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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

RAG resilience shines despite rain
2017-02-07

Description: Rag 2017 Tags: Rag 2017

Winning float for 2017: Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie,
and Emily
Photo: Lelanie de Wet 

Although the 75th RAG festivities were challenged by ominous weather, in true Kovsie spirit students and organisers still made a gleaming success of the day. 

Students help to create sunny feeling
On 6 February 2017, the annual float-building activities culminated in the handing over of schoolbags to 150 learners from schools in and around Bloemfontein. This took place at the Rag Farm on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free (UFS), since the morning procession to Twin City Mall in Heidedal had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

“It is of course a huge disappointment to all of us that the events had to be cancelled, but we are grateful for the rain,” said Karen Scheepers, Head of Kovsie Rag Community Service and Assistant Director: Student Affairs.

The evening KFC Rag procession took place as planned, with students having the option of taking part despite the weather. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Music Festival had to be cancelled.

“The very important actors of today are our students who have worked long hours to build the floats and who have worked together to make this rainy day on the outside feel sunny inside,” said Prof Francis Petersen, incoming UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, when he addressed the crowd at the Rag Farm. Prof Petersen will take up office on 1 April 2017.

Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily take honours
Armentum, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Emily Hobhouse were the overall winners of the 2017 Rag float-building. “It was worth the hard work. Always remember to ask for advice during float-building,” said Pieter Kotze, RC Rag of Armentum residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. “I also want to thank both the RC Rag from Vergeet-My-Nie and Emily Hobhouse.”

The float theme was Proudly South African, and the winning float encapsulated it with local flavours such as Chappies, a Rooibos tea box and a Lion matchsticks box. They also went the extra mile by incorporating each hostel’s logo within a Chappie design.

The Central Rag Committee would like to thank all their sponsors who made the events possible. The Rag Coronation Ball will take place on 17 February 2017, where the new Rag Queen and Mr Rag will be crowned.

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