St. Mary’s University’s Business and Administration Vice President Office convened an experience-sharing session on January 24, 2026, bringing together key administrative units for a collaborative forum aimed at strengthening institutional practices.
The event featured presentations from the Business and Administration VP Office, the Office of General Service, the Human Resource Managment Office, and the Finance Office. Each unit outlined its organizational structures, core activities, operational procedures, best practices, and challenges, along with measures taken to overcome them.
Business and Administration Vice President, Ato Desalegn Berie, underscored the importance of commitment to responsibilities, collective leadership, standardized documentation, procedural operations, consistent follow-up, adherence to schedules, and timely actions. He emphasized that prioritizing information flow and succession planning are critical lessons for all units. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges arising from both internal and external factors, stressing the need to avoid job neglect, encourage shared responsibilities, break out of confined mindsets, foster ownership, remain focused, and nurture love and understanding among team members.
The Office of General Service, represented by Ato Bisrat Legese, highlighted the youthful composition of its team—90% of members are young professionals—who foster a collaborative, family-like atmosphere. Ato Bisrat noted that patience, tolerance, and reliance on higher management for guidance have been keys to their success.
Human Resource Office Director, W/ro Sintayehu Birhane, emphasized the effectiveness of her all-female team, which consistently completes tasks on time, strictly follows rules and regulations, and adheres to schedules. She explained that proactive actions, collaboration with higher management, and willingness to work beyond regular hours have been essential in resolving challenges.
The Finance Manager, Ato Esayas Assefa, pointed out that the Finance Office’s operations are guided by rules and regulations in dealing with stakeholders both internally and externally. He noted significant progress in the unit’s organizational structure and explained that cash management practices are led by the IFRS manual, ensuring accountability and transparency.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where attendees raised questions and suggestions on issues such as transport service delivery, academic advancement, education opportunities, incentives, gaps in understanding rules and regulations, teamwork, ownership, servitude, time management, and adherence to institutional standards.
In his closing remarks, Vice President Ato Desalegn Berie emphasized the importance of expanding best practices across all Units while addressing the major gaps identified. He encouraged continued collaboration, proactive measures, and a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that the University’s administrative functions remain effective, resilient, and aligned with its mission.
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