22 Sep 2025

St. Mary’s University (SMU) held a strategic briefing session on September 18, 2025, to update its top and middle management on the progress of its ISO 21001:2018 certification project. Led by Ato Shimelis Tamiru, the University’s ISO Management Representative, the session underscored the global relevance of ISO standards in enhancing quality management, operational efficiency, stakeholder confidence, innovation, and consumer protection. Ato Shimelis emphasized that SMU’s pursuit of the ES ISO 21001:2018 certification marks a significant milestone in its broader quality enhancement agenda, supported by a technical partnership with IES.

The presentation detailed SMU’s journey thus far, including the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, the formation and training of the ISO task force, the completion of a comprehensive gap assessment with IES, and the dissemination of its findings. A key achievement highlighted was the documentation phase, now halfway complete, with the task force having developed and controlled various ISO-aligned documents such as operational forms, checklists, procedures, and system protocols. Looking ahead,the presenter outlined critical upcoming milestones: conducting a risk assessment through organizational chart reviews, performing a full organizational risk analysis, preparing the Context Manual and Educational Organization Management System (EOMS) Manual, tailoring procedures and policies to SMU’s specific context, implementing the full educational management system, training internal auditors, executing internal audits and management reviews, resolving non-conformities, and ultimately securing ISO 21001:2018 certification.

The session wrapped up with presentations from various planning units, followed by a dynamic exchange between the steering committee and ISO specialist. Attendees emphasized the need to integrate ISO responsibilities throughout all departments and urged staff to take an active role in documentation efforts. The conversation also highlighted difficulties in harmonizing internal standards with ISO criteria, among other topics. Overall, the event reinforced SMU’s steadfast dedication to quality assurance and its collective drive toward achieving this important certification.