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16 May 2018 Photo Charl Devenish
Open Day an exciting event for prospective Kovsies
Faculties gave students a taste of what studying at UFS is like.

Grade 12 learners and their parents and teachers from all over the Free State and outside the province were at the Bloemfontein Campus on 12 May 2018, to explore what the University of the Free State (UFS) has to offer. Faculties and departments all came together to give the visitors a great experience and a glimpse of what they can expect as first years in 2019. 

Exhibitions showcase excellence in education

“I plan to study for an accounting degree and I am excited because I’ve already got my sights on UFS,” said Oratile Segapo from Taung in North West. Oratile had visited the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, which like other faculties, held exhibitions on course information with teaching aids, models, and much more, demonstrating the high calibre of teaching and learning facilities at UFS, as well as innovation and technology-based education. At the Faculty of Law learners had the opportunity to interact with academics and the dean, and to listen to motivational talks by senior students, and former SRC members.

One of the highlights of Open Day is that learners can apply online to study at UFS. More than 150 learners were assisted in applying at the Van der Merwe Scholtz Hall. Other departments such as Student Recruitment Services, the UFS Library and the office of International Affairs were present to engage with learners and their parents.
 
Campus community coming together
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Petersen had a session with learners and parents, giving them an opportunity to learn more about his vision for the university and to discuss their interest in the university.

The offices of Student Affairs, Community Engagement, Health and Wellness and Protection Services also gave learners a feel of what student life would be like as well as the support they could receive once becoming Kovsies.

“The Open Day was very well organised, and my daughter, who is doing Grade 11, is definitely planning on studying here once she matriculates. We were impressed with the activities and the ability to engage so easily with programme coordinators,” said Wilmarie du Toit.

The UFS Open Day is an annual event that is hosted at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, and attracts hundreds of learners to experience Kovsies for themselves. The Qwaqwa Campus Open Day will be held on 26 May 2018.

2018 Bloemfontein Campus Open Day highlights from University of the Free State on Vimeo.

News Archive

Ground-breaking project scores Renewable Energy Award
2017-10-29

Description: ' 000 University Estates award Tags: University Estates award 

Marcel Theron, Former President: HEFMA; Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director:
University Estates (UFS); and Maureen Khati, Project Manager: Facilities
Planning (UFS) attending the HEFMA awards ceremony in Pretoria.
Photo: Supplied

University Estates at the University of the Free State (UFS) were recently awarded for their amazing initiative to install and operate photovoltaic (PV) and greywater systems on all three of its campuses. They were awarded by the Higher Education Facilities Management Association of Southern Africa (HEFMA), an association of facilities managers operating in the higher-education sector in the Southern African region. All universities and universities of technology in the country form part of this association, which promotes excellence in the planning, construction, maintenance, operations, and administration of educational facilities.

Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director of University Estates, says, “I want to thank HEFMA for this amazing award which motivates for much more and also opens up the doors for so many more opportunities.”

Solar and greywater systems installed at various buildings

In December 2016, 26 solar-driven LED street-light poles and a greywater system were installed at the Legae Residence on the South Campus. Greywater is made up of bath, shower, and bathroom sink water. The water is reused for toilet flushing, as well as for irrigation purposes.

On the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the computer laboratories as well as the Thakaneng Bridge Student Centre and the expected Afromontane Research Centre have freestanding solar solutions mounted on their roofs. These systems are designed to operate independently of the power grid (Eskom) during sunlight hours when the PV solar panels are heated by the sun.

Teamwork equals ground-breaking results

“This was truly a team effort with a variety of role players who contributed,” says Van Rensburg. He believes that higher education can do more to make use of other environmentally sustainable initiatives, and to go beyond just erecting and renovating buildings.

The UFS executive management is also extremely proud of the team that were involved in the project. Prof Nicky Morgan, former Vice-Rector: Operations, says, “It’s been extraordinary what we could achieve at all three campuses with such a small team.” Nadeem Gafieldien, Director: Property Services at Stellenbosch University, showered the UFS with praise. “This is truly ground-breaking for Higher Education (HE) and you are truly leaders in these renewable energy projects in the HE sector.” He says we need to demonstrate to other institutions in the HE sector that this is the future and that it makes the institutions both environmentally and financially sustainable.

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