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01 February 2018 Photo Johan Roux
Legae first-year residents welcomed on UFS South Campus
On 27 January 2018, several dozen eager first-year students and a large number of their parents crowded into the venue at the Legae residence on the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS). They were welcomed by Gali Malebo, the Residence Head, Prof Daniella Coetzee, the Principal of South Campus, and Prof Francis Petersen, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Prof Coetzee exhorted the students to show their seriousness about studying by giving their best and being accountable for their own learning experience. She said that she enjoyed the very positive vibe from the excited and enthusiastic students. Prof Petersen also addressed the students and advised them to make full use of the facilities made available to support and assist especially first-years.

Gali Malebo said of the occasion: “I am pleased that what we planned was so successful, and I feel blessed that both Prof Petersen and Prof Daniella [Coetzee] were present to share such beautiful moments with us. I am grateful to my team of Residence Assistants who worked very hard to make sure that everything was in order. They received several expressions of appreciation from parents for their hospitable, welcoming spirit and for making the first-years feel at home, especially for those who travelled from far.”

Prof Coetzee concluded with these words, “The UFS is a space for freedom, opportunities, and responsibilities. Use each day to reach out for knowledge. The university is a place where you are supposed to be active in seeking out the knowledge you need, a place where you are supposed to struggle and strive in order to excel. Do not give up until you have explored the limits of your intellectual ability. We expect much of you, and you should expect much of us.”

News Archive

Renewal process in JBM Hertzog Residence
2014-03-19

In February 2014, the JBM Hertzog residence community initiated a process of renewal. The review and reassessment of university symbols and traditions is nothing new; it takes place on a regular basis through the institution.

This means that various conversations take place to consult students on the evaluation of their residence’s values, symbols, systems and traditions in a changing South Africa. The university is deeply committed to continuously renewing its residence cultures through focused conversations in order to be more inspiring and welcoming to all students. The involvement of students in co-creating such spaces remains paramount.

The university regrets the deliberate and misleading information in the media on the process underway in JBM. The importance of student involvement consequently calls for the distribution of accurate information in order to avoid uncertainties, misunderstandings and incorrect perceptions.

It is therefore important to state the following regarding the current renewal process in JBM Hertzog:

1. No memorabilia or photos have been removed, and no final decisions have been taken in this regard. These decisions form an integral part of the consultation process described above.

2. The name of the residence (among other symbols) is part of the consultation process. It is also important to note that all suggested name changes at the UFS are subject to the approval of the institutional Naming Committee and the University Council.

3. The perception that this process is being used to eliminate certain unique cultural identities is incorrect. However, what this process aims to achieve is a more inclusive and welcoming residence culture, and throughout this will be done in consultation with all students.

All current residents of JBM Hertzog are invited to form part of this renewal process. In conclusion, the UFS wishes to convey its appreciation to the Residence Committee members and the residents for their positive attitude and continuous support during this very important process.

Prof Jonathan Jansen
Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State
 

Issued by: Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27(0)51 401 2584 or +27 (0) 83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 (0) 51 444 6393

 

 

 

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