Campuswide Accreditation Update: Integrity of the Undergraduate Degree
2 min readYEREVAN, Armenia — On April 17, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted another campus-wide update on the status of the University’s reaffirmation of accreditation process, focusing specifically on the integrity of the undergraduate degree.
Dr. Aram Hajian, dean of the Akian College of Science and Engineering, member of the University’s Accreditation Task Force, and chairperson of the working group tasked with exploring the integrity of the undergraduate degree began the presentation with an overview of accreditation and the current reaffirmation process through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of seven regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Once again, Dr. Hajian reaffirmed that accreditation is an important aspect of quality assurance and underscored AUA’s commitment to continued improvement and development.
Going over the different aspects of the current reaffirmation process, Dr. Hajian stated that the presentation would focus on the integrity of the undergraduate degree. He elaborated that a working group is currently exploring “not only what students learn in their major courses, but also how this is integrated with their general education courses, and what they learn outside the classroom — the complete undergraduate degree.”
Dr. Hajian then turned the presentation over to another member of the working group, Associate Professor and English and Communications Program Chair Dr. Mica Hilson who described how the working group has analyzed survey data and information from AUA’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment; administered additional surveys; and held multiple focus groups with AUA alumni, current students, and other stakeholders. He then shared key findings indicating that most students felt they had a high level of preparedness for both graduate school and career choices, and that many of them were already employed while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
Initial recommendations were also shared, including offering more high-impact educational opportunities, such as courses focused on problem-based learning and effective integration of courses offered in both undergraduate majors and General Education; encouraging students and faculty to do more work outside the classroom; identifying more effective ways to solicit feedback from alumni; and considering possibilities of part-time student status.
Following the presentation, Drs. Hajian and Hilson solicited feedback and questions from the participants who shared thoughts about engaging more students in research, incorporating service learning opportunities, and continuing to gather feedback from employers regarding industry expectations.
Dr. Hajian concluded the update by reminding participants of continued opportunities for engagement in the reaffirmation of accreditation process, including:
- May 25: Onsite campus update – Review of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- May: Annual report submitted to WSCUC
- June: Draft self-study shared with campus for input
- June: Final self-study shared with AUA Board of Trustees
- Summer 2023: Self-study report submitted to WSCUC
- October 24-26, 2023 WSCUC site visit to AUA (October 20, visit to Dilijan location)
- February 2024: WSCUC Commission action.
Additional information about AUA’s accreditation can be found at Accreditation & Affiliations.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.