Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching (ÖGEM) was founded as the Learning and Student Development Office (L&SDO) in 2009.  L&SDO significantly contributed to the student development and improvement in education through support services designed for students and the faculty. Being an office under the Rectorate, L&SDO was restructured as a center after the necessary applications to the Higher Education Council of Turkey. On May 5th, 2015, the center was recognized officially by the Executive Committee. 

It was then the first and only learning and teaching office established under a state university in Turkey.