Opportunities Fair for YSU freshmen

During the festive day, various YSU departments presented their activities, offered opportunities, and answered students' questions of interest. 

Freshmen were introduced to various aspects of university life, including additional educational opportunities, student discounts, internal communication, international cooperation, information systems, cultural activities, and career opportunities, as well as the activities of the infrastructures.    

During the event, Information Technology Department, Information Technologies Educational and Research Center, Educational-Methodological Department, Financial Analysis Department, Science Policy Department, General Division, Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library, International Cooperation Department, Alumni and Career Center, Charles Aznavour Cultural Center, Continuing Education Center, History Museum named after L. Gharibjanyan, Marketing Department, Student Scientific Society, Student Council, Chair of Physical Education and Sports, and Byurakan Industrial Practice Base were presented at individual booths.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and the vice-rectors toured the booths.

The event also provided a unique opportunity for freshmen to meet and interact with fellow students, upper-year students, professors, and university staff.

During the Opportunity Fair, a variety of interesting games, quizzes, contests, and quests were organized. Additionally, students had the chance to register and become members of various programs, cultural events, courses, and volunteer opportunities offered by YSU departments. 

This year, student orientation began earlier than usual. In the first phase, before the academic year started, the Student Affairs Center organized a series of awareness events for freshmen, covering their rights, responsibilities, and forms of student self-organization. In the second phase, on the first day of the academic year (September 2), students were warmly welcomed at their faculties, where they received detailed information on the educational process, programs, and career opportunities.

"The Opportunities Fair is the third component of the student information process, during which YSU departments showcase their activities. From the very beginning, we ensure students are aware of all the opportunities and educational services available at Yerevan State University. This year's event differs from previous ones in its tripartite structure and interconnectedness," said Mikayel Hovhannisyan, the Vice-Rector for Development and Innovations at YSU.

During the event, students not only learned about the opportunities offered by the university but also discovered methods for staying updated with news and additional information about these opportunities. From this perspective, the fair also served as a guide for students to navigate and access resources effectively.

The vice-rector affirmed that this year’s exhibition saw an expanded range of participating YSU departments. Additionally, the event highlighted YSU’s achievements over the past year. Freshmen were also introduced to the university’s gym, which is equipped with modern facilities. 

”We place great importance on providing information through question-and-answer sessions. This event aims to address the communication gaps that need to be filled regularly. It is crucial for us to boost students' motivation to study at the university and enhance their desire to engage in university life. We are making every effort to achieve this,” said Mikayel Hovhannisyan, highlighting that such events are effective not only at YSU but also at many renowned universities. Institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge have organized similar events for years.

Mikayel Hovhannisyan, discussing future programs, informed that a series of seminars is currently being developed to help first-year students integrate effectively into university life. 

The vice-rector encouraged first-year students to take full advantage of all the opportunities the university offers. He advised them not to confine themselves to the auditorium, to overcome any hesitation about asking questions, and to be initiators.

"Student years are extremely important. It’s a unique opportunity to work and focus. This is a time when students can fully dedicate themselves to learning, and for a rational person, making an effort to learn is truly rewarding," emphasized M. Hovhannisyan.  

YSU Marketing Department Head Azniv Grigoryan highlighted the event’s significance in terms of communication, emphasizing that the Opportunities Fair serves as an additional platform for presenting the university’s educational and research activities, achievements, and opportunities to freshmen.

"The Marketing Department showcased the university's branded products at an individual booth, which consistently attracts special attention during such exhibitions and events.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, we introduced the Marketing Department’s activities to the freshmen. Our main functions include enhancing YSU’s public profile through the distribution of communication materials and supporting internal communication," said Azniv Grigoryan. She urged students to follow YSU’s official website and social media pages to stay informed about university life and the educational process. 

The YSU Band performed a concert to celebrate the start of the first-year students' educational journey. 

Last year, YSU organized a festive event for freshmen called "THE 105TH GREETING" to mark their arrival.