Being part of a university forms a part of our identity – YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan

Why is it important to strengthen the university-alumni connection? What steps is YSU taking, and what initiatives is it implementing to achieve this goal? In this conversation, Elina Asriyan, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at YSU and an alumna of the institution herself, addressed these and other questions.

- Ms. Asriyan, as a YSU alumna, how would you describe the university-alumni connection? How important is it?

- Being part of a university forms a part of our identity. In this context, the university-alumni connection can be compared to the relationship between parents and children in a family. Just as an individual goes through different stages of socialization and forms as a person within a family, so does one continue to develop and solidify as an individual and a professional at the university, in our case, Yerevan State University. Thus, the connection between the university and its alumni is undeniably essential. Like parents, the university takes pride in successes, achievements, and professional accomplishments of its alumni, always ready to offer support.

- What role do you think YSU alumni can play in shaping and improving the university’s educational life? How important is their participation in this process?

- Alumni can have a huge impact on shaping the long-term strategy and educational policies of the university. With their experience, they can act as consultants, mentors for students, and share their expertise. For instance, in several Western universities, platforms exist for communication between students and alumni. Students can reach out to alumni for advice and answers to various questions. Additionally, alumni have the opportunity and should participate in the process of improving educational programs. Having firsthand experience in the program and later establishing themselves in the labor market, alumni provide valuable feedback. Their insights and experiences can significantly contribute to the advancement of educational programs. 

- What steps is YSU taking or planning to take to deepen the connection with alumni and involve them in university initiatives?

- One of our recent initiatives is the improvement of educational programs. In this process, we have specifically highlighted the need for alumni involvement. We have included alumni in the working group responsible for improving educational programs, as they can best identify potential issues and shortcomings in the programs. Furthermore, we announced a grant for the improvement of educational programs, with the involvement of invited professors and alumni to ensure genuine evaluations and suggestions for further improvements. In addition to these initiatives, alumni have been involved in both the development of the university’s strategic plan and the organization of internships. In many cases, alumni already working in the labor market reconnect with the university and assist in resolving internship issues, creating a bridge between the university and employers. Such collaborative programs are very important for us, and we are consistently working to expand and strengthen these initiatives.

- What challenges currently exist in maintaining the university-alumni connection?

- Sometimes, the university does not collect sufficient information about the career paths of its alumni, which is a negative trend. If the university were able to track where its alumni go, whether they face any difficulties or need further training, it would be possible to provide more appropriate support and create opportunities for alumni to return to the university at any time. The university must continuously monitor the professional growth and needs of its alumni. Unfortunately, this connection is often interrupted, and this is a problem. Both the university and the alumni 'lose out.' The university-alumni connection should be ongoing and dynamic, fostering mutual development.  

- Ms. Asriyan, you graduated from YSU Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology in 2002. How has the university changed over the years, and where is it heading?

- The university has two essential components: static and dynamic. The static component consists of the university’s foundation—its values, traditions, on which the concept of the "university" is based. It is important that this static component remains relatively unchanged, as it ensures the stability of values and traditions. However, it is equally necessary for the university to have a dynamic—changing—component that is capable of responding to modern changes and external challenges. In the 21st century, a university is not merely an institution existing within society, it must act for society, respond to its needs, and contribute to solving community and regional issues. 

Today, universities have a clear mission: to address the global challenges humanity faces. Yerevan State University, in my view, is truly fulfilling this mission through both scientific and research initiatives. The university I graduated from and the university we have today share both similarities and significant differences. It is these differences that speak to the ongoing development of our university, aiming to create a better and more responsible future.

- For many, being an alumna of the university is an honor, while for others, it is a responsibility. What does being an alumna of YSU mean to you?

- For me, being an alumna of YSU is a great source of pride, a mission, and an inner strength.

- Ms. Asriyan, on May 15 and 16 this year, the first-ever YSU Alumni Forum will be held at Yerevan State University, bringing together YSU alumni. What expectations do you have for this event?

- This initiative presents a unique opportunity to bring alumni from different years together on a single platform, to understand their needs, recognize their achievements, and ultimately, to foster dialogue. I am hopeful that this event will become a recurring one, contributing to the strengthening of the bond between alumni and the university. 

- What message would you like to convey to the participants of YSU Alumni Forum regarding maintaining and strengthening the connection with the university?

- Only together can we make the world a better place.