis report on the sociological, psychological, management, technology, education and risk dimensions of the society, revealing where the social trends are trending during the pandemic process. According to the information provided by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, an online panel was held with the theme of transformation, education and technology in order to evaluate the perspective of society analysis from different countries. To the panel, Dr. Steve Wheeler from the UK, Dr. Carmen Holotescu from Romania, Dr. Robert Repnik from Slovenia and Ramesh Sharma from India provided information on changing education and distance education reflections. In the online panel moderated by Social Research and Development Center co-chairs Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Dr. Steve Wheeler focused on changing theories about active participation in distance education, Dr. Carmen Holotescu shared enlightening projects and research on open sources. Dr. While Robert Repnik emphasized the integration of innovative educational models in his country and abroad, Dr. Ramesh Sharma, on the other hand, drew attention to the importance of the cooperation policies of technologies and strategies in changing societies. Rural areas with intensive neighborhood relations faced COVID-19… As a result of the analysis made by the members of the Near East University Social Research and Development Center in line with the panel, the struggle with COVID-19 was started with the application of similar measures taken by the countries of the world, using the advantage of being a small island country. In rural areas, which have differences in terms of population and socio-cultural differences from urban life, it was observed that the transmission emerged in connection with primary relations, while rural areas with more intimate and neighborly relations than urban life experienced this situation as a disadvantage and faced the transmission. In the analysis, it is seen that the phenomenon of consumption, which includes the society in a wide spectrum, preserves its prevalence in rural and urban areas, while the individual, who does not produce under the influence of popular culture, is in a household environment during a period of desire to consume constantly, and in a way to reshape his/her sociological functions and roles. It was found that it prompted him/her to think. In the analysis report, which has been observed that the individual, who is referred to as an object in social life, tends to reproduce his/her social roles that he has become alienated by moving himself/herself to the subject, and that if the awareness of the individual after the pandemic process can be adapted to every area of social life is a question mark and awaits an answer. In the psychological analysis, it was determined that social integrity and solidarity increased in this pandemic process that requires physical isolation, thus strengthening the values of individuals to the phenomenon of society, including cooperation and caring for others. Universal values should be included in education… When the education dimension was analyzed, it was revealed that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic experienced worldwide, restrictions were made in formal education in many countries and it was decided to carry out formal education practices in order to prevent the pandemic from spreading. It was noted in the analysis report, which states that while individuals with ordinary development adapt to the online education process more easily, the same situation is not valid for individuals with special needs, therefore, family education gains importance in this process and the necessity to include universal values in education reappears in this way. Technology use reached the highest level during the pandemic period… Before the pandemic, the use of social media in TRNC was defined as at the normal level in the social analysis report, and the normal level was defined as follows: “Individuals are using social media in order to spend time in their spare time outside of work and communication, as they spent time in social media not to exceed their needs. When we consider the use of technology before the pandemic, the use of technology was enough to make use of free time, except for smart phones and business laptop use.” During the pandemic process, as the unemployed people stayed constantly inside the house, playing games for entertainment on laptops, watching TV programs, or TV series and movies, and those who continued their work from the home by using the technology, the use of technology has reached the highest level. Besides, it was determined that the unemployed people spent most of their remaining time, especially, on their smartphones, on social media. In the report, which stated that technology and social media environments before the pandemic in TRNC were mostly used as a support to traditional education, however, this situation changed with the closure of schools during the pandemic and the transition of educational institutions to e-learning, and the use of virtual classroom environments was the highest. While this situation maximizes the number of people who use technology actively, it has revealed that the element of active learning in education has required the faculty members and students who were not previously intertwined with technology to use technology actively. Social strategies should be developed about values and digital citizenship … According to the results of the social analysis report, society became even more intertwined with technology in the pandemic process. Even everyone’s saying “good morning” was moved to digital media. Making use of social media and information technologies, which was formerly a choice, has become a must. Everyone suddenly has become a citizen without digital citizenship education without any analysis of community culture and readiness. Social strategies should be developed in order not to experience low social and educational motivation and to gain values of education, individual responsibility awareness, and digital citizenship in the new world order during the pandemic period. Community analysis published in the international book study … The analysis carried out by Near East University Social Research and Development co-chairs Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay and center members; Prof. Dr. Gökmen Dağlı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bicen, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yağmur Çerkez, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukaddes Sakallı Demirok, Assoc. Prf. Dr. Behçet Öznacar and specialist Menil Çelebi was entitled to be published as part of an international book study.

The twelfth issue of the magazine “Near Health”, which offers the latest information, treatment methods and experiences related to every field of health services, which is the most basic and indispensable need of life, has been published by the Near East University Hospital. The magazine, which aims to share the latest innovations in the medical world with its readers and is published free of charge every six months, in both Turkish and English, contains many important and current issues in the field of health in the twelfth issue and gives information about the activities and services of the Near East University Hospital, which completed its 10th year. In the 12th issue of the Near Health, which contains special contents for the 10th year of the Near East Hospital with its renewed design, articles and information were shared with the readers on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the branches of “infectious diseases, neurosurgery, neurology, heart health, sports medicine, ophthalmology, internal diseases, emergency health, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, chest diseases, dental health, psychiatry, child health. In the content of the magazine; things to know about COVID-19, regular exercise and health activities, trifocal laser application and smart lens usage that addresses vision problems, ALS disease, restless bowel syndrome, hair loss, quality and healthy sleep, effects of tobacco products and electronic cigarette on the heart , mysterious illness Sarcodiosis, toothaches, artificial bladder, bipolar emotional disorder, hidden dangers used in house cleaning, use of hydrochloric acid and bleach cleaning, as well as information on the use of baking soda and vinegar were shared. Back to Life with the Cardiac Center… In the 12th issue of the Near Health magazine, the feelings and opinions of the patients are also conveyed to the reader through the procedures applied to the patients who were brought back to life with the treatment and surgery methods applied at the Near East University Hospital. Three cardiac surgeries were performed simultaneously on the 53-year-old patient, whose brain circulation was stopped and cooled to 17 degrees. Aortic vein of a patient with all internal organs including the heart on the reverse side was replaced with a synthetic vein and the heart valve was replaced with a mechanical valve. A patient with advanced heart failure was brought to life with an artificial heart transplant operation at the Near East University Hospital. They reconnected to life… A 72-year-old male patient, who had gangrene in his left foot, ballooning in the aortic vessels in the abdominal region, occlusion in the vessels supplying the left leg and left foot, and moderate renal failure, was recovered with four operations. The 52-year-old patient, who suffered various injuries, traumatic damage and fractures in the knee and neck region due to a traffic accident, gained health at the Near East University Hospital. The 39 years old woman who survived of Type-2 diabetes and resistant hypertension also said goodbye to a handful of medicines and insulin. Health services are provided with a great dedication without borders… Near East University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Müfit Cemal Yenen stated that the first three months of 2020 were very active and said that they offered all health services to all our citizens during the critical and crisis periods passed through. Prof. Dr. Yenen stated that, as the Near East University Hospital, they serve with great devotion, without considering the borders, in order not to interrupt the health services. Prof. Dr. Yenen said, “As the important and critical parts of Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Nicosia became unusable in the fire, we performed the treatment and maintenance of more than 60 patients, 11 of whom were newborns, 32 intensive care patients and patients of other services. We offered the emergency service of the Near East University Hospital free of charge to all our citizens. We continue to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes life difficult all over the world, with great devotion. We provided free control and examination services to oncology patients, diabetics and pregnant women who need to be constantly and regularly checked during the pandemic. With the motto “You stay at home, stay safe, we are at work in the hospital for those who need it” during the home isolation period, we served our patients with devotion. We offer our sincere thanks and respect to all our healthcare professionals.” Professor Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We are proud to fulfill our promise…” Reminding that it has been 10 years since the opening of the Near East University Hospital, which is the only university hospital fully equipped with the latest medical technology, President of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said that they, as the Near East Family, are proud to fulfill the promise that “Nobody will have to cross over the borders or travel through the sea for their health…”. Expressing that the Near East University Hospital has always been on the mission since the very first day it was founded, and it has always been with the people on bad days, and has done everything to ensure the health of its patients as well as sharing the excitement of the first breaths, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “In 10 years, 1.2 million patients have been accepted. 50 thousand patients received inpatient treatment in our hospital. We have performed 27 thousand surgeries requiring expertise such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, cancer, obesity surgery, and eye diseases, 77 thousand people have had service from the Cardiac Center. While 2.115 babies opened their eyes to the world, 121,305 of our children received treatment in our hospital. Touching our people’s lives, improving their quality of life, and making them feel peaceful in their own country in case of a possible health problem has been the biggest source of our pride and happiness.” We will continue to strengthen the power of our state and produce science for the benefit of society… Expressing that the Near East University Hospital is continuing to fulfill its mission to further strengthen the state and reduce its burden, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel also noted that with their adherence to the principle of producing science for the benefit of society, they produce preventive practices in today’s understanding of health. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said: “Our state hospital Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu was seriously damaged in the fire incident in the past months, and as the Near East University Hospital and Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia University Hospital, we have opened our doors to our people. We ensured the continuity of treatments of 13 newborns and 97 patients without disruption. In addition, due to the COVID-19 epidemic that started in China and reached our country, as the main building of Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital started to function as a pandemic hospital, we met the emergency needs of our people at the Near East University Hospital free of charge. We also carried out examinations and routine tests free for cancer and diabetes patients and pregnant women. In order to fight against the devastating effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, we developed a face shield produced by our scientists, and a portable breathing apparatus with replicators that enable the use of existing breathing devices in more than one patient. As part of our mission to build a healthy future, we have launched a free health insurance application for our Near East Family and Near East Preschool, Near East Primary School, and Near East College students. In addition, our university students under Social Security Foundation can get free service from our hospital. While we offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment opportunities to our people at our hospital, we will continue to contribute to the development of health awareness with our Near Health magazine. Stay healthy.”

Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Biochemistry Head and Near East University Animal Hospital Diagnostic Laboratory Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Serkan Sayıner stated that they now have great knowledge and experience about how to deal with coronavirus infections in animals that can be a model for the new type of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Stating that the profession of veterinary medicine is always on the agenda in the fight against epidemics, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sayıner, “We have great knowledge and skills in terms of field experience and laboratory experience. We have experienced examples of this in our country in the past years. We have successfully fought against many epidemics and implemented eradication programs. The role of animals in the spread of SARS-Cov-2, which is thought to have zoonotic origin although the origin is not fully clarified, is largely a question mark. As veterinarians, we have been dealing with many different types of coronavirus-borne infections for many years. The recent SARS-CoV-2 induced pandemic once again demonstrated the importance of our profession.” According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sayıner gave information about the role of animals in the spread of SARS-Cov-2. Assist. Prof. Dr. Serkan Sayıner noted that there is no situation that would require us to take precautions that would impair the livestock welfare of our animals. Stating that they have read articles showing contradictory results within 2-3 months depending on sample collection, methodological developments or approaches and applications, this situation still indicates the necessity of defining many aspects of the infection. Assist. Prof. Dr. Sayıner said “For example, in February, the findings of human SARS-Cov-2 originating from pangolines were shared, but when we returned to this day, the study results stated otherwise were shared, at which point the human may play a role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with its development and spread. The PRRA peptide motif considered was not detected in the coronaviruses carried in the pangolines, since this motif is not in the pangolines, it is thought that the human SARS-CoV-2 virus does not come directly from the pangolines. This is necessary for the development of vaccines, antibodies and antivirals.” There is no situation to take measures that will corrupt the life welfare of our animals… Stating that the studies on determining the origin of the virus and its intermediate hosts have increased, in a study conducted in this sense, 35 different animal species have been searched for defense proteins (antibodies) against the virus. Assist. Prof. Dr. Sayıner stated that ELISA technique is used for this purpose, which is accepted as one of the most widely used and reliable methods. According to the results obtained, Sayıner explained that it was believed that these animal species could not be possible to be the intermediate hosts. Assist. Prof. Dr. Sayıner, “Different hypotheses and results have been suggested in different studies. SARS-CoV-2s, especially detected in our pets dogs and cats, caused anxiety at first. It was later established that these animals were in close contact with infected people. According to the latest scientific study data and the latest statements of the World Animal Health Organization (OIE), it was reported that there was no situation that would require us to take precautions that would impair the life welfare of our animals. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms that drive the evolution of coronaviruses in animals will help to better understand the emergence, spread, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Also, I consider it necessary for veterinarians to contribute to these studies.”