With AMU Senate approving of new academic calendar on September 13, entire administrative machinery got into action to get everything in place as new academic year approaches fast.

Addressing the Institute and all colleges Deans, Directors, Heads and others, President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes, appraised the gathering about important decisions taken by the Senate.

To thwart any nefarious designs to harm the secular fabric of Ethiopia, Senate has decided to come heavily upon those indulging in propagation of any religious activities across university campuses.

President reiterated, ‘‘Ethiopia is known in the world for its cultural plurality therefore her secular fabric is paramount. Taking exception to some stray incidents, AMU authorities have decided to take strong measures to discourage such activities.

University has already planned to hold talks with regional government and religious bodies to make available place of worship for those who feel deprived.’’

University has also decided to establish Sports Academy in the offing with its office situated at Abaya Campus. The Senate has already approved the proposal for the same, with more emphasis on focusing towards athletics, soccer etc. The prime motto is to promote and groom brilliant individuals in different sporting disciplines who will contribute on the national and international arena for the nation.

In another move, university has decided to scale-up Abaya-campus based Bio-Diversity unit into full-scale Bio-Diversity Research Centre in near future.

Subsequently to establish better global ties with country like Rwanda, AMU has decided to facilitate further study opportunities for Rwandan students. They were already studying under-graduate courses; but now onwards they can go for post-graduate and even doctorate level studies.

Later, President allowed all College Deans and Directors to share their preparedness with regard to new academic year. College of Medicine and Health Science Dean, Behailu Merdikios and Agriculture College Dean, Dr Nejib Mohammad, were asked about their plan on Agriculture College’s shifting to new location.

All representatives were also allowed to share problems they encountered last year and suggestions were invited from them to tackle those issues.

Addressing all support and administrative staff at Old Café, Main Campus on September 16, President, said, ‘‘Each of us must learn from the mistakes we made in the past but make it sure that they are not repeated. And take a resolve to work in a more committed and dedicated way.’’

Dr Feleke whiling striking a friendly chord with the gathering also elected few individuals on University Discipline Committee. The Academic Affair Vice-President, Dr Agena Anjulo, and Community and Research Vice-President, Dr Guchi Gulie, also spoke on the occasion.

By Philips Joseph