Hundreds of parents and guardians of prospective Kovsie students gathered at the Bloemfontein Campus to hear what their children can expect when they report for study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2014. Student leaders and members of the senior leadership addressed the visitors of the 2013 Gateway Parents’ College and imparted valuable information regarding studies, residences, finances as well as student life.

“Here at Kovsies your child will develop specific attributes,” Prof Driekie Hay, Vice-Rector: Academic, told the attendees who came from all over South Africa. “We have high expectations – we expect the best of your child.” Her message was affirmed by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector.

Prof Jansen, who commenced the proceedings with a minute of silence for former President Nelson Mandela, said that students attend the UFS to excel and to be different. “This is one of a few universities in South Africa where it doesn’t matter what you look like, how you pray or where you come from. If your results are good, we will make a plan to support you in your studies. You are coming here to be great.”

Phiwe Mathe, SRC President of the Bloemfontein Campus, told future students in the audience that they should bring two things to the UFS: a hunger for knowledge and an open mind. “We are an institution that cares. You made the right choice in sending your children here to study,“ he told parents.

Prospective students and their parents and guardians will be officially welcomed at the Qwaqwa Campus on 16 January 2014 and on 17 and 18 January at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Photo: Albert van Biljon