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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

Campus-wide poll to determine preferences among current staff and students for language models
2015-10-28

New dates: Campus-wide poll to determine preferences among current staff and students for language models – 29 October to 4 November 2015


Due to the past week’s national #Feesmustfall student protest action, the language poll has been moved to 29 October 2015-4 November 2015 on all three campuses.

The poll will take place at the following venues from 29 October to 4 November 2015, 08:00-16:30, including the weekend:

Bloemfontein Campus:

Kestell Residence Gazellie
(Map from Main Gate to Kestell Residence: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zpxto53qbJos.kvfli1pCFvWQ&usp=sharing

Fish Tank, SRC Building, Thakaneng Bridge

(Map from Main Gate to the SRC Building: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zpxto53qbJos.kJMo3STc445g)

Qwaqwa Campus:

VIP Lounge
(Map from the Main Gate to the VIP Lounge: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zpxto53qbJos.ka4YghcxZVxc&usp=sharing)

South Campus:

Conference Hall
(Map from the Main Gate to the Conference Hall:  https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zpxto53qbJos.klMitM9RWCnA&usp=sharing)


Online option available:

Go to http://www.ufs.ac.za/language to participate. This URL will be active as from Thursday 29 October at 08:00. Staff to log in with their username and password and students to use their UFS credentials (your username is your student number and your password is the one you use to log in on Blackboard).

Please note that the campus-wide poll is NOT a formal voting process or referendum and will form only one part of many deciding factors that will be referred to the UFS Council on 4 December 2015 for their deliberations regarding the future of the language policy at the UFS. The poll, conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), will be indicative of the preferences of staff and students for possible language model options, with specific focus on language of instruction.  

To take part in the polling at the allocated venues, a valid staff or student card must be produced. Polling will take place on the basis of one poll per current staff member/student.

We look forward to your participation in the poll and hereby thank the entire university community for their ongoing interest and responsible engagement with the review process.

For enquiries send an email to language@ufs.ac.za or call +27(0)51 401 3422.


Q & A:


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