Violation at YSU: A Scandal is Brewing

The newspaper "Iravunk" reports: According to information circulating in the media, a three-member group created by the Armenian government for the direct management of Yerevan State University (YSU) consists of Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan, and Armenia's representative to the European Court of Human Rights Yeghishe Kirakosyan. This group intends to appoint the MP from the seventh convocation of the National Assembly, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, as the Acting Rector of YSU on Friday.

It should be noted that Hovhannisyan has long been preoccupied with denying his candidacy for this position. However, this time it has been impossible to obtain a clear statement from him, as he has been persistently unresponsive to phone calls.

Nonetheless, "Iravunk" inquired about the feasibility of Hovhannisyan's potential appointment with Karen Hekimyan, the chief specialist of YSU's public relations department and president of the NGO "Human Rights Defender." Initially, I must state that rumors about Hovhannisyan’s appointment began circulating immediately after the "revolution," but his appointment at that time appeared unrealistic for two reasons: firstly, there was an acting rector, and secondly, he did not hold a Doctor's degree. If I am not mistaken, he received his Doctor's title in February 2019. However, it is required for the position of rector not only to have a doctoral degree but also to hold a professor title. Therefore, while he currently possesses a Doctor's title, he does not hold a Professor title, which means that should he be appointed, it would be illegal and inappropriate.

According to my information, the governmental trio is indeed eager to see him appointed as the Acting Rector. But what sentiments exist within the Board of Trustees regarding Hovhannisyan's possible appointment? YSU currently lacks a Board of Trustees altogether, which has facilitated this governmental initiative. The government has decided to impose direct governance over YSU, which is why a special commission composed of three members has been formed. I believe that a Board of Trustees should also be formed later, but whether they will appoint a rector first and then establish a Board of Trustees, or vice versa, is uncertain; to be honest, anything is expected from this government.

It turns out, is there really no mechanism within the university to prevent this mentioned appointment? Preventive measures will not be taken in advance because the approach of this government is to confront the facts as they come. However, personally, regarding that appointment, I am prepared to initiate legal proceedings and contest it through judicial means.