Hawassa University: Assessing Prospects of Autonomy.

The Autonomous University Situation Analyses Committees' presentation of findings on the current status of Hawassa University to the Senate has continued for the second day at Geremew Haile Hall, College of Agriculture, HU.

The afternoon session on the first day saw three presentations on: Research and Community Engagement by Dr. Mebratu Mulatu, Existing On-campus Infrastructure by Dr. Mihret Dananto, and Resource Mobilization and Revenue Generation by Dr. Seyoum Yunkura.

Three more presentations have been done this morning on: Administrative Affairs Committee findings presented by Dr. Wondimu Aklilu, Students' Affairs Committee presented by Dr. Amalo Soga, and the Institutional Organization Committee presented by Prof. Tesfaye Semela.

Dr. Ayano Beraso, HU President, and Prof. Tesfaye Abebe who is heading the entire assessment committee are co-chairing the discussion session with the Senate. The president has again thanked all members and leaders of the committee who have delivered their findings of the status assessment of HU in an attempt to transform it into an autonomous research university. He underscored the need for further assessments by the committee where intervention strategies are more focused as the present reports are basically directed towards indicating weaknesses and strengths.

Senate members have thoroughly reflected on the presentations and the prospects of HU to realize its aspirations for autonomy as planned. Prof. Tesfaye Abebe has also remarked that a steering committee will deal with the remaining tasks of the autonomy committee. Finally, Dr. Ayano has given directions for further works of the committee where he promised to closely follow up the progress that will finally be evaluated by HU management.