Arba Minch University’s new Sawla Campus is likely to begin academic activities by December 2015-16 academic year end with AMU Senate giving nod for the same in its recent meeting, informed Advisor for Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Damtew Darza.

It’s learnt that Senate has constituted a four-member Task Force (committee) to facilitate the process and simultaneously conduct need-assessment at Sawla to find as to what programs would be more appropriately benefit the community and other related issues. Vice President for Research and Community Service, Dr Guchie Gulie, will head the panel along with three other nominated members.

The committee that would start the assigned task this week has been asked to submit its report within the stipulated timeframe of two months. Thereon, the concerned authority after careful perusal would decide as to what more programs to be launched, informed Dr Damtew.

He further adds, programs that are more appropriate keeping in view the prevailing social and economic environment of that community would be considered. However, after thorough deliberation AMU would take consensual decision on the issue. How and when it should be accorded full-fledged campus status and other academic issues will be looked into.

Provisionally, University has appointed an instructor from College of Agricultural Sciences, Mr Gebremedhin Chameno, as Campus Cooordinator, who is likely to be made dean in near future.

Initially university would enroll students in four newly launched under-graduate courses which are launched in this academic year i.e. Adult Education and Community Development, Communication and Media Studies, Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Finance and Economic Development.

Around 200 enrolled students for the above mentioned subjects would stay in Abaya Campus for two months, later they will be moved to Sawla Campus as the infrastructure nears completion.

The available information indicates the construction which began last year, has completed around 85% of the works. However, the construction of classrooms, dormitories and staff rooms are almost ready with 15% works to get finished. It would take two to three months to get everything in place, said the newly appointed Coordinator Mr Gebremedhin.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)