On April 4^th, 2019, YSU Ijevan Branch hosted Board Meeting headed by YSUIB Acting Director A. V. Tsutsulyan.

On the agenda were the preparatory works for the mid-term and final exams of 2018-19 academic year second semester and current issues. Deans of the faculties reported on preparatory works for mid-term and final exams of 2018-2019 academic years, second semester.

It was noted that according to the schedule of the II semester of 2018-2019 academic year, on April 8-13, 2019, YSU Ijevan Branch would host I mid-term and final examinations of Bachelor’s Full-time training system of the II semester of 2018-19 academic years.

Necessary preparatory works have been carried out to properly conduct exams. Faculties have been provided with handouts for mid-term examinations and exam papers for the tests were sealed. The presented schedules were checked and then a timetable was drawn to carry out the exam process in the classrooms equipped with cameras. A schedule has been created to carry out day-to-day oversight during the exam. The Branch is ready to start the exam period.

Another item of discussion was the issue of YSUIB Part-time training system students’ dismissal due to poor academic performance after first examination period of 2018-2019 academic years, as well as due to unpaid tuition fees. In this regard, it was particularly mentioned that 28 students have accumulated credits and 17 students were subject to dismissal.

On February 14^th, 2019, YSU Ijevan Branch Board Meeting was held headed by A. V. Tsutsulyan.

On the agenda were the discussion of YSUIB  training program of specialized departments of the II semester of  2018-2019 academic year, as well as the readmission of a number of students in the same semester and other current issues.

In particular, it was mentioned that on February 1-8, 2019, the staff of the Educational-Methodological Department, found some drawbacks in terms of training programs at the Departments of YSUIB and the Department of Part-time training.

Accordingly, the director was offered:

• To instruct the specialized departments to eliminate the drawbacks within a short period of time

• To organize trainings for the staff who do not have experience in developing material programs and other necessary documents (in particular, training package, portfolio) for this purpose, provide necessary consultation

• To maintain a constant check after the deadline and subject the disciplinary liability to responsibles

At the board meeting, it was decided to instruct the heads of specialized departments to ensure availability of training program (Full-time and Part-time training) of the II semester of  2018-2019 academic year.

The decision was made on the readmission of 14 students in the Full-time and Part-time training program of 2018-19 academic year, second semester.

 On January 31, 2019,  Ijevan Branch of “Yerevan State University” Foundation hosted an extended Board meeting headed by YSUIB Acting Director A. V. Tsutsulyan.

On the agenda were the summary of the results of Full-time training semester exam of 2018-2019 academic year and the preparations for the II semester of the same academic year and other current issues.

Acting Deans of the Faculties reported on the results of the first semester of 2018-19 academic year.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities K. Poghosyan particularly mentioned that the overall number of students in the faculty is 272,  76 students are enrolled in a free system of education, 196: paid system of education.

At the end of the 1st semester of  2018-2019 academic year, the following results were recorded at the Faculty of Humanities:

• During the exam period, the students of the following specialties made absolute progress; “Armenian Language and Literature”  II and III, “Psychology” IV, “French language and literature” IV, “Foreign language and literature” I.
• The student of the following specialties made a poor academic performance, that is, failed the exam: one student of I and II courses of “History” and “English language and literature IV”,  “Armenian Language and Literature IV”, 2 students of “Elementary pedagogy and methodology I”, “Foreign language and literature IV”specialties, 3 students of “Elementary pedagogy and methodology II” “ Foreign language and literature III”, 4 students of “History III”, 5 students of “History IV” and 11 students of “Elementary pedagogy and methodology III”.

• The students of “Armenian language and literature III, “History IV” and “English language and literature” IV made high academic performance (18-20).

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Economics G. Avetisyan particularly mentioned that 101 students ( 70 students of “Finance”, “Economics” and “The Theory of Economics” specialties, 31 students of “Tourism” and “Service”) participated in the exams  of the first semester of 2018-2019 academic year.  63 students managed to pass the exam,  two students received excellent marks (“Economics” III, “Service” IV). The absolute progress made at the Faculty was 62.4%.

There are 36 students enrolled in the free education system, with absolute progress of 94.4%. 2 students received excellent marks (“Economics” III, “Service” IV). Two students (“Finance” I, “Economics” III) failed to pass the exam. Insufficient marks of the third year  student enrolled in a free system of education are conditioned by the fact that the student has not been in the country for the first half of the year with the permission of YSU and will pass the exams during the liquidation period of the first semester of 2018-19 academic year.

 65 students enrolled in the paid education system, with absolute progress of 44.6%.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts A. Margaryan, presenting the results of  the examinations for the first semester of the 2018-2019 academic year, mentioned that all the tests, mid-term and final exams of the 1st semester were held in accordance with the approved schedule, except for one student all the students of the faculty took part in the exams. It was noted that there were no students in the faculty with high academic performance. Six students had academic debt. The highest rate was at the Faculty of “Design” IV (100%), and the lowest is the “Design” II course (85.7%).

The overall academic performance of the faculty was 90% (100% in free system, 65.96% in paid system). The spectrum of ratings is broad, as a rule, it is higher than those of the professional subjects,  low from humanistic and non-professional subjects.

While summarizing the results of YSUIB Full-time training first semester exam of the 2018-19 academic year, Head of the Educational-Methodological Department A. Davtyan added that the overall academic performance of the Branch students is 76%.

At the board meeting, the results of the examination were evaluated as satisfactory.

1. Davtyan, the Head of the Educational-Methodological Department and Deans of the Faculties, reported on the preparatory work for the second semester of 2018-19 academic year.

Mr. Davtyan specifically noted that the curriculum for the organization of Full-time and Part-time training for the second semester of the 2018-2019 academic year by the Educational-Methodological Department was submitted to the director for approval. The reports of the professional staff working on hourly paid basis in the 2nd semester presented by the deans of the faculties were checked.

The students’ applications for passing the academic debts in the approved schedule has been implemented.

A number of issues related to the material and technical resources of the university, sanitary and hygienic conditions, furnishing of library,  classrooms, computer rooms and technical equipment were highlighted in connection with the preparations for the II semester of  2018-19 academic year.

  On November 22th of 2018, an expanded Board meeting of YSU Ijevan Branch was held by acting director A. V. Tsutsulyan with the participation of the members of the Board of Directors, Heads of Departments and Subdivisions.

Agenda:

• Report on YSUIB Website, Public Relations and Media Activities (September-October 2018)

Reporter: YSUIB Public Relations and Media responsible H. Vanyan, specialist of Professional Education Quality Assurance Department M. Gasparyan

• Report on the work done by the Department of “Finance and Accounting” 

(01.01.2018-11.01.2018)

Reporter: Chief Accountant M. Mkhitaryan

• Report on the work done by Human Resources Management Department (September-October 2018)

Reporter: Head of Human Resources Management Department K. Ayvazyan

• Report on the work with graduates and external stakeholder (non-formal education, September-October 2018)

Reporter: coordinator of the work with graduates and external stakeholders E. Gharayan

• Report on professorial staff trainings (September-October 2018)

Reporter: Coordinator of professorial staff Trainings N. Ghazaryan

• Report on the work done by the Department of Education process Planning and Control     

(Student activity, September-October 2018)

Reporter: N. Arushanyan, Head of Education process Planning and Control  Department 

• Report on the work done by the Professional Orientation and Practice Department 

(September-October 2018)

Reporter: Head of Professional Orientation and Practice Department  L. Beginyan

• Current issues

In September-October of 2018, the reporters on YSUIB website and public relations and media presented that the website posted 45 documents on common and current governance processes, 5 documents about “Competitions, vacancies”.

In August 2018, (2017-2018 academic years) in the “Mass Media about Us” page of the Section “Information” (http://ijevan.ysu.am/information/) about 7 news on television (in particular, from the Public Television), “YouTube”, have been posted on YSUIB website, 1 news was added right on time.

One of the means of feedback that contributes to the formation of public relations is the website’s question and answer section, where visitors ask questions to various YSUIB administrative and scientific-educational institutions for additional information, and their answers are posted on the website. On October 31 of 2018, 66 questions-answers have been posted, 2 of which right on time.

In the Russian section of the website 54 articles (announcements, news, and events) were posted during September-October of 2018, in the English section – 105 articles.

On October 31, 2018, the website had 237 pages, 79 articles were posted during September-October, 34 announcements, 40 news, 3 of which were events, 5 were the board meetings, 614 files, and 381 photos.

One of the effective means of feedback that contributes to the formation of public relations is the Facebook page of YSU Ijevan Branch, which has been operating since September 2011 (https://www.facebook.com/ysuib, as of August 2018, 2800 followers, 3305 followers on October 31), YSUIB Facebook group(https://www.facebook.com/groups/studentibysu, 924 followers as of November 2018, 1040 followers as of 31 October 2018), Student Scientific Society page (https://www.facebook.com/sssysibb/?fref=ts, 441 followers as of November 2017 followers: 543 followers as of October 31, 2018), YSUIB Education Planning Department page (https://goo.gl/R2w9P9, 34 followers as of November 2017, 88 followers as of October 31, 2018), other pages and groups.

 The materials of the official website are popularized through the mentioned pages and groups, the page followers and the members of the group share materials related to the branch, direct their questions, receive answers, make suggestions, and leave comments, opinions and assessments about the various spheres of the university.

In the survey of May 2018, 182 (55.2%) of 330 students of Full-time learning responded that they visited the website “very often” and “often”. They have stated that they were satisfied with site structure, coverage of news, convenience and fullness of information (relatively dissatisfied with the color of the site).

YSUIB Chief Accountant presented the university inflows and outflows of financial means during January 1-November 1, 2018.

The head of Human Resources Management (HRM) Department in particular mentioned that as of November 21, 2018, 173 lecturers (8 professors, 46 associate professors, 62 assistants, 57 lecturers) work in the branch, 71 are permanent, 43 part-time ,22 invited from YSU, 37 paid per-hour basis.

Coordinator of the work with graduates and external stakeholders specifically mentioned that in September 2018, the following works were carried out:

1. Collected the data of Full-time and Part-time learning students of 2018 academic year
2. Filled out 2018 academic year graduates data (Part-time, Full-time learning) in the Access program
3. Updated the list of external stakeholders
4. Collected data on YSUIB graduates achievements during 1994-2009 years
5. Provided the participation of university students in the opening ceremony of “Tradition” N2 music school on September 19th (prepared a material for the site)
6. Held a discussion with K. Ayvazyan, head of the HRD department, on the current issues and suggestions on September 20
7. Designed a table to enter personal data of graduates.
8. Increased number of graduates Facebook page and Facebook group followers.
9. Directed five graduates to apply for the work of “Veolia Water” company
10. Updated YSUIB working graduates data of 2017 (to learn how many students are employed, whether the number is increasing or not).
11. Developed a plan to meet external stakeholders.
12. Organized meetings with 18 external stakeholders to inform about 4 vacancies (“Veon Armenia”, “Beeline”, “Converse Bank”, Credit Specialist, “Unibank” Credit Specialist, “VTB-Armenia” Bank CJSC )
13. Reported on what suggestions and requirements the stakeholders have made after the meetings
14. Reached agreement with stakeholders for organizing trainings and seminars
15. Ensured the participation of Student Scientific Society in the program by “World Vision Armenia” “Care for Equality”, prepared the material for the web site.
16. Added two new questions to the graduates survey and set up meetings agenda

In October, the work with graduates and external stakeholders was active and effective. YSUIB Facebook page has provided a series of announcements about vacancies, as well as e-mails have been sent to Full-time and Part-time learning graduates for vacancies. They implemented editing data on 2010-2017 years graduates’ work, meetings with 15 school directors.

Seminars were organized on the following themes: “Leadership”, “Media Literacy: Media and Society “,” PR and Fundraising “,” Peculiarities of Danish Municipal Authority “,” Regional Forum “,” Conflict Revolution “,” Discussion of Partnership for Open Society “,” Freedom of Information “. In October, an agenda was set up to meet the graduating students, and meetings with 16 external stakeholders were organized. 15 graduates were directed to different organizations to apply for work.

The coordinator of professorial staff trainings specifically mentioned that the following works were done right on time:

• Qualifications Improvement / Education Curriculum Study and planning further steps towards its implementation
• Collection of information on previously conducted trainings, report on the work done
• Visits to the departments, establishing effective working relations and co-operation
• Data collection of professorial staff, database entry
• Thematic plan and schedule of the trainings organized for the transfer of experience for young lecturers
• Clarification of the priorities of trainings and implementation of work

It was also mentioned that certain steps have been taken towards the trainings implementation.

The Head of the Department of Education Planning and Control reported on students’ activity of Full-time and part-time learning, 2018-2019 academic year first semester. Particularly, it was mentioned that as of November 1, 1400 students study at YSUIB, 553 Full-time learning system and 847:Part-time.

In the first semester of 2018-2019 academic year, 13 students transferred Full-time learning to part-time and 4 students: from Part-time learning to Full-time. In the same period, 37 students returned from the army, including 9 students of Full-time learning and 28 of Part-time learning. In connection with the conscription of the RA Armed Forces, 38 students of full and part-time learning were enrolled in the postponement.

The Head of Education planning and Control department at the same time briefly outlined that 13 graduates with high advancements have applied for a higher education (bachelor’s degree) in the branch Part-time learning in the 2018-2019 academic year.

 Three graduates of other universities have applied for second vocational education (Part-time learning) and 3 former students have applied for the restoration of student rights in the relevant specialties.

Head of the Department for Professional Orientation and Practice, in particular, mentioned that in 2018-2019 years, 55 Tavush region schools have graduates (XII graders). During October-November, the department held meetings together with university staff in 44 schools of Tavush region (including 4 high schools, one college, and 39 secondary schools) for professional orientation work. There were applicants from 29 schools of the region (Berd region – 5 schools, Noyemberyan region – 5 schools, Dilijan region – 4 schools, Ijevan region – 15 schools).

During 2018-2019 academic years, according to the curricula, there are 38 interns (pedagogical 14, industrial 10, and educational 10). During the first semester of the year 2 pedagogical internship were implemented, 1 pedagogical and 3 industrial internships are in the process of implementation, and in December,1 pedagogical, 2 industrial and 1 educational internships will be implemented. Overall, 35 students have completed the internship, 123 students are taking internships, 126 students will take internship in December.

The presented reports were taken into consideration by the board of Directors.