Article 1 – The purpose of this Directive is to establish the working procedures, principles, service units, as well as the duties, powers, and responsibilities of these units for the Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources.

Article 2 – This Directive has been prepared based on decisions taken within the scope of the strategic targets of the Hacettepe University 2013-2017 Strategic Plan.

Article 3 – In this Directive;

• Rectorate: Refers to the Rectorate of Hacettepe University,
• University: Refers to Hacettepe University,
• Senior Management: Refers to the Rectorate of Hacettepe University and administrative units authorized by the Rectorate,
• Center: Refers to the Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources,
• Director: Refers to the Director of the Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources,
• Executive Board: Refers to the Executive Board of the Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources,
• Project: Refers to projects prepared, submitted, and conducted by the Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources,
• Beneficiary: Refers to individuals and institutions benefiting from projects and/or research, training, and application activities carried out within the scope of the Center's activities.

Article 4 – As the only application and research center of international character specializing in karst among universities in Turkey, HU-UKAM conducts its activities in accordance with the principles of efficiency, openness, transparency, and impartiality. It operates in coordination with relevant institutions and organizations, primarily senior university management, taking into account university and national priorities for national development. It performs water resource studies in compliance with the relevant legislation of Hacettepe University while considering laws and regulations governing beneficiaries.

Article 5 – Within the scope of cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Programme under project TUR/81/004 titled "Establishment of Hydrogeological Laboratories for Karst Water Resources Research and Training", the establishment of an international research center was proposed. Considering the importance of this field for Turkey, HU-UKAM was officially established by the decision of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) on 11/9/1987, pursuant to Articles 3J and 7d/2 of Higher Education Law No. 2547 and Senate Decision No. 87-14 dated 4/3/1987.

Article 6 – The duties of the Center are as follows:

• To conduct related studies in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme,
• To fulfill duties assigned to Higher Education Institutions under Article 12 of Higher Education Law No. 2547 in the fields of Hydrogeological Engineering, Karst Water Resources, and Karst Hydrogeology,
• To organize, encourage, and coordinate basic and applied research in all subfields of Hydrogeological Engineering, with a main focus on Karst Water Resources Research; for this purpose, to collaborate with similar national and international organizations, organize symposia, congresses, conferences, seminars, and summer schools, and publish scientific works,
• To seek multi-faceted solutions to Turkey's complex karst water resources challenges through the development and adaptation of modern scientific methods and technologies to local conditions,
• To assist in training public sector professionals working in Karst Hydrogeology and Hydrogeological Engineering in Turkey, and to work in close cooperation with these public institutions,
• To enable Turkish experts specialized in karst to follow international developments in their field,
• To facilitate information exchange among other national and international research centers,
• To collect data, adapt technology, and ensure technology transfer for urgent problem-solving regarding the development, protection, control, and utilization of karst water resources,
• To enhance the quality of hydrogeological education at all levels within the University, support ongoing instruction, and ensure coordination and cooperation with all relevant internal and external units.

Article 7 – Revenues of the Center are obtained from paid training, research, and application activities conducted through the Revolving Fund Management or the Department of Strategy Development of Hacettepe University. Revenues and expenses are subject to Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) audits via relevant university units.

Article 8 – The spending authority (Ita Amiri) of the Center is the Rector. The Rector may delegate this spending authority to the Center Director.

Article 9 – The administrative bodies of the Center consist of the Center Director and the Executive Board. The Center Director may establish Working Groups to execute operations. External experts, translators, guides, auditors, and consultants may be employed through the Revolving Fund framework when required.

Article 10 – The Center Director is appointed by the Rector for a term of three years from among faculty members in relevant departments. The Director is responsible to Senior Management and the Rector for managing operations and funds. Duties include:

• Presiding over Executive Board meetings,
• Ensuring the implementation of decisions taken by the Executive Board,
• Ensuring harmonious, efficient, and disciplined operation of Working Groups,
• Developing and funding education, research, and application projects,
• Establishing national and international academic collaborations,
• Ensuring maximum cooperation between the Center and university departments,
• Representing the Center before beneficiaries and University authorities,
• Submitting the annual activity report to Senior Management,
• Managing the budget, revenue collection, and expenditures in coordination with university units.

Article 11 – The Director may appoint up to two Vice Directors from among faculty members and assistants for a period of three years. One Vice Director serves on the Executive Board. Vice Directors assist the Director in executing duties and lead Working Groups when assigned.

Article 12 – The Executive Board consists of five members: the Center Director, a Vice Director, the Director of the Earth Sciences Center, the Head of the Department of Geological Engineering, and the Head of the Hydrogeological Engineering Division.

Article 13 – Personnel needs are fulfilled via allocated university positions and assignments under Article 13 of Law No. 2547.

Article 14 – General statutory provisions shall apply for matters not explicitly covered herein.

Article 15 – The Rector executes the provisions of this Directive.

Article 16 – This Directive enters into force on the date of its publication.