Presentation for KOBLENZ - Combined July 2011

8/2/2019 Presentation for KOBLENZ - Combined July 2011

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Dr. Ruben Aghgashyan,

Vice-Rector

State Engineering University of Armenia

(Polytechnic)

Le Mans - Koblenz, June-July, 2011


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State Engineering University of

Armenia is the legal successor ofYerevan Polytechnic Institute: one

of the leading engineering schools

of the former Soviet Union



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Mission Statement

State Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic)

is a higher educational institution with a polytechnic

emphasis, the basic mission of which is:

to create and implement academic/research programs

and services consonant with educational and

technological needs of the national economy and society,

to prepare students for life, career, life-long learning and

professional progress in line with changing economic

environment and emerging global information society,

to create a supportive environment for the comprehensive

personal and intellectual development of each individual,

generation of law-abiding and responsible citizens.



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The University at a glance - 1

Yerevan Polytechnic Institute (YPI) was founded in 1933having only 2 departments and 107 students.

In 1980-1985 reached its peak with about 25000 students

and more than 66 majors, becoming the largest higher

education institution in Armenia.

On November 29, 1991, the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute

was reorganized and renamed State Engineering

University of Armenia (SEUA).

In 2005, by the Resolution # 1717 of the RA Government

the traditional name Polytechnic was returned to the

University as an acronym.



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The Central Campus of the University is located in Yerevan and the BranchCampuses - in Gyumri, Vanadzor and Kapan.

The University has affiliated high schools in Yerevan and Regional Campuses,

aimed at recruiting future gifted students from schools.

4 study programs of vocational, higher and post-higher professional

education,conferring the qualification degrees of junior specialist,

bachelor, master and researcher (PhD).

The University also offers extended education courses by means of itsfaculties and a network of continuing education structures.

More than 35 Bachelors and 25 Masters major specialties in Engineering,

Industrial Economics, Engineering Management, Applied

Mathematics and Industrial Sociology.



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At present 19 faculties with over 10 thousand studentsfollowing 4 degree programs, about 200 foreign students

studying in English and Armenian language groups.

In addition, over 800 learners at the SEUA central and

regional affiliated high schools.

The academic staff of the University exceeds 1000, most of

them with Degrees of Candidate or Doctor of Science.

With its developed research system and infrastructure the

University is nationally recognized as the leading center in

technical sciences.



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The University is a member of:

European Universities Association,

Black See Universities Network,

Mediterranean Engineering Universities Network,

Association of Engineering Universities of CIS countries,

is involved in:

many European and other international research and educational

programs (TEMPUS, TACIS, FP, DAAD, OSIAF, INTAS, USAID,NATO Science, NATO Networking, NISCUPP, etc.).



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Faculties Co-UniversityChairs

Divisions ScientificResearches

Other StructuralUnits

The Structure of State Engineering University of Armenia (Central

Campus)

Chemical andEnvironmental

Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Power Engineering

Machine-building

Mechanics and MachineScience

Computer Systems andInformatics

Cybernetics

Radio Engineering andCommunication

Systems

Mining Engineering andMetallurgy

Transport Systems

Physics

Social-PoliticalDisciplines and General

Economics

Languages

Physical Training andSports

Microelectronic

Circuits and Systems

Interdepartmental ChairMathematics

Engineering Graphics

Life and Labor Safety

Courses in Humanities,Economics and

Management

CorrespondenceEducation

Division of ForeignStudents

Graduate Division

Coordinating Division ofSpecialized Council

Scientific ResearchLaboratories

Computer Center

Laboratory of UniversityLAN

Preparatory Courses

Printing House

Recreation-SportCamps

Art Clubs

Public Food Complex

Student Carrier ServiceCenter

University-IndustryLiaison Center

Faculty DevelopmentCenter

Alumni Association

Student Council

Specialized Common Educational

Library

Donation and GraduatesSection

1933

1943

1953

1963

1973

1983

1

993

200

3

Year

0

5

10

15

Departments



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THE REALITIES,PROBLEMS AND NEEDS.



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OUR STRENGHTS

SEUA (former Yerevan Polytechnic Institute) is the

incontestableleader in technical education of RA During 78 years since its establishment

SEUA has given more than 110,000

graduates

The graduates have formed RAs

main engineering manpower

scientific technical community

industrial leadership



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During its 78-year history the University has created some stable

values and traditions, which united several generations of the facultyand students and defined its unique Polytechnic character.

Polytechnic Roots and Polytechnic Orientation

The Student's Success and Satisfaction is the Mirror of the

University's Success

The Unique Mission and Responsibility of the University

The University as an Ethical Model for the Students and

Environment

Open University Community, Shared Responsibility andGovernance

Quality of Education by European Standards.



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MAIN PROBLEMS & NEEDS

The offer based disciplinary structure (list of specialties) and relevantcurricula of the University do not respond always to the changing needsof employment market.

Rigidly planned and teacher centered educational system, which doesnot give freedom for learning choices to students.

Too theoretical contents of educational programs not targeted to thegeneration of practical skills of the graduates.

Dangerously fast increasing average age of teaching staffpractically atall Faculties because of insufficient inflow of young academic staff notmotivated to work at the universities for low salaries.

Insufficient renovation of teaching laboratories and the technical

infrastructure of Faculties and restricted use of new IT basededucational methodologies.

Lack of long term industrial collaboration links between Faculties andthe national and international Armenian companies and enterprises ofthe corresponding fields.



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HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

To renovate the content of studyprograms based on thecompetency and skill needs of the employment market.

To continue and deepen the replacement of old rigid organi-zational structure ofeducation by a new, credit based flexiblesystem able to respond to rapidly changing market demands.

To strengthen the existing and establish newUniversityIndustry partnerships to involve more employer organizationsin the process of formation of high quality future engineers.

To start close cooperation with local and foreign HEIs aimedto developing and implementing joint degree programs in theareas of mutual interests.



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The Vision of the University



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The University aspires to become an institution:

where the entrance and educational recourses are accessible to diverse

social and age groups, to both local and international students

whish is adaptable to environmental changes and responsive to the

changing needs of the society, economy and the demands of the market

which has an essential role in programs of economic development

that prepares students for a full-fledged career, professional progress,

innovation and leadership that provides quality education by integrating theory and practice, creating a

sound basis for general education

that encourages the opportunity of open communication and debate to

all and where everyone is responsible for the development process

which is proactive and entrepreneurial in its interaction with external

environment

which is guided by global prospective and moves toward internationali-

zation and European integration.



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TEMPUS-JEP: Development and

Integration of University Self-assessmentSystems - (Initial Assignments)



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F O R E W A R D



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During the recent years certain methodological

preconditions and practical experience are acquired

in State Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA)

to combine the existing separate mechanisms aimed

at education quality assurance and to form an entire

internal system of quality assessment, assurance and

continuous enhancement.


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It became possible mainly due to quite productive cooperation of

SEUA with some Armenian and European universities in the field

of QA, a best example of which was the TEMPUS-JEP Internal

quality assurance system in Armenian HEIs (ARMQA) carried

out during 2007-2009 in close cooperation with Yerevan State

University and 2 EU partners: Middlesex University (London) and

Genoa University (Italy).

The current 2 new TEMPUS projects, ongoing under the German

partners general coordination, are considered as the best chance tocomplete the gained already experience and by the end of the

projects to come over with the development of standards for both

internal and external QA systems.


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The SEUA activity aimed to the assurance of education

quality is carrying out in accordance with the goals and

objectives defined in SEUA Strategic Plan 2011-2015.

The strategy of development of quality assurance system

and continuous enhancement of quality are integrated

within the mentioned strategic plan.


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The current state and nearest problems of

SEUA according to ESG components

DIUS Assignment 1:


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1. Policy and procedures for quality assurance

Standard: Institutions should have a policy and associated

procedures for the assurance of the quality and standards of

their programmes and awards. They should also commit

themselves explicitly to the development of a culture which

recognises the importance of quality, and quality assurance, in

their work. To achieve this, institutions should develop and

implement a strategy for the continuous enhancement of quality.

The strategy, policy and procedures should have a formal statusand be publicly available. They should also include a role for

students and other stakeholders.


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The strategy of QA system development and

continuous enhancement of education quality

integrated within the SEUA strategic plansThe nearest objectives of reforms:

Formation of long term QA policy as a basefor development and assessment of the qualitycontinues enhancement internal system

Development and approval of appropriateofficial document on the policy of QA, which isrequired by ENQA standards

Detailed description and bringing in

compliance with ENQA standards the processesand procedures of internal QA

The proved Action plan and timetable of Strategic

Plan accomplishment with the list of responsible

executors

The developed methodical framework, procedures

and timetable for self assessment of educational

departments and divisions

The specialized Division of quality control

established within the SEUA Educational

methodical Department

Self assessments realized in the SEUA all Faculties

and regional branches

The developed conceptual and organizational

framework of SEUA internal QA system

1. Policy and procedures for quality assurance


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2. Approval, monitoring and periodic review of

programmes and awards

Standard: Institutions should have formalmechanisms for the approval, periodic review

and monitoring of their programmes and awards.


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Design of curriculum in accordance with the

State Educational Standards of qualifications

The nearest objectives of reforms:

Aimed at the taking into account the QAfactor in advance, to implement a new

methodology of planning, development,

realization and monitoring of educational

programmes with clear-cut separation of

these processes and harmonization with

ENQA standards criteria using Europeanadvanced experience.

Organization of a preliminary internal peer

review of the developed curricula

Organization of external expertise of the

developed curricula

Summarizing the results of external expertise

and final corrections of the developed curricula

Approval of curricula by the SEUA AcademicCouncil in accordance with internal regulations

Design of disciplines programmes at the chairs,

organization of their external review and

approval by the SEUA Vice-Rector for Academic

Affairs

2. Approval, monitoring and periodic review of

programmes and awards


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3. Assessment of students

Standard: Students should be assessed usingpublished criteria, regulations and procedures

which are applied consistently.


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A unified Rating Points system of assessment

used at SEUA for students of all 3 educational

cycles (BE, ME, PhD)The nearest objectives of reforms:

Modernization of regulations and procedures of

student assessment in line with ENQA standards

criteria, in particular:

- adequate tools for measuring the achievement

of the intended learning outcomes and objectives

of programme/discipline,

- clearness and transparency of assessment

criteria,

- control of accuracy of the procedures

maintenance,

- introduction of computer based impartial

technologies.

Current monitoring of student achievements

through intermediate assessments and session

examinations

Centralized institutional examination

commissions for all the basic common disciplines

of the University

Obligatory external expertise of all graduation

works and dissertations

Qualifications awarded by an independent State

Examination Commission headed by a leading

external expert of the field

3. Assessment of students


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4. Quality assurance of teaching staffs

Standard: Institutions should have ways of satisfying

themselves that staff involved with the teaching ofstudents is qualified and competent to do so. They

should be available to those undertaking external

reviews, and commented upon in reports.


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Contractual system of teaching staff appointment

The nearest objectives of reforms.:

Reconstruction of processes of teaching staff

quality assessment, recruitment and

enhancement of competences in harmony

with the requirements of ENQA standards,

especially, from the point of view of:

- testing the minimum necessary level of

pedagogical skills in the staffing phase,

- organizing the quality enhancement of

new appointed teaching staff,- monitoring the professional progress of

teaching staff.

Competitive system of teaching staff recruitment

in accordance with the prescribed qualification

requirements to the existing categories

Internal system of improvement of teaching staff

professional skills through the SEUA Faculty

Development Centre

Partial assessment of teaching staff by means of

sociological polls among students

Assessment of teaching quality and teachers

skills by colleagues through reciprocal lecture

attending

4. Quality assurance of teaching staffs


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5. Learning resources and student support

Standard: Institutions should ensure that the

resources available for the support of student

learning are adequate and appropriate for each

programme offered.


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Syllabuses, main and extra support teaching

aids and methodical materials


Development of procedures to ensure the

quality of learning resources and othersupport services of educational process, in

particular:

- establishment of clear criteria of resource

base necessary for a new program creation,

- development of auxiliary new services

promoting the learning process,

- introduction of clear procedures and

criteria for monitoring learning resources

condition and their permanent improvement.

A network of specialized classrooms equipped

for E-teaching and learning; good

preconditions for distance learning

New laboratories with capability to provide

virtual laboratorial works and lessons

The University research library involved in

the republican library network and equippedwith two E-reading halls

Partly developed institutions of academic

counselors/curators and support services of

student career forming

5. Learning resources and student support


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6. Information systems

Standard: Institutions should ensure that they

collect, analyse and use relevant information for the

effective management of their programmes of study

and other activities.


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Collecting and processing regular information

about students current and terminal progress in

studies


Reorganization of the University internal

information system and regulation of

internal and external (public) information

flows in accordance with the requirements

of new established internal QA system.

Analysis of students current, terminal and

graduation progress results on the University

different levels (chair, faculty, Rectorate andAcademic Senate)

Regular updating and analysis of data on

student contingent and its movement

Newly developed computer-aided system for

faculty offices used to store and process data on

students and their progression

Presentation and discussion of the faculties

annual reports and the resumptive report of the

University

6. Information systems


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7. Public information

Standard: Institutions should regularly publish up

to date, impartial and objective information, both

quantitative and qualitative, about the programmes

and awards they are offering.


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Annual publications of the offered programmes

list, the vacancy numbers and entering

requirementsThe nearest objectives of reforms:

Regulation of public information about the

offered academic programmes by means of

introducing clear-cut procedures of

information presentation and putting the

provided information into a common format,

in particular:

- including in provided information the

missing so far descriptions of potential jobs

available to the graduates of the offeredspecialties,

- presentation of alternative tracks of

academic programmes available for

continuing the education.

Periodical publications of catalogues and other

information materials about SEUA, its

educational subdivisions and regional branches

Publication of the University periodicals: SEUA

official monthly Polytechnic, yearly magazine

Polytechnic Panorama and the Student Unions

monthly Impulse

Yearly Study guidelines and catalog of

disciplines for all graduate and postgraduate

students; annual guides for first-year students

Regularly updated Web site of SEUA that

illustrates the University activity in different

directions

7. Public information


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The SEUA nearestneedsin QA - 1

To cover ENQA requirements completely and to ensure theinternal QA system at SEUA the following further steps areneeded:

Development of the University long-term policy of QA anddocumentary verification of its formal status (ENQA 1.1

standard), Matching the existing QA procedures to the ENQA standards

and documentation of the procedures methodical andorganizational basics (ENQA 1.1 standard),

Implementation of European experience based new methodologyto separate the educational programmes planning, execution,

monitoring and periodical revision cycles and to take into accountthe QA elements priory (ENQA 1.2 standard),

Improvement of students assessment criteria aimed to adequatemeasurement of the level of obtaining the programme learningoutcomes (ENQA 1.3 standard),


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The SEUA nearest needsin QA - 2

To cover ENQA requirements completely and to ensure theinternal QA system at SEUA the following further steps areneeded:

Implementation of a testing mechanisms for new teachers in thephase of their appointment to examine and ensure the minimum

level of their pedagogical skills and organizing the faculty furtherprofessional development and the progress monitoring (ENQA 1.4standard),

Development and implementation of a clear-cut system ofnormative requirements to learning recourses of the existing andnew establishing programmes; a realized institution of tutors

(ENQA 1.5 standard),

Normative and procedural regulation of public information aboutthe offered educational programmes, in particular, presentation ofinformation on potential employment and alternative tracks of theprogramme available for continuing (ENQA 1.7 standard).


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The University mission and theunderlying processes

DIUS Assignment 2:


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Le Mans - Koblenz, June-

July, 2011

The SEUA Mission

State Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic) is ahigher educational institution with a polytechnic emphasis,the basic mission of which is:

to create and implement academic/research programs and

services consonant with educational and technological needsof the national economy and society,

to prepare students for life, career, life-long learning andprofessional progress in line with changing economicenvironment and emerging global information society,

to create a supportive environment for the comprehensivepersonal and intellectual development of each individual,generation of law-abiding and responsible citizens.


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July, 2011

The SEUA mission evolves around

teaching and learning(1)

The evolvement processes within underlying this dimension

are identified in the SEUA Strategic Plan 2011-2015 and

sound as follows:

Gradual reconstruction of contents and structures of existing

study programmes and development of new ones in line with therequirements of Tuning methodology; Goal 2, Objective 2.2.

Improvement of existing credit system by widening the range of

its possibilities and increasing the efficiency of its use; Goal 2,

Objective 2.3.

Improvement and renovation of academic staff in line with the

development of modern quality requirements of study

programmes; Goal 3, Objective 3.1.


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July, 2011


teaching and learning(2)

Ensuring the satisfactory facilities and technical conditions of theeducational processes in central and regional campuses of SEUA;Goal 4, Objective 4.3.

Improvement of the University information resources make up

process, ensuring their accessibility and effective use consonantwith the developments of study programmes needs; Goal 6,Objective 6.2.

Ensuring supportive prerequisites and encouraging mechanismsto enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learningcontinuously; Goal 2, Objective 2.4.

Implementation of a University system of quality assessment andassurance accordingly to the requirements of ENQA standardsfor the internal valuation of higher education quality; Goal 2,Objective 2.1.


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July, 2011


research and development

The processes underlying within this dimension are again

identified in the SEUA Strategic Plan 2011-2015 andsound as follows:

Enhancement of the University postgraduate study programme

in harmony with the requirements of National Qualifications

Framework and demands of the research employment market,

as the 3-rd cycle of higher education; Goal 7, Objective 7.1.

Stimulation of the research products and services applied

efficiency and innovative competitiveness enhancement,ensuring the supportive prerequisites for the commercialization

of the products; Goal 7, Objective 7.3.


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July, 2011


services to society

Objective 1.4. To develop and enhance the system of continuing

education at the University in accordance with the demands of the

education market.

Monitor the demand for continuing (extended) education among the

potential SEUA clients, conduct marketing of the demanded trainingcourses and provide support to course design and delivery.

Develop a comprehensive and demand based system of continuing

education at SEUA with the active involvement of the regional

campuses.

Introduce distance learning technologies and support their efficientuse in training courses of continuing education and correspondence

form of instruction.

Create conditions for concurrent enrollment, accumulation of credits

and certification of external learners (non matriculatedstudents)

registered for the regular courses of study programs.


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Managerial organization schemes

of SEUA internal QA system

DIUS Assignment 3:


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Vice-Rector

External Experts

Faculty Deve-

lopment Centre

Academic

Planning

Division

QA Division

Regular Seminars

Academic CouncilRECTOR

Deputy Vice-

Rector for QA

Head of AcademicAffairs Department

QA Commission

of AC

Regional Academic

Councils

Councils of Faculties

Local groups of

Selfassessment

The diagram of administrative organization of SEUA internal QA system

QA Sub-commissions ofFaculty Councils

Regional QACommissions

QA Commission ofStudent Council


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Vice-Rector

QA Commission of AC

RECTOR

Chairs, Faculties,

Divisions

External Experts

Head of Academic Affairs

Department

Academic Council

Deputy Vice-Rector

for QA

Students

QA Commission of

Student Council

Regional AC

QA Commission

QA DivisionAcademic Planning

Division

QA Sub-commissions of

Faculty Councils

The Diagram of Information Flows in the SEUA internal QA System


Th Fl f C l C d i h SEUA i l QA S


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Vice-Rector

QA Commission of AC

RECTOR

Chairs, Faculties,

Divisions

External Experts

Head of Academic Affairs

Department

Academic Council

Deputy Vice-Rector

for QA

Students

QA Commission of

Student Council

QA DivisionAcademic Planning

Division

QA Sub-commissions of

Faculty Councils

The Flows of Control Commands in the SEUA internal QA System


Regional AC

QA Commission


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Thank you for your attention


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Welcome to a short videotour to SEUA



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Thank you

Documents

Presentation for KOBLENZ - Combined July 2011