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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

First-year students encouraged to attend UFS welcoming function
2007-01-12

Main Campus, Bloemfontein
The University of the Free State (UFS) will host a welcoming function for all new first-year students and their parents on Saturday 13 January 2007 in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
 
The function starts at 11:00 and will be addressed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie. UFS staff will also be available to provide vital information to first-year students on academic matters.
 
Saturday’s welcoming function can assist students and parents by providing vital information on the registration process, which starts on Tuesday 16 January 2007, and the many high quality academic learning programmes on offer in six faculties at the UFS.
 
The UFS has split the registration process into various categories of students and students should adhere to the dates, and times which apply to them as a one-stop service will be available so as to avoid unnecessary delays in the registration process.
 
The registration of first-time entering first-year students who applied before 30 November 2006 to study at the Bloemfontein Campus will take place from Tuesday 16 January 2007 at the Callie Human Centre.
 
Senior undergraduate students (that is, students entering their second or later year of study) may register from 22 January 2007 according to a programme that was sent to all students who were registered at the UFS in 2006.
 
Postgraduate students, first-time entering first-year students and other students, who applied for admission to the Main Campus after 30 November 2006 and were accepted, must register at the Callie Human from 5 February 2007. 
 
Late applications will be accepted until Monday 15 January 2007 at the Information Centre on the Main Campus’ Thakaneng Bridge. 
 
Lectures will commence on 5 February 2007 and the registration process will end on 9 February 2007.
 
Vista Campus:
The Vista Campus in Bloemfontein – which was incorporated into the UFS in January 2004 – no longer accepts applications from first-year students. Such prospective students had to apply to the UFS Main Campus. Students who had been registered on the Vista Campus last year must register at the Vista Campus on the same dates as applicable on the Main Campus.
 
Qwaqwa Campus:
At the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS all first-time entering first-year students must report on Sunday 14 January 2007 for orientation, after which the registration of these students will take place according to a specific programme as from Wednesday 17 January 2007. The official welcoming functioning for new first-years at the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS will take place on Saturday 10 February 2007 at 08:00 in the Rolihlahla Mandela Hall on the Qwaqwa Campus.
 
First-year students who have applied to study at the Qwaqwa Campus and their parents should attend this function which fulfils the same role as the one held on the Bloemfontein Main Campus.
 
Detailed information on the dates and times of registration for the various faculties and academic learning programmes is available on the UFS website at www.ufs.ac.za. 
 
Prospective students may also call the Main Campus in Bloemfontein on 051 4013000 or the Qwaqwa Campus on 058 718-5000 for more information.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
11 January 2007
 

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