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03 October 2018 | Story UFS | Photo Katlego Sekele
Empowering students to speak up about sexual violations
Students engaged authorities and Student Affairs representatives on sexual and gender-based matters.


Do you know enough about the Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence policy adopted by the university in June 2018? The Office for Gender and Sexual Equity (GSE) at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted a dialogue on the role of the institution in matters of sexual and gender-based violence and addressing issues surrounding sexual violations. 

Developments such as the countrywide #TotalShutdown: Intersectional Women’s March Against Gender-based Violence last month serve as proof of the dire need for issues surrounding sexual violations to inform policies and active safety measures.

Policy purpose

According to the policy, the objectives are to create a safe and enabling environment, establish a common understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence, provide applicable and accurate information, ensure that victims receive the necessary support, clearly outline disciplinary procedures for perpetrators, and clarify institutional accountability.

Student’s take on solutions

Tammy Fray, a member of the Student Representative Council, who formed part of the panel at the discussion, says the policy is not a one-stop-shop solution. “The policy is a guiding document. We have to then use it to inform activist work. We cannot always put the onus on policies and codes of conducts to solve problems. However it is our responsibility within this academic space to come up with solutions that enhance the way the policy works.”

Be informed about the policy

It is important to understand the stipulations of the policy in order to make full use of it. Geraldine Lengau, Officer at the GSE said: “It’s important that students know that the institution is not operating in silos but that their demands have been heard and the institution has acknowledged that there is a need for the policy to be adopted. It also makes the process of reporting better with the assistance of the Sexual Assault Response Team coordinator.”

News Archive

UFS sets deadline for applications
2005-11-14

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2006 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2005.

“This applies to first-time entering first-year students, senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year and undergraduate students from other educational institutions,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar:  Academic Student Services at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2005 and until 25 January 2006 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for. 

“After 30 November 2005 academic advice within a one-stop service may not be available to students and no conditional exemptions will be considered.  No transfer students from other tertiary institutions will also be accepted after 30 November 2005,” said Mr Collett.

Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R110 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them.  The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee.  The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.

“A total of 25 251 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus this year.  We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.

First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 14 January 2006 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 17 January 2006 and that of senior students on 23 January 2006 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.  Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2005 can register from 2 February 2006.  Lectures will commence on 6 February 2006 and the registration process will end on 11 February 2006.

Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 November 2005

 

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