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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.
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393
UFS management closes down all three campuses on 21 October 2015
2015-10-20
The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) has decided to close down all three its campuses on Wednesday 21 October 2015.
This means that academic activities on undergraduate level will not take place and administrative services will be unavailable on the Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South Campuses. However, essential services such as IT, Protection Services, laboratories that cannot be left unattended, and the switchboard will be available.
This afternoon the UFS management and the Central Student Representative Council (CSRC) met on the Bloemfontein Campus to discuss fee increases for 2016. Protesting students outside the Main Building moved outside the main gate onto Nelson Mandela Avenue. The South African Police Services (SAPS) dispersed these students and the university’s Protection Services is in control of the situation on campus. All residences are being monitored and we are ensuring that all students on campus are safe. Management is still engaging with the CSRC to find a feasible and responsible response to students’ demand.
Students staying on the campuses and staff performing essential services will be able to access the campuses tomorrow.
Continuance of the academic programme and writing of tests?
Following the closing down of all three campuses today - which means that academic activities are not taking place - the management of the University of the Free State (UFS) kindly request that students should contact their lecturer(s) for further information if they have tests scheduled. Academic information is also available on Blackboard. Please remember that the announcement of module marks by departments on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses is on Friday 23 October 2015 and that the main end-of-year examinations commences on Monday 26 October 2015.