02 March 2023
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Story Samkelo Fetile
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Photo Sonia Small
Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, welcomes high school learners and their teachers or principals at the UFS Networking Breakfast.
The University of the Free State (UFS) recently welcomed top Free State learners in grades 11 and 12, together with their teachers and principals, to a Networking Breakfast. During the event learners got a feel for the energy on campus, gained insight into the university’s vision, and met Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
Reaffirm and reconnect
The UFS Networking Breakfast is the brainchild of the Student Recruitment Services Department. “We decided to start with this breakfast after COVID-19 to again reaffirm and reconnect with schools in the Free State and Bloemfontein,” said Rynhardt Smidt, Chief Officer at Student Recruitment Services. “This is in line with our strategy called ‘Ringfencing the Free State’. It grew so much in popularity that we are going out to other provinces this year. We will be hosting our first one in Durban and in Paarl.”
Smidt said the aim is to provide an opportunity for schools to engage with the UFS, and to establish and maintain relationships more frequently. “As always, the great responses from schools and learners overwhelmed us. We usually prepare a venue that allows us to accommodate 200 guests, so we limit the school attendance to 20 schools per district.”
Reimagining and repositioning
In a message of welcome to learners, teachers and principals, Prof Petersen explained where the university is headed. “We are working towards a vision, and we would like for our vision to be known to the learners. It is called Vision 130 because our vision and strategy will stretch over a five-year period and take the university to the year 2034, which is when the university will be celebrating its 130th birthday. The vision is about reimagining and repositioning the UFS. Part of the vision is to be able to attract and retain top academics, and learners with AP scores of about 35 and above. The aim is to rank in the top 600 universities in the world, and top five in South Africa.”
Prof Petersen said the university will focus on spending more time with learners in Bloemfontein and the Free State, to instill the concept of Vision 130, collaborate and co-create with them, and then head out to other provinces to do the same.
Neo Phoka, a student from Lekhulong Secondary School, asked Prof Petersen what the UFS’s differential factor is. He responded by saying that the UFS offers quality education at an affordable cost, a safer environment, social justice imperatives, and an institutional climate of care.
Looking forward to times ahead
Petronella Van Rooyen, Senior Phase Head and English Teacher at Curro Bloemfontein High School, said she enjoyed the Networking Breakfast. “I liked how an opportunity was created for the learners to interact with the Rector and ask relevant questions. The breakfast embodies the UFS vision for a collaborative environment for all stakeholders. We look forward to the road ahead, and the university’s plans to improve the institution.”