New vision and strategic plan on the horizon as Prof Francis Petersen welcomes staff

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to rethink and re-imagine higher education, and how the University of Free State in particular, can contribute towards a more inclusive, cohesive, fairer, and sustainable future. Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, addressed staff in his official opening speech on the Bloemfontein Campus on Friday 11 February 2022.

The engaged university of the future is one that enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy while engaging with the communities it serves, he said.

“We must be enquiry-driven, and at the same time be learning- and community-focused.  We must be professionally attuned, but humanely informed, taking our global responsibilities seriously.”

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Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, set out his plans for the 2022 academic year today. Find out how it will impact you and the university. Watch again or catch up on the broadcast of the 2022 UFS Official Opening Ceremony.

WATCH: Recording of the 2022 Official Opening