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The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof Francis Petersen, comments on recent articles in the media and posts on social media alleging that white students and their history are not welcome at the UFS.
“I would like to explicitly state that white students are welcome at the University of the Free State, the same as any other student.”
“The university has been firm in its commitment towards diversity and inclusivity and this applies to all our students – irrespective of race. To make statements that white students and their history are not part of the UFS, is irresponsible. It is important for all our students – including the student leadership – to demonstrate tolerance towards each other so that everyone feel part of the university community,” said Prof Petersen.
Antagonistic behaviour towards students or staff is not aligned to the vision and values of the university, and such behaviour will therefore not be tolerated at the University of the Free State.
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Two academics receive prestigious fellowship for leadership programme
2013-01-16
The University of the Free State (UFS) boasts two academics who received the HELM LEAD (Higher Education and Leadership Programme) Fellowship for 2013. Prof. Liezel Lues from the Department of Public Administration and Management and Prof. Liezel Herselman from the Department of Plant Sciences both received this prestigious fellowship.
After the nationwide nomination procedure – with a choice from 120 applications - Higher Education South Africa (HESA) awarded 25 placements in the programme. Candidates who were selected, had to be in middle-management positions within the university sector, had to have exceptional qualities, and had to exhibit management and leadership potential within their university.
This group will now undergo a number of modules in Higher Education, which will start during January in Cape Town. The aim of the programme, running between February 2013 and April 2013, is to provide learning opportunities for middle and senior managers to gain knowledge and skills, with a view to the successful navigation of the constant challenges of change and to interpret effectively the operational impact of internal and external drivers.
Modules include topics such as Academic Policy and Planning; Governance and Strategy; Systems Management; and Managing People and Change.
Prof. Lues stated that she applied for the programme because she strongly believes that an effective and vibrant public sector, and especially the role of female academics therein, will play a fundamental role in the transformation of the South African community towards a prosperous and tolerant society. “I believe the LEAD component of HESA will offer me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and insight with regard to the socio-political environment and its impact on higher education institutions. The envisaged outcomes of the programme will also directly lead to the improvement of my leadership and management practices within the UFS’ Department of Public Administration and Management,” said Prof. Lues.
Prof. Herselman was appointed as Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, effective from 1 January 2013. She is very excited about this new position and said: “Although I am looking forward to the new challenge, I am aware of my lack of experience as a manager. The LEAD programme will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as Head of Department and will give me the opportunity to strengthen the Department of Plant Sciences and to make it a Department of international stature.”