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26 February 2019 | Story Eugene Seegers | Photo Eugene Seegers
Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Daniella Coetzee, South Campus Principal, Tshegofatso Setilo, Director Access, Prof Prakash Naidoo, Vice-Rector Operations
Prof Francis Petersen, Prof Daniella Coetzee (Principal: South Campus), Tshegofatso Setilo (Head: Access Programmes), and Prof Prakash Naidoo (Vice-Rector: Operations) on the South Campus for the welcoming of first-years.


“Welcome to the South Campus of the University of the Free State!” Addressing a packed Madiba Arena, Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, said he was happy to see not only first-year students, but also parents and guardians, student leadership, and support staff from both the Bloemfontein and South Campuses.

 “I would like to congratulate each of our first-year students for making the decision to come to Kovsies to further your studies here. But I would also like to thank you for making this choice,” he continued.

Prof Petersen further emphasised that the students’ experience and success as individuals are important to the UFS as an institution; therefore, academic and support staff are on hand to guide them through their journey to becoming well-rounded individuals. “We will surely take care of you,” said Prof Petersen. He also reassured parents and guardians that their loved ones would be well looked after.

The Rector also focused attention on the role of student-leadership structures, such as the newly-formed Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) and South Campus SRC, members of which were present in the audience. He thanked them for playing a key role in the student constituency, highlighting their support and guidance to help first-years cultivate a sense of belonging at the UFS.

Turning back to first-year students, Prof Petersen stated that they have the unique opportunity to study on a campus specifically focused on developing their full potential, a campus where they can realise their dreams. “Your arrival on the campus marks a new chapter in your life. This chapter is slightly different, as you are the author thereof. The previous chapters in your life were largely written by others—your parents, guardians, families, teachers, and others. You will now be the main author in the next chapter of your unique story.”

“At Kovsies, we believe in developing students in their totality as human beings, not just the academic side. May your time with us equip you to make a success of your life after university!”

Prof Petersen’s Message to First-year Students
  1. Take responsibility for your academic programme.
    • Keep your focus. Study and study hard. You will reap the rewards and see the advantages of making success in your studies a top priority.
    • Make sure that you have enough time for your studies; balance your social life and your time set aside to study.
  2. Realise and remember that you are not alone.
    • If you find things difficult, seek help.
    • Our Department of Student Counselling and Development has trained staff and tailor-made programmes that can assist you.
    • Look after your mental health—and look after each other’s mental health.
  3. Make the most of your time at Kovsies.
    • Join one or more of the student organisations; why not try something new?
  4. Embrace difference and diversity.
    • Get to know students who are different from you.
    • You will lose valuable opportunities to grow if you only associate with your own all the time. It is important to get to know students who are different from you. It could be someone from a different part of the country, or from another country, a different ethnicity, a different religion, someone who has different views from yours, or who has different interests and perspectives.

News Archive

Grant encourages and enables more learners to enter into science-related studies and careers
2009-06-26

 
At the launch are, from the left, front: Consolation Mochusi, Graad 12 learner from Heatherdale Secondary School, Alexander Bergman, Grade 10 learner from Grey College Secondary School, Danél Prinsloo, Grade 11 learner from Eunice High School; middle: Ms Lea Koenig, Coordinator: ICT Laboratory of the Qwaqwa Campus, Prof. Daniela Coetzee-Manning, Director: CED; back: Ms Elna Fourie, Development Planner from SANRAL, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, Mr Cobus van Breda, Project Coordinator: CED and Mr Nazir Alli, Chief Executive Officer of SANRAL.
Photo: Stephen Collett


 

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Centre for Education Development (CED) has this week launched a project on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
to enable and encourage more learners to enter into science-related studies and careers.

The grant of R4,5 million over a period of three years was made by the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL). This week’s function was attended by the representatives of the sponsors and the UFS, as well as learners, parents, principals and Physical Sciences teachers of participating schools.

The grant will be utilised to foster a positive attitude towards Mathematics and Science amongst learners in the early school years as well as raising the knowledge and skills levels of learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. “This will be done through our Family Math and Family Science Programme for younger learners and through e-Education in Science and Mathematics for learners in the FET Phase,” said Mr Cobus van Breda, Project Coordinator at the CED.

About 330 selected Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners from 16 schools in the Free State are attending Physical Sciences and Mathematics sessions during weekdays at the ICT Laboratories on the Main and Qwaqwa Campuses of the UFS. In order to make provision for the needs of generation Y-learners (techno-clever generation), the project envisages to enhance their understanding of Science and Mathematics principles by utilising the advantages of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) during the sessions.

On average, learners attend four sessions per term, with one of the sessions a special event like visiting Boyden Observatory, departments at the UFS, etc. Learners will be exposed to about 36 sessions over the three years. Special attention to vocational guidance, in collaboration with the Unit for Prospective Students at the UFS, forms part of the support system of the programme to participating learners.

“Learning is a life-long experience and we must encourage our learners to grab this opportunity to learn more about important fields such as Mathematics and Science. It is a privilege for SANRAL to have this partnership with the CED and the university as it is an indication of our efforts to educate our youth,” said Mr Nazir Alli, Chief Executive Officer of SANRAL.

Mr Alli encouraged learners to grab the opportunity to learn and to make the field of science their career. “Science can be the foundation on which to build your career and this programme can assist you to reach your goal,” he said.

According to Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, the SANRAL grant is a wise investment because it is an educational investment. “We cannot cut back on the investments we make in education and SANRAL’s investment in this programme is of benefit to schools and learners in the central region. Through this programme, its bursaries, various career opportunities and ongoing support of schools and universities SANRAL is making a huge contribution to promoting science-related studies and careers in our country,” he said.

Media Release
Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
26 June 2009

 

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