Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

Power shortage: Measures to be implemented immediately
2008-01-31

1. In order to avoid the further implementation of power sharing, electricity companies countrywide are requiring, in addition to measures announced for domestic consumers, that major power consumers save a certain percentage of power.

2. Die UFS is one of the 100 largest clients of Centlec, the local electricity distribution company. During a meeting last Thursday evening with the 100 largest clients, it was indicated that the UFS had to deliver a saving of 10%. The details are as follows:

  • Provision is made to a certain extent for an increase in electricity consumption. The calculation is done as follows: maximum consumption for 2007+6%-10%.
  • This entails a saving during peak times, as well as a saving regarding the total number of units consumed.
  • The saving is calculated on a monthly basis.
  • Saving measures must be implemented immediately (from 7 March). If electricity-saving goals are not attained, power sharing will be resumed from 10 March.

3. The UFS has been controlling its peak demand by means of an energy control system for many years. The geysers of residences and certain central air-conditioning systems were linked to the control system in order to shift energy consumption to non-peak times.

4. In order to attain the goal of 10%, it is necessary to implement further energy control systems and additional measures – which requires time and money. Attention will have to be given, inter alia, to the following:

  • The 1000+ portable air-conditioning units on the campus (huge power guzzlers) must be connected to energy control appliances and systems.
  • All the filament bulbs must be replaced.

7. The UFS will be conducting high-level talks with Centlec later this week with a view to:

  • conveying the unique needs of the UFS in detail;
  • stating the impact of building and refurbishing projects that are currently in the implementation and planning phases;
  • requesting understanding for the fact that the UFS does not have the capacity to immediately deliver the 10% saving.
     

It is evident from discussions thus far that Centlec is sympathetic and wants to help, but also that immediate action and co-operation are expected from the UFS. During the meeting, the UFS must also report back on steps already taken (since 7 March) in this regard.

8. The installation of the emergency power units for the large lecture-hall complexes and a few other critical areas, which has already been approved, is continuing. About R3m is being spent on this. Additional emergency power needs reported to Physical Resources via line managers are currently being investigated with a view to obtaining a cost estimate and subsequently determining priorities in consultation with line managers.

It is recommended that:

a) All line managers, staff members and students be requested to give their full co-operation with regard to saving electricity in every possible way, and that current operational arrangements be amended if possible with a view to promoting power saving. 

Staff, students and other users of campus facilities be requested to see to it that lights and air conditioning (individual units) in unused areas are switched off.

b) The following measures drawn up in co-operation with electrical engineers come into effect immediately:

Arrangements to be made by Physical Resources staff:
(Additional capacity to be able to complete everything within a reasonable period of time will have to be found and funded. This aspect will be taken up with the line managers concerned):

  • The geysers of all office buildings will be switched off at the distribution board. Staff are requested to use a kettle for washing dishes, and are warned not to switch appliances on again themselves.
  • In all office buildings where 12V and 15W downlighters and uplighters remain switched on for decorative purposes and do not serve as primary illumination, the light switches will be disconnected.
  • Lighting in cloakrooms will be checked, and illumination levels will be reduced if possible.
  • All light armatures must be replaced by CFL types.
  • All lights on the grounds will be checked to ensure minimum power consumption.
  • The upper limit of all central cooling systems currently regulated via the energy control system must be set to 24 degrees.

Arrangements to be made by Kovsie Sport:

  • Sport activities requiring sports field illumination must be scheduled after 20:00 in the evening (the lights may not be on between 18:00 and 20:00.)
  • Sports field illumination must be managed so that such lights are not switched on unnecessarily.
     

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept