New Bilkenters were introduced to campus and university life through the GE 100 Orientation course, held this year on September 10–14. Throughout the five-day program, students earned points toward course credit by attending seminars, department introductions, cultural events and sports activities. GE 100 is a one-credit course that helps incoming students get acquainted with Bilkent’s academic environment, facilities and student life. Students explored the campus, including dormitories, classrooms, laboratories, studios and sports centers, and the Bilkent Library held sessions on its resources and services. The program opened at ODEON with a welcome address by Rector Orhan Aytür, followed by sessions on life and education at Bilkent, on using artificial intelligence as a student and on well-being.
This year’s “First Lecture” was delivered by Prof. M. Utku Ünver (EE ’93, ECON MA ’95), a Bilkent alumnus and now a professor of economics at Boston College. Returning to campus 37 years after he first arrived as a student, he gave an inspiring talk, tracing his career journey and speaking about what Bilkent gave him, from determination and perseverance to a global vision. Students also visited student clubs and societies’ booths, took part in Bilkent Sports Day at indoor and outdoor venues and attended department introduction meetings. Evening events included a classical music concert at ODEON, a Radio Bilkent broadcast and open-air party and a film night.
