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01 June 2018 Photo Ian van Straaten
Future Kovsies love Qwaqwa Campus
Excited learners getting a quick lesson from Keafon Jumbam from the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

Hundreds of Grade 11 and 12 learners from all corners of the Eastern Free State and far afield converged on the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) for the annual Open Day.

This was not just about getting information pertaining to academics, but it was also about getting the feel of campus life.

“Prospective students got the chance to explore our campus, interact with lecturers, and learn about the university’s qualification offerings. Drone flights and face painting added to the entertainment; there was also an opportunity to dress up for photos with staff from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, while the Faculty of Education had a DJ belting out catchy tunes. We look forward to welcoming the class of 2019,” said Acting Vice-Principal: Academic and Research, Dr Jared McDonald.

Motivation and hard work

Karabo Mokoena and Sentebale Matsaba from Retief High School in Kestell expressed their excitement. “I want to study Political Science so that I can become a political adviser,” said Karabo. Sentebale added that the day was an ‘adventure’, as she wanted to get more information. “The event has motivated me to work even harder,” said an aspiring medical doctor.

From the teachers’ side, the event also served as a motivation for their learners.

“Our learners did not only find the day to be very fruitful in terms of information received. They also found it motivational as they were exposed to the look and feel of university life. It was indeed eye-opening and fascinating for them. Many said that they are now motivated to work even harder,” said Dikeledi Mabine, Life Orientation and English teacher at Ntsu Secondary School in Bethlehem.

The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, also shared his hopes and aspirations for the campus and the UFS in general with teachers, while learners and future Kovsies were also given the chance to apply online.

News Archive

UFS adopts advanced institutional approach to disability, launches CUADS
2015-07-14

Lize Botha, Louzanne Coetzee and her guide-dog Oakley, and David Nkwenkwezi.

Photo: Eye Poetry Photograpy

The approach to support for students with disabilities at South African universities has remained largely one-dimensional, focusing on the support and accommodation of individual students. Implementing the Universal Access (UA) and Universal Design (UD) approach has aligned the University of the Free State (UFS) with international standards. Such an approach addresses challenges arising as a result of the interaction between functional limitations and the social, attitudinal and physical environment of students with disabilities. The Unit for Students with Disabilities (USD) has evolved into the Center for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) in support of the social model of disability. 

Hetsie Veitch, Head of CUADS and her team, have dedicated the past four years to the center’s physical revamping and systematic reconstruction to be officially launched in an Open Day event on the Bloemfontein Campus.


Details of the event:

Date: Friday 24 July 2015
Time:10:00-16:00
Venue: CUADS and Sasol Library foyer
Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Exploring the dimensions of UA and UD


UA and UD facilitate holistic support for students with visual, mobility, hearing, learning, and other impairments. With the former providing a paradigm shift in disability management and support, the latter warrants the formation of a universally accessible environment.

According to Veitch, the focus moves away from the person with the disability, someone who ‘needs to be helped’, to the environment in which that person needs to function.

Since the center was founded in 2001, structural and systematic developments have occurred in order to create a welcoming and accessible learning environment that grants students opportunities to be successful in their academic endeavours.

UA endorses the UFS Mission Statement of human togetherness, advancing social justice by creating multiple opportunities for students to access the university, and promoting innovation, distinctiveness, and leadership in both academic and human pursuits.The UFS is committed to be a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive learning institution, an environment where optimal learning for a diverse student community thrives.

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