YEREVAN, Armenia — On March 25, the newly elected Staff Assembly (SA) marked the beginning of its term with an engaging staff networking event, creating an opportunity for staff to share their ideas and thoughts on how to promote a healthy working environment. The event brought together employees from across all departments, offering both an informative and interactive platform to strengthen connections within the University community.
The event was planned to introduce SA and its vision and encourage a meaningful conversation among staff. Highlights included presenting the newly elected Assembly members, and a presentation outlining its mission, role, and upcoming activities along with initiatives.
During the event, staff who were not familiar with AUA’s history, had the chance to watch its history film and gain insights into AUA’s journey and achievements, deepening staff appreciation of the institution’s legacy.
Staff members responded positively to several new initiatives shared by the SA Chair, Stella Kostanyan. In particular, the announcement of a three-month psychological counseling arrangement for staff was greatly received, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to employee well-being. Additionally, the Chair shared upcoming plans for a presentation on the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system by the head of the UHI foundation to familiarize employees with the health care program and what it offers.
The Assembly is also planning to conduct a survey to understand employee preferences for team building and wellness activities. The results will help plan activities that best fit staff interests.
The positive feedback from staff members was both encouraging and motivating for the Assembly. It is clear that such initiatives resonate strongly with the community and fulfill a need for connection, communication, and shared purpose.
AUA operations Vice President Ashot Ghazaryan emphasized the importance of the Staff Assembly’s active involvement in University-wide developments, and that the SA should contribute meaningfully to strategic planning, WASC accreditation discussions, and other institutional priorities. Ghazaryan reinforced the Assembly’s role as an integral part of the University’s broader progress.
The Staff Assembly is committed to building on this momentum, through open dialogue, active participation, and thoughtful initiatives aligned with its mission. The SA aims to cultivate a strong sense of community and continue fostering a supportive, collaborative environment that benefits both staff and the University as a whole.
