STUDENT GUIDE

STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT ID CARD

A student of “Urartu” University is a person admitted to the university to receive higher professional education. An applicant who successfully passes the entrance examinations obtains the rights of a university student after signing a contract with the university and paying the tuition fees within the established deadlines.

The student ID card is a document that confirms the status of a student at “Urartu” University and is issued free of charge.

The student ID card indicates the student’s surname, first name, patronymic, the student ID number, the form of education, the year of admission, and the validity period. In case of loss of the student ID card, the student must immediately notify the dean’s office. To replace a lost or damaged card, the student submits an application to the university rector. A new card is issued within 7 working days.

GRADE BOOK

At the beginning of their studies, every student admitted to “Urartu” University is issued a grade book. The grade book records the form of education—full-time or part-time, the educational level, the faculty, the names of courses, the credits, and the final grade for each course, which is confirmed by the signatures of the lecturers who conducted the exams and the dean.

The grade book also contains information regarding internships and final assessments.

In the case of transferring to another university or leaving the university, the student is obliged to return the grade book. In return, an official academic transcript in the prescribed format is issued.

ORGANIZATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

At the university, academic classes are conducted in accordance with established procedures, following the curriculum, course programs, and the schedule of the educational process.

The class schedule is prepared for the semester and posted no later than 5 working days before the semester begins.

To conduct practical sessions in classrooms and laboratories, each year group is divided into academic groups and subgroups.

In each academic group, the most disciplined and outstanding students are elected by their peers as the group leader. The group leader reports to the faculty dean and informs their group of all the dean’s orders and instructions.

The responsibilities of the group leader include:

Keeping individual attendance records of students as assigned by the lecturer.
Submitting a daily report to the faculty dean about students’ absences or lateness, including reasons for late arrivals.
Informing students of any changes made on the class schedule board.
Reporting to the faculty dean about low-quality classes or sessions conducted in violation of the curriculum.

For each academic group, a class register is maintained in the prescribed format. It is kept in the faculty dean’s office and is issued daily, before classes, to the group leader, who records students’ attendance. The lecturer records students’ participation in practical sessions with appropriate assessments and signs the register.

At the university, loud conversations, noise, and the use of electronic devices and mobile phones unrelated to the class during sessions are prohibited. Smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden.

TIMETABLE

I-II lessons	09:30-10:40
III-IV lessons	10:45-11:55
V-VI lessons	12:15-13:25
VII-VIII lessons	13:30-14:40
IX-X lessons	14:45-15:55

LECTURE

A lecture is a form of large-group academic session. It is a logically structured, coherent, and clear oral presentation by the lecturer on a scientific or informational topic, aimed at conveying knowledge to students. It may be accompanied by the use of educational materials and technical aids.

During the lecture, the process of understanding and interpreting the material is an essential component. Students are expected to behave in a highly civilized and restrained manner, avoiding any actions that could disturb their peers or the lecturer.

SEMINAR

A seminar is one of the main types of group practical sessions, during which a student learns not only to orally organize and present material but also to defend their opinions and conclusions.

The most important component of a seminar is the student’s presentation in front of their classmates. Quickly formulating reasoned responses and rapidly focusing attention from one issue to another helps develop the skills and abilities a student will need in their future professional activities.

During seminar sessions, it is essential for students to express their own thoughts fully and clearly.

PRACTICAL SESSIONS

Practical sessions are those conducted under the supervision of a lecturer and aimed at deepening theoretical knowledge and mastering specific work methods.

During practical sessions, students develop skills such as working with academic literature, compiling tables, analyzing statistical data, performing text analysis, using appropriate equipment and technical tools, and applying theoretical knowledge in practice.

LABORATORY WORK

Laboratory work is an independent practical session conducted under the supervision of a lecturer and/or lab assistant. Its purpose is to deepen and consolidate theoretical knowledge and to develop the ability to carry out independent experimental activities. Conducting laboratory work requires the availability of the necessary equipment, tools, instruments, and materials, their preparation, the development of an experiment plan, performing the experiment, and documenting its process and results.

The university has modern, fully equipped laboratories where students carry out practical and laboratory work as specified in the curricula of various subjects.

CONSULTATION

Consultation is an essential part of the educational process. All lecturers at the university are required to provide students with consultation regarding the subjects they teach. During consultation, students can clarify unclear questions, discuss issues related to the content or methodology of lectures, and seek guidance on coursework or final projects. The consultation schedule can be obtained from the lecturers or the dean’s office.

ESSAYS, COURSE AND FINAL PAPERS, MASTER’S THESIS

An essential part of a student’s individual, independent research work includes essays, course and final papers, and the master’s thesis. During their studies, these assignments contribute to deepening the student’s knowledge, developing and strengthening research skills, and accumulating the professional experience required for their field. While conducting research, students enhance their abilities to work with scientific literature and to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Research papers generally consist of theoretical and practical sections. Students write their course papers, final papers, and master’s thesis with the guidance and support of their supervisor.

Research papers have a clear structure and a specified volume. Before beginning, the departments provide students with explanations regarding the requirements for the research work.

Final exams, the final paper, and the master’s thesis constitute the concluding stages of the undergraduate and graduate educational process.

PRACTICE / INTERNSHIP

To apply theoretical knowledge in practice, professional practice (educational-production, pedagogical, scientific-production, or scientific-pedagogical) is included as an essential component of the educational process. During practice, students, according to their professional orientation, visit relevant institutions, schools, ministries, institutes, enterprises, organizations, and other establishments.

The content and duration of practice are determined by the relevant state educational standards and the university’s curriculum.

The primary goal of practice is to consolidate and deepen the theoretical knowledge acquired by students during the educational process. The organization of practice is aimed at mastering professional activities and consistently improving qualifications. Practice allows students to familiarize themselves with the methods of organizational work, determine their professional interests, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and develop interpersonal, workplace adaptation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

During practice, students are required to record the dates and content of completed tasks in a diary. The entries in the diary are monitored by the practice supervisor.

At the conclusion of the practice, the student prepares a written report and submits it, along with the signed diary and evaluation from the practice supervisor, to the supervisor.

Organization of Practice:

The scope and content of all stages of practice are defined in the practice program, which is developed by the relevant department and approved by the university rector.
Educational practice can be conducted at external organizations as well as university departments.
Practice at an organization is carried out under a formal agreement between the university and the organization, under which the organization undertakes to properly organize the student’s practice on-site.
Students who have agreements with future employers complete production and pre-graduation practice at those organizations.
Educational and production practices can be conducted either continuously or following theoretical courses, according to days or weeks, provided that the connection between practice content and theoretical courses is maintained.
The organization ensures the necessary conditions and supports the full implementation of educational, production, and pre-graduation practices. Students and lecturers are allowed to use the organization’s laboratory equipment, library, technical documents, and resources to fully complete individual assignments and practice programs.
The schedule for practice is determined by the university according to the curriculum.
The practice program is developed considering students’ theoretical preparation and the capabilities of the training-production bases.
Upon completion of practice, the student submits a report to the supervisor appointed by the university.
The evaluation of practice is equivalent to the assessment of theoretical courses and is included in the overall summary of students’ academic performance.
If a student does not complete the practice program for valid reasons, they make it up during free time based on a decision of the rectorate. Students who fail to complete the practice for invalid reasons are considered academically indebted and may be expelled from the university in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Practice supervisors appointed by the university are experienced lecturers familiar with production processes, while organizations appoint qualified specialists.
Supervisors for production and pre-graduation practice are appointed by the lecturers of the relevant departments.

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMINATIONS, ASSESSMENT

Midterm and final examinations/assessments are forms of evaluating a student’s cumulative knowledge, derived from the Bologna Process, to ensure the functioning of the credit system.

At “Urartu” University, for each subject taught during a semester, there are two midterm examinations and one final examination and/or assessment.

Midterm and final assessments, as well as the clearing of academic debts, are conducted in written and/or oral form, using questionnaires or testing methods. The choice of the form and content of the assessment is determined by the department, as reflected in the subject descriptions and approved according to established procedures. Written tests and oral assessment questionnaires are based on the topics taught and are approved with the seal of the relevant faculty dean’s office.

All written and/or oral assessments of theoretical subjects, if necessary, are conducted in the presence of observers.

Midterm assessments monitor the student’s current understanding of the subject content. They are conducted at the end of each module of the subject in accordance with predetermined forms and schedules. An educational/learning module is the smallest relatively independent unit of the curriculum for which credit is awarded.

If a student does not achieve the 40-point threshold in the midterm assessment, the maximum score achieved is recorded as the basis for evaluation.

Final assessments evaluate the student’s complete mastery of the subject content. They are conducted at the end of the semester in accordance with predetermined forms and schedules, which are included in the course descriptions. The final grade of midterm and final assessments also incorporates daily ongoing evaluation results. The final assessment results in the formation of the credit unit, letter grade, and qualification credit. During the final assessment, students’ knowledge is evaluated on a 100-point scale. The content and form of the final assessment are determined in advance, and students must be informed before the actual start of the course.

During the retake week, students may retake the portions of the subject that prevented them from achieving the positive threshold of 40 points in midterm or final assessments. During retake week, regular classes continue without interruption.

SCHEDULE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS


Educational Process Component	Timeline
Academic sessions	20 weeks
Midterm assessments	After 6 weeks, 2 times
Retake week	19th week
Final assessment	20th week
Entry and announcement of grades	20th week
Resolution / grade correction	First 3 full weeks of the next academic year

GRADING SCALE FOR MULTI-FACTOR ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

Performance Level	Rating Points	Numerical Score	Letter Grade
Excellent	95-100	4,0	A+
Excellent	87-94	4,0	A
Excellent	81-86	3,7	A-
Good	75-80	3,3	B+
Good	67-74	3,0	B
Good	61-66	2,7	B-
Satisfactory	55-60	2,3	C+
Satisfactory	46-54	2,0	C
Satisfactory	40-45	1,7	C-
Failed	<40	0	D

«Passed»	41-100	S
«Not Passed»	Up to 40	U

PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA OF ASSESSMENT

Modern education has an important characteristic: the accessibility of information and the enormous amount of knowledge created worldwide every day. Under these conditions, simply providing students with a fixed set of knowledge, with the expectation that they will later reproduce it, becomes meaningless. Today, knowledge is more accessible than ever—primarily thanks to endless internet resources, universal literacy, and the vast array of publications released daily.

The primary goal of teaching has thus become the development of professional thinking in students, along with their ability to independently seek, analyze, combine, and create new knowledge.

One of the main goals of the Bologna Process is to transform reproductive pedagogy into productive pedagogy.

From these requirements arise new forms of teaching, as new criteria are needed to measure all these parameters. Previously little-known or completely new teaching forms have emerged, with an emphasis on developing practical skills, such as:

Independently acquiring and reproducing information
Searching for additional information, analyzing, synthesizing, and drawing conclusions
Developing professional thinking
Presenting and justifying one’s own opinions
Working in a team, showing tolerance
Listening, speaking, and other communication skills

As a result, the hours dedicated to individual and independent student work have increased. According to European standards:

In undergraduate (bachelor) programs, individual and independent work should constitute 30–50% of the total study time.
In master’s programs, it should constitute 50–70%.

Through lectures, individual, and independent work, students develop knowledge, skills, and competencies, which are evaluated by the instructor.

At the university, individual work is carried out in writing according to a personal schedule. In addition to group coursework, the student completes assignments individually under the guidance of a faculty-appointed supervisor.

Forms of individual work include:

Research papers
Course works
Thematic reports
Course projects

The results of a student’s individual work are recorded and stored in the department for at least six months.

Individual work is divided into two parts:

Contact work with a supervisor
Independent work in the library, computer lab, or at home

The process of individual work is strictly monitored by the department according to a pre-established schedule.

Credits indicate the total time allocated to a course by the student. If a student receives the credits prescribed by the course, it means they have acquired the minimum competencies necessary to become a professional. However, credits alone do not indicate how thoroughly the student has mastered the course—the quality of learning is reflected in the grade.

Students may master the material at different levels: excellent, good, or satisfactory. The grading system measures these levels.

The grading system is based on the principles established by the Bologna Process: objectivity, transparency, impartiality, and clearly defined learning outcomes.

Following these principles, as well as quality assurance requirements, the university has developed a grading system that:

Accurately measures students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies
Complies with all Bologna Process requirements
Complies with the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Education”
Is understandable and accessible to both students and faculty
Saves university resources, as instructors do not spend time on complex calculations
Avoids contradictions

The university grading system considers not only knowledge acquisition but also practical, independent, and creative skills and abilities. These criteria are used to form the overall performance score. This score is then combined with the student’s attendance score to determine the final grade for a course.

At “Urartu” University, the final grade is composed of the following components:

Attendance (14 points)
Participation in seminars, practical and laboratory sessions (16 points)
Individual student work (25 points)
Midterm exam 1 (15 points)
Midterm exam 2 (15 points)
Final exam (15 points)

Each of these components has a corresponding grading scale.

Attendance

0-3	Failed	<40%
4-7	Satisfactory	40-60%
8-11	Good	61-80%
12-14	Excellent	81-100%

Participation in Seminars, Practical, and Laboratory Sessions

0-4	Failed	<40%
5-8	Satisfactory	40-60%
9-12	Good	61-80%
13-16	Excellent	81-100%

Student Individual Work

0-5	Failed	<40%
6-12	Satisfactory	40-60%
13-18	Good	61-80%
19-25	Excellent	81-100%

Midterm exam 1/2

0-3	Failed	<40%
4-7	Satisfactory	40-60%
8-11	Good	61-80%
12-15	Excellent	81-100%

Final exam

0-3	Failed	<40%
4-7	Satisfactory	40-60%
8-11	Good	61-80%
12-15	Excellent	81-100%

The final grade is formed by the total of the six listed factors. The number of absences has minimal impact on the final grade; it becomes important only in borderline cases.

The assessment of practical skills and theoretical knowledge can be conducted in one or more parts. The student has the right to take course exams in parts, according to modules, which facilitates the learning process; moreover, each block, module, topic, or component of the course is assessed only once. If the student has already passed the midterm exams for a given subject, then during the final exam only the part that has not yet been passed should be assessed.

The grade is positive if the student’s performance is 40% or higher. By receiving a positive grade, the student also earns the credits allocated for the course.

During the years of study, the number of assessment forms gradually increases, requiring from the student not just simple reproduction of the material but also a creative approach and independent work.

To ensure transparency in grading, the university has developed grading criteria, which students receive at the beginning of the semester and based on which they can form an idea of their progress.

At the beginning of the first year of study, the student becomes acquainted with the study documentation package and the individual study program presented by the department. The student has the right to obtain information about the final calculated grade, the calculation methodology, the grades for individual factors, the rating points, and the average qualitative grade (GPA).

The make-up session is an opportunity given to the student to complete missed work and take academic obligations within a certain procedure and timeframe. It is organized based on the actual results of the six factors, and the dean’s office calculates the final cumulative grade. After the final assessment, the dean’s office compiles a list of students allowed to participate in the make-up session, making it available to students and departments. A student permitted to attend the make-up session may take the exam or test twice, according to the schedule approved by the dean’s office.

Conditions for not receiving course credits and for dismissal from the university
A student does not receive the credit for a given course if they have received a grade of “D” or “U,” the value of which is less than 40 percent.

Based on the semester results, a student is dismissed from the university if they have not accumulated 30 credits, meaning they did not receive credit in one or more courses.

Student’s Individual Study Program
The professional departments must familiarize the student with the study program that they are required to complete throughout their entire course of study. For this purpose, the professional departments prepare the student’s individual study program, which includes the courses assigned by the professional departments over eight semesters of the bachelor’s program with the corresponding credits. According to the regulatory framework, the total number of credits per semester must be 30, and the cumulative number of credits over eight semesters must be 240. The student’s individual study program is not fixed and may be subject to justified changes during the course of study.

Student’s Academic Transcript
The summarized results of a student’s academic performance are presented in their academic transcript. The student’s academic transcript can be prepared for either a single semester or for the entire course of study. The academic transcript contains the following four internationally recognized quantitative indicators: Program Credits (PC), Qualification Credits (QC), Grade Points (GP), and Grade Point Average (GPA).

Program Credits (PC): Program Credits (PC) are the total credits of all courses and educational modules. They include all educational modules provided for the given curriculum that are graded from A+ to C- or S. When calculating PC, courses or modules in which the student received a failing grade, D or U, are excluded.

Qualification Credits (QC): This generalized result includes the credits of all exam courses or educational modules in the given curriculum that are graded only with numeric-equivalent grades (A, B, C). In other words, QC is the total number of credits with differentiated grades. QC excludes courses graded with D, S, or U. When determining QC, only those credits that are used to calculate the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) are taken into account.

Credit Points (CP): In the academic transcript, rating points are converted first into numeric, and then into letter grades. For each course, the credit points are determined by multiplying the differentiated-grade credits assigned to the course by the grade received by the student. The resulting credit points include all the credit points obtained from courses counted in the calculation of qualification credits.

Grade Point Average (GPA): This generalized, weighted average indicator is calculated by dividing the rating points (RP) by the qualification credits (QC). The GPA is also calculated using both rating and numeric grading scales. For satisfactory progress in a semester, a student is required to have at least 40 rating points or a minimum GPA of 1.7 (C-), while for awarding qualification credits, a minimum of 46 rating points or a GPA of 2.0 (C) is required.

The student is obliged to familiarize themselves with this regulation and strictly adhere to its requirements.

“URARTU” UNIVERSITY STUDENT RIGHTS

1. The student of the university (undergraduate, postgraduate) has the right to:

Participate in shaping the content of their education (selection of courses and specialization) while complying with the state educational standards for higher professional education.
Choose, at their discretion and according to their inclinations and needs, their specialty and form of education.
Receive knowledge, skills, and abilities corresponding to the contemporary level of science, technology, and culture, as well as the needs of the international labor market, and attend lectures delivered at the university.
Participate in functions ensuring the quality of education and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities of the teaching staff.
In addition to the courses of their chosen specialty, take any other course taught at the university in accordance with the established procedure.
Engage in research activities and interrupt and continue higher and postgraduate professional education at any educational level.
Combine primary professional education with second (parallel) professional education and obtain a second qualification degree.
Be included in and participate in the work of the relevant governing bodies of the university in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the university charter, and other legal acts.
Use the university’s library, laboratories, information repositories, and the services of educational, scientific, and other subdivisions; participate in research work, conferences, seminars, and symposiums in accordance with the university charter and internal legal acts.
During the examination schedule, submit proposals regarding the order of examinations and tests in accordance with the established procedure.
Participate, according to their preferences, in student research work, seminars, and conferences held at the university.
Create student public organizations, join student councils, scientific societies, and other student organizations, the formation and activities of which are determined by the university charter.
Familiarize themselves with the university charter and other normative documents.
Elect and be elected to the university governing bodies, student public organizations, participate in their activities, and make proposals.
Appeal the university management’s orders and decrees in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Receive, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the university charter, a scholarship (including nominal), grant, or student loan assigned by legal or physical persons, and use the tuition fee discount system.
Conclude a contract with the university regarding the terms of study.
If necessary, receive an academic leave for up to one year in accordance with the established procedure.
During a given academic year, take leave at least twice, with a total duration of at least seven weeks.
If there is a need for a dormitory and living space, obtain an appropriate place in the dormitory according to the procedure established by the university.
Transfer to another higher education institution, including foreign higher education institutions, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Receive moral and/or material incentives for high academic performance and participation in research activities.
Participate in international student exchange programs in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Enjoy other rights provided by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the university charter, and other legal acts.

2. A former student who has interrupted their education at the university, regardless of the reason for the interruption, has the right to restore their student rights, except in the case of interrupting education in the first semester of the first year.

“URARTU” UNIVERSITY STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A student (undergraduate or postgraduate) of the University is obliged to:

Comply with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the University Charter, internal disciplinary rules, and other legal acts.
Fulfill the requirements of the educational program by attending mandatory academic sessions.
Complete all assignments provided in the study plan.
Submit all tests and examinations within the deadlines specified in the study plan.
Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a highly qualified future specialist.
Pay tuition fees on time.
Treat the University’s property with care. A student bears material responsibility for any damage caused to the University’s property, in accordance with applicable law.
Uphold the honor and reputation of the University.
Respect the moral norms of society.
Maintain discipline and cleanliness in the University’s educational, training, and other facilities.
In case of justified absence from academic sessions, inform the faculty dean and provide information on the reasons for absence on the first day of return.
In case of illness, submit the appropriate documents to the faculty dean.
If a student arrives more than 10 minutes late for a class, they must notify the faculty dean through the course senior student.

2. Students who fail to fulfill the obligations established by the University Charter or internal legal acts, or demonstrate insufficient academic performance, may be subjected to disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion from the University.
It is prohibited to expel students during illness, leave, or academic leave.

“URARTU” UNIVERSITY STUDENT SELF-GOVERNANCE BODIES

The university administration encourages the activities of student self-governance bodies. The university has a Student Council (hereinafter – SC), a Student Scientific Society (hereinafter – SSS), and various clubs and circles.

A/ STUDENT COUNCIL

To contribute to the organization of education, quality assurance processes, student learning, and the effectiveness of their professional, spiritual, and creative development, the role of the Student Council is highly valued at the university.

The SC is an elective representative body uniting students (in both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, as well as full-time and distance learning students), protecting their interests. Its activities are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, current legislation, the university charter, and the SC charter.

The SC coordinates student self-governance processes among university students, expresses and protects their rights and legal interests, promotes the comprehensive development of individuals, fosters education based on cultural, moral, national, and universal values, and establishes connections with scientific, educational, youth, cultural, and other organizations in Armenia and abroad.

Relations between the SC and the university management bodies, their subdivisions, as well as with in-university and external scientific, educational, cultural, spiritual, charitable, and other organizations, state bodies, and individuals, are regulated by the university charter, the SC charter, and agreements concluded by the SC.
Agreements concluded by the SC acquire legal force in accordance with the legislation of the RA after approval by the university rector.
The SC actively cooperates with all structural subdivisions of the university, Armenian youth organizations, and student self-governance bodies of other universities.
The activities of the SC are aimed at solving the following tasks:

Supporting the improvement of the educational process, enhancing student performance, and organizing research activities; disseminating information among students and publishing student periodicals.
Creating conditions for revealing students’ creative potential.
Representing and protecting student interests in university management bodies.
Supporting the effectiveness of cooperative relations between students and faculty.
Ensuring proper order in university educational buildings.
Developing and implementing programs to support students based on their social conditions.
Organizing other events that promote the work of university student bodies.
Establishing and developing ties with youth and student organizations in Armenia and abroad.
Developing inter-university student cooperation and supporting student exchange programs.
Preparing and submitting proposals for improving the quality of education and updating educational programs, and promoting their adoption and implementation.
Supporting the employment of graduates.
Ensuring connections between university graduates and employers.
Supporting physical education and the development of sports.
Organizing diverse student events.
Providing comprehensive support for the progress of talented students.

To achieve the established goals and solve assigned tasks, the SC is authorized to:

Independently determine its organizational structure.
Organize joint activities with state and public organizations and participate in them through its representatives.
Develop projects to obtain grants from youth foundations and other external financial sources.
Develop and implement activities for protecting student rights provided by the university charter.
Use university information resources to comprehensively cover student life and promptly communicate SC decisions to students.
Establish student, cultural, and sports associations not prohibited by the university charter; organize clubs according to preferences, student Olympiads, conferences, festivals, concerts, performances, and other activities that make student life engaging.
Participate in the preparation, improvement, and adoption of acts affecting student interests.
Present student concerns to the university administration and scientific council.
Have student representatives in university management bodies in accordance with the law and charter, ensuring student participation in decision-making.
Participate in processes of awarding student scholarships, social assistance, and extracurricular activities.
Submit proposals regarding the establishment of nominal scholarships and awards of intra-university significance.
Participate in the discussion and decision-making processes regarding student academic performance, ethics, and disciplinary matters.
Be involved in the development, discussion, and decision-making on student education, living, and leisure issues.
Mediate with university administration to reduce tuition fees for socially disadvantaged, high-achieving, or exemplary students.
Mediate rewards for students actively participating in university public life.
Supplement SC membership with new members in accordance with established procedures.
Appeal university orders and decrees related to students in accordance with the established procedure.
Address other matters within the scope of its authority.

B/ STUDENT SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

“Urartu” University is a center for implementing higher professional educational programs and associated research activities, with active student involvement. These activities are coordinated by the Student Scientific Society (SSS).

The SSS supports student initiatives in scientific and educational fields and organizes student conferences, seminars, discussions, public lectures, and other events with scientific and educational purposes. The Society cooperates with other scientific centers and organizes various joint activities with them.

The SSS develops and implements programs aimed at achieving the organization’s statutory goals and objectives.

The SSS elects a presidium from its members, which then elects a President and Secretary. The SSS Presidium performs the following functions:

Discusses and decides on the main directions of SSS activity and takes measures for implementing decisions.
Submits proposals to the university Scientific Council, Rectorate, and other structural subdivisions.
Reviews the annual report of the SSS President.
Develops SSS perspective and current programs.
Develops and approves its work regulations.
Establishes, reorganizes, and dissolves SSS working bodies as defined by the charter, determines their composition and work regulations, and submits their competence-related issues for approval at the SSS General Assembly.
Decides on awarding honorary membership in the SSS and regulates other membership-related matters.
Ratifies agreements and contracts signed on behalf of the SSS.

The SSS President is ex officio a member of the university Scientific Council. The President represents the SSS, coordinates the organization’s activities, ensures cooperation between SSS bodies, grants authorizations, and signs agreements and contracts on behalf of the SSS. The SSS President presents an annual report to the university Scientific Council.

To prevent corruption risks, the university Scientific Council has adopted the “Regulation on Preventing Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism,” clearly stating that all forms of academic dishonesty and corrupt practices are unacceptable at the university. Measures are provided for individuals who violate moral and legal norms. An Academic Integrity Committee, composed of lecturers and students, is established to review cases of academic dishonesty. Additionally, the university has developed a Code of Ethics, with violations reviewed by the Ethics Committee and relevant conclusions submitted to the rector.
Student members of the Academic Integrity Committee are elected at a session of the university Scientific Council by secret ballot. Their candidacies are approved by the Student Council through a competitive process involving testing.
The election procedure is established by the Student Council, ensuring the principles of secret ballot.
Students can freely submit complaints to the university rector, vice-rectors, faculty dean, vice-dean, department heads, and course leaders to protect their rights. They can also raise issues via anonymous surveys, “trust boxes,” and hotlines.
Students can express their concerns and complaints freely. The process and resolution are handled by faculty or university committees established by the rector’s order, following the relevant procedures.
Students can also defend their rights through their student representatives in university bodies (Scientific Council, Rectorate, Faculty Council, Student Council, etc.).
All university processes are transparent, predictable, public, and objective. A clear accountability system operates, ensuring feedback between the Scientific Council, Rectorate, students, and their parents.

“URARTU” UNIVERSITY INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY RULES

At “Urartu” University, certain internal disciplinary norms are established that relate to various aspects of university life and are designed to ensure the smooth operation of the institution. Below are the provisions that define the disciplinary norms for university students.

Encouragement for Work and Academic Achievement

For exemplary performance of duties, increasing work efficiency, continuous impeccable work, innovations in work, other achievements, and active participation in research and social activities, the following forms of encouragement are provided for staff and students:

Declaration of appreciation
One-time monetary reward
Awarding of a certificate of honor
Gift-based reward
Removal of a disciplinary penalty
Provision of additional paid leave

The encouragement is announced by order of the Rector and communicated to the university staff.

Students who fail to complete the curriculum or follow the academic schedule, show inadequate academic progress, or violate the laws of the Republic of Armenia, the university charter, internal legal acts, or internal disciplinary rules, may, by order of the Rector or an authorized person, be subjected to disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal from the university.

Disciplinary Measures

For violations of obligations established by the laws of the Republic of Armenia, the university charter, or internal disciplinary rules, the following measures may be applied to students:

a) Warning
b) Severe warning
c) Dismissal from the university

The application of a disciplinary measure must be communicated to the university staff.
Before applying a disciplinary measure, a written explanation must be requested from the student. If the student refuses to provide it, this refusal must be documented.
A disciplinary measure may be applied no later than one month after the infraction is discovered and no later than six months after it occurred, excluding periods of illness or leave.
If no new disciplinary measure is applied to the student within one academic year after the initial measure, it is considered expunged.

Specific absenteeism thresholds and corresponding measures:

More than 30 hours of unexcused absence in a semester → warning by the faculty dean
More than 60 hours → warning by the Rector
More than 90 hours → severe warning by the Rector

Conditions for Dismissal

A student may be dismissed (released) from the university in the following cases:

a) At their own request
b) When transferring to another university
c) If sentenced to imprisonment by a court decision
d) More than 120 hours of unexcused absence during a semester
e) Failure to pay tuition for the academic year (semester)
f) Gross violation of internal disciplinary rules or being subjected to two or more disciplinary measures within one academic year
g) Other cases provided by the laws of the Republic of Armenia, the university charter, internal disciplinary rules, and internal legal acts

Students may not be dismissed during periods of illness, leave, academic leave, or maternity/paternity leave.

Academic Discipline

The academic year begins on September 1, consists of two semesters, and ends according to the curriculum.

The types of academic sessions at “Urartu” University include lectures, practical (seminar) and laboratory sessions, consultations, and educational and industrial internships.

The class schedule is approved by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and posted at least 7 days before classes begin.
Each academic hour in the classroom is 35 minutes. Classes are scheduled in academic hours, typically with one session consisting of 2 academic hours. Breaks between sessions are 5 minutes.
Class periods and breaks begin and end with a bell.
To ensure the proper conduct of academic sessions, silence and discipline must be maintained once sessions begin. Interrupting sessions or entering/exiting the classroom during sessions is prohibited.
The start and end of sessions are confirmed by the head of the relevant academic unit overseeing the educational process.

Regulations for University Buildings

The Vice-Rector for General Affairs is responsible for maintaining the general well-being of university facilities, including property, educational equipment, proper temperature, and lighting.

The following are prohibited on university premises:

a) Smoking (except in designated areas)
b) Consumption of alcoholic beverages
c) Gambling

During classes, the use of mobile phones or other modern communication devices is prohibited.
The entry of vehicles, as well as the movement, removal, or import of property on university grounds, is subject to a specially established pass system.
Students and staff are prohibited from moving property on campus without administrative permission.
On non-working days, weekends, or in emergency situations, a special working regime may be established on university premises.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE BODIES

a. University Students

Are included in the University Scientific Council, faculty councils, and the Quality Assurance Committee.
Are involved in evaluating the quality of education by participating in student and alumni surveys regarding satisfaction with the education received at the university.
Participate in the quality assurance processes of the educational programs of specializations (hereinafter – EPC) as representatives of student self-government bodies (Student Council, Student Scientific Society, etc.).
According to established procedures, take part in the university’s and faculties’ self-assessment and self-analysis processes, and are included in the commission examining cases of academic dishonesty at the university.
Are included in appeals commissions.

b. Continuous Monitoring for Education Quality Assurance

Includes surveying students on their satisfaction with the EPCs. The student survey is conducted based on the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the university charter, and is considered an exercise of students’ right to participate in education quality assurance and to evaluate the effectiveness of the faculty and administrative staff.
The evaluation of staff professional qualifications and collection of student feedback is carried out twice a year, at the end of each semester.
The survey aims to assess the effectiveness of faculty, teaching, and support staff, the quality of teaching, and the organization of the learning process. Survey results are discussed in departments, faculty councils, rectorate, and Scientific Council sessions. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn, and corresponding measures are developed and implemented for adjustments and improvements.

Educational, advisory, and other support services regulations and procedures allow for direct responses to issues raised by students and timely solutions.

The university organizes the learning process under a credit system, which defines the required number of credits for qualification, the content of courses and educational modules forming these credits (mandatory and elective), the credits allocated to courses, and the minimum duration of study.

Students choose mandatory and elective courses for their specialization, provided by the relevant faculty (academic unit) and department, and participate in shaping the content of their education (choice of courses and specialization), in accordance with the state educational standards of higher professional education.

In addition to the courses of their chosen specialization, students may take any other course offered by the university according to the established procedure.