Abstract
Student expectations and those of educational bureaucracy often set the line between success and failure. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the basis of Turkish Higher Education Council (HEC) mandates for English Preparatory Year Programs (EPYPs). This paper established that a mismatch exists between the CEFR and HEC mandates and their applications by Duzce University (DU) academic units, and examined the possibility of reconciling the conflict. The EPYP requirements and expectations were determined along with the degree to which they were achieved. Study results generally showed that CEFR, HEC and DU assumptions and goals were incompatible. (1) The CEFR principally meets European needs. (2) The HEC mandates promote relations with the Council of Europe and the European Union. (3) Many DU academic units neither support the CEFR nor respect the HEC mandates. Recommendations include needs surveys and development of curricula and instructional materials appropriate to Turkey.