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26 February 2019
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Story Eugene Seegers
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Photo Eugene Seegers
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the most of your time at Kovsies.
- Join one or more of the student organisations; why not try something new?
- 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.
UFS staff among proud PhD graduates
2013-06-28
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Prof Dave Lubbe with his two daughters, Leandi Steenkamp (left) and Nandi Lubbe.
Photo: Stefan Lotter
An exceptional moment at this year's graduation ceremony was when the two daughters of an academic, Prof Dave Lubbe of the Centre for Accounting, obtained their master's degrees. "It is indeed a highlight in my career that my daughters received their master's degrees cum laude at the same graduation ceremony, under my supervision!"
Prof Lubbe's two daughters, Nandi Lubbe and Leandi Steenkamp, both received their MCom with distinctions in Accounting. They completed their degrees under the supervision of Prof Lubbe and Nandi also won the Dean's medal as the best M student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. |
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Julia Ramabenyane Mamosebatho and Emmie Smit. Julia, of the Faculty of Education: School for Social Sciences and Language Education, received her PhD in Curriculum Studies. Her thesis was on The facilitative role of Grade 1 teachers in the development of reading skills in Sesotho. Emmie, from the Office of the Dean: Education, did her thesis on Appreciating the University of the Free State's transformation: A juxtaposed journey with Alice to Wonderland. With this, she obtained her PhD in Higher Education Studies.
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Merridy Wilson-Strydom and Deidre van Rooyen. Merridy obtained her PhD in Higher Education Studies. Her thesis A framework for facilitating the transition from school to university in South Africa: A capabilities approach, is a comprehensive and ambitious research project that was accomplished with great academic mastery. With her thesis, Civic culture and local economic development in a small town, Deidre obtained her PhD in Development Studies.
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| The Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) boasted with five students who received their doctor’s degrees at this Winter Graduation. They are, from the left, front: Vierah Hulley, Chris Moseki, Ferdie Linde, Abdon Atangana and Jacob Nyende. Back is Prof Jopie Botha, Prof Gerrit van Tonder and Dr Danie Vermeulen. |
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Modulathoko Irvin Mabokgole received his master's degree in Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science. He also received the Senate Medal for best master's student at the university. |
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Dave Mills obtained his master's degree in Practical Theology.
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Manie Moolman received his PhD in Higher Education Studies. With his thesis, Competence directives for enhancing the employability of hospitality management graduates in South Africa, he addresses one of the most important challenges facing higher education training in hospitality management, namely the training of employable graduates. |
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Jo-Marí Visser obtained her PhD in Criminal and Medical Law. With her thesis First generation forensic evidence and its influence on legal decision-making: A South African perspective, she investigates forensic evidence and the collection thereof at the crime scene. |
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Maralize Conradie received her master's degree in Commercial Law. The subject of her thesis is A critical analysis of the right to fair labour practices. |
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Jan Beukes received his PhD in Music – Performing Arts. This lecturer at the Odeion School of Music's thesis is titled: Oorwegings by die realisering en dokumentering van 'n duet- of duo-orreltranskripsie van Fauré se Requiem (op. 48). |