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June 27, 2023

Analysis of the State of

the Higher Education System �in the Republic of Armenia

Authors:

Dr. Robert Khachatryan

Ruzanna Minasyan

Yelena Baytalyan

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Credits & Acknowledgements

Yelena Baytalyan,

Kima Ghulyan,

Susanna Karakhanyan, Robert Khachatryan,

Ruzanna Minasyan,

Vatche Sahakian,

Suzanna Shamakhyan,

Ara Tekian

Task Force Members

Alen Gasparian Amirkhanian, Tamara Babaian, Sharon Chekijian, Areg Danagoulian, Taniel Danelian, Tatevik Gharibyan, Ani Hovhannisyan, Lusine Kharatyan, Armen Kherlopian, Sharistan Melkonian, Lilit Mkrtchyan, Mary Papazian, Pegor Papazian, Armen Shirikyan, Anoush Fraser Terjanian, Virginia Valian

Core Team:

Funded by the Fund for Armenian Relief – the Armenian National Science & Education Fund

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Outline

Introduction: Purpose & Methodology
Key Systemic Issues
A peek of few details� Legal & Governance framework � Strategic Management & Stakeholder Engagement

Quality of Education & Research

Proof-of-concept recommendations
Next Steps

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Higher Education reforms in Armenia have evolved into two equally important directions :

a top-down approach directed by the Republic of Armenia (RA) government.

a bottom-up process pursued by agents of the Higher Education (HE) system.

Higher education is the foundation from which society draws its future leaders and addresses the needs of the society.

Altman 1996

Introduction

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Purpose of the study

To evaluate the state of the Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) in Armenia in general, and to identify current problems in particular areas

To frame the big picture of challenges & opportunities

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Methodology

Sampling was done among state and private HEI’s. ��The following dimensions have been targeted�

Pedagogy
Art and Design
Computer Science
Medicine

Timeline: From February 2023 to June 2023

Higher Education Landscape

STATE UNIVERSITIES	NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES	CROSS-BORDER EDUCATION PROVIDERS
28	30	4
NUMBER OF STUDENTS 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR
BACHELOR 71 732		MASTER 7781

Based on a review of secondary sources

	STATE UNIVERSITIES��5	NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES��4	INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIVERSITIES��1
Self-evaluation reports	10	6	1
Expert panel reports	10	6	1
Strategic plans	7	7	1
Charters	5	4	1
Annual Reports	15	12	3

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REPORTS AND ARTICLES
8

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Key Systemic Issues

I. Integrity

Lack of independent and transparent decision-making processes in HE jeopardizing ethical behavior

II. Autonomy

Autonomy of public HEIs is jeopardized leading to inefficient HE governance

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Key Systemic Issues

III. Accountability

No fiduciary responsibilities, limited stakeholders’ oversight of outcome-driven operations and flawed mechanisms of accountable decision making

IV. Global connectedness

Limited commitment and follow-up on international soft regulations, including the ratified conventions
Limited leverage of global connectedness and international networking to promote international levels of excellence in HE

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A peek of some details

For more, please see final report

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Lack of clear vision, no clarity on state priorities, questionable relevance of state policies and frequent changes in legislative framework affecting the HEIs' abilities to implement long-term strategies

Increased infringement of institutional autonomy, resulting in exponential decline of transparency and integrity

Ineffective ethical norms of governance

Flawed institutional accountability systems and mechanisms

Insufficient legal provision for diversification of funding (alternative funding schemes)

Legal & Governance Framework

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Lack of strategic management culture at all levels

Inadequate stakeholder engagement, leading to decreased relevance and hampering transparency and credibility

Lack of data-driven governance and decision-making culture

Outdated Human Resource Management System

Unsustainable funding models of the HEIs

Limited incentivization mechanisms for Faculty and Researchers

Strategic Management & Stakeholder Engagement

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Lack of culture of outcome-based and student-centric education

Inefficient implementation of the RA NQF impacting the recognition of outcomes

Flawed academic integrity and mass consumption of plagiarism mechanisms

Quality of Education & Research

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Proof-of-concept recommendations

Higher Education Governance Reforms

For example, set up an independent commission with an efficient governance structure�

Funding & Financial Management

For example, set up a state-level advancement office�

Visibility & Internationalization

For example, invite division heads to ASOF-established committees

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Next Steps

Step 1: Appreciate the existence of serious challenges

Step 2: Discuss our proof-of-concept recommendation to tackle these complex problems. Engage immediately wherever we can, through small and large programs.

Some immediate questions for you:�

What are effective models for collaboration to achieve the needed reforms?
Are you ready to engage yourself now, and how?
What is the capacity of the Diaspora to help? �

Long term question:�

What is the State’s grand vision for higher education?

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Thank you

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