Yerevan State University institutional accreditation in progress

PanARMENIAN.Net - The self-evaluation process in the framework of the institutional accreditation of Yerevan State University (YSU) was launched in 2012.

The process is carried out in accordance with the procedure on the state accreditation of the educational institutions, providing with medium of higher professional educational programs. The procedure was approved by the government of Armenia in 2011, on June 30.

Institutional accreditation process is carried out in 3 successive phases: 1) Internal evaluation of the infrastructural capacity by the educational institution (self- evaluation)

2) External self-assessment by the expert group in accordance with the existing standards and criteria (examination)

3) Positive, negative or conditional decision, made by the Accreditation Commission of the National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance (ANQA), based on the results of the internal and external self-assessment.

To support the processes of accreditation and quality assurance the “Armenia Quality Assurance Technical Assistance Project” (ANQATA) is financed by the World Bank. The project is implemented jointly by the National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance and NVAO (Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie), Netherlands-based independent accrediting organization.

Currently, YSU self-evaluation activities are in progress. The self-evaluation is implemented in accordance with 10 accreditation criteria, approved by the government. The self-evaluation activities for three criteria have been completed in May and the preliminary version of the report in English and Armenian languages are submitted to the ANQA. Seven more working groups started their activities in June, to further to prepare reports on the remaining seven criteria. A complete report on all 10 criteria is expected by the end of the year.

This year Dutch NVAO organization has provided consulting and training in the area of self-evaluation and preparation of the report. In the second phase two representatives of NVAO will be involved in YSU Expert Group (review of the report, expert visits, report preparation).

Accreditation of universities is an innovation for Armenia. Actually, the accreditation is in the pilot process in Armenia, which takes into account the best international practices. This process is implemented in the framework of international partnership.

Often, due to this factor, the whole accreditation process is perceived as an international accreditation which, of course, is not correct. Beginning in September, YSU Public Relations and Information Department will periodically highlight the accreditation process and results through website, official YSU newspaper and other media. The accreditation is slated for completion by June 2013.