AUA Student Council: Bringing Students to the Decision-Making Table

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — One of the defining features of the American University of Armenia’s academic experience is student representation at the decision-making table via the Student Council. Elected by the student body through yearly elections, the Council represents a crucial component of the University’s collective governance structure, bringing the students’ voice to regular meetings with University leadership, the Faculty Senate, and, whenever possible, members of the Board of Trustees.

The Student Council is the official representative body of the AUA student body. Its mission is to voice the collective concerns, needs, aims and wishes of all the graduates and undergraduates, in addition to fomenting a strong bond among students and between the students and their University. With the goal of building and maintaining a positive AUA spirit, the Council raises the motivation of students to get involved in various activities and programs that benefit the entire AUA community.

“The Student Council entails a great deal of time, effort, and responsibility,” says Council member Maneh Petrosian (BAEC ’25). “But the idea that you are able to give back to the community while having their trust and support is what pushes us to go further.”

Formally established in 2019, the Student Council boasts an institutional history that dates back to at least 2005, when the Capacity and Preparatory Review Report for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges mentioned that it had “evolved from an embryo stage toward a participative role.” After AUA introduced undergraduate programs in 2013, the existing one was renamed the Graduate Student Council, while a new Undergraduate Student Council was established to ensure undergraduate student representation. In 2019, the two Councils were merged to avoid confusion and duplication. Elections are college-based. 

“The Student Council is an integral body of the University. I am pleased to meet with this group of motivated and dedicated individuals periodically, and I encourage all AUA students to become engaged with student life on campus and contribute their skills to our community,” says AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian.

The Student Council officially convenes in person once per week. These meetings are also attended by the Council’s advisers: Program Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance and Associate Professor Dr. Yevgenya Jenny Paturyan, Coordinator of Co-Curricular Programs Hasmik Marukyan, and one faculty member. The body meets with top university leadership (President and Provost) at least once per semester, and Council members participate in numerous committees, workgroups, and task forces: for example, in 2023, Student Council members and delegates participated in 19 different committees and task forces, including the Accreditation Steering Committee, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum Committee, Library Advisory Committee, Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and more. In addition to regular meetings and committee work, the Council frequently initiates discussions with various University units regarding student-related issues.

“Throughout the past few years, we have seen some amazing work done by these young, bright, and dedicated students,” says Program Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance Dr. Yevgenya Jenny Paturyan. “They led by example during the double crisis of COVID-19 and the 2020 Artsakh War, and then again during the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in 2023, helping students come together. They are honest during difficult conversations with various stakeholders. They are serious about upholding AUA’s reputation when representing the University to other universities or external partners. The Council learns from experience and practices teamwork. Year after year, they choose team leadership, instead of delegating authority to a single person — something that often surprises those used to a traditional model of governance with a ‘president’ or ‘chair.’ They brighten campus life with many events and engaging activities. They make AUA so much better. They are AUA.”

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.