AUA Holds 2023 Faculty Retreat

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On October 28, the 2023 American University of Armenia (AUA) faculty retreat was held at the Central Bank building in Dilijan. Organized by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and the AUA Faculty Senate, the retreat was attended by around 70 members of the faculty, which included full-time as well as adjunct faculty.

The theme of this year’s retreat was “future.” The day began with an opening session by AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, who outlined his vision for the University’s forthcoming expansion. Assistant to the President on Academic Affairs Dr. Vahram Ter Matevosyan then elaborated on the imminent ten-year University strategic planning process.

Next, participants attended two simultaneous breakout sessions: In one, Adjunct Lecturers Molly Freeman, David Davidian, and Viken Derderian led a discussion on the humane use of artificial intelligence (AI). Faculty deliberated over the ethical and practical challenges AI presents in the classroom and beyond, underscoring the strategies for engaging AI in productive and responsible ways. In the other, C. Judson King Endowed Professor Dr. Naira Campbell-Kyureghyan led a session on convergent research and teaching, during which faculty shared their research interests so as to discover areas for potential collaboration.

In the afternoon, a second round of simultaneous breakout sessions were held. In one, AUA Assistant Professor Dr. Anya Agopian presented research conducted by graduate students in the Master of Public Health program regarding sexual assault, harassment, and stalking on the University campus. Her presentation prompted many questions about how AUA could prevent, better monitor, and handle such serious incidents. Simultaneously, CHSS Lecturer and Chair of the Faculty Senate Laura Prokić led a session explaining the role of the Senate and its various committees and invited faculty to indicate their preferences for the upcoming Senate term.

Throughout the day, there were more opportunities for the attendees to network and exchange ideas. The Dilijan retreat also offered a chance for faculty to view the AUA Extension site housed in the Central Bank of Armenia’s Educational Center. 

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 and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.