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29 January 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Anja Aucamp
Prof Francis Petersen speech
“We can create an institution that operates and lives in the times of embracing and celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence by ensuring that students own their time at university,” said Prof Francis Petersen.

25 January 2019 marked the official welcoming of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) first-year students, as they moved into their respective residences and were warmly welcomed on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. This day also marked the start of the registration process for first-year students.

According to first-year Psychology student Keisha Claasen, who moved into her residence earlier on 25 January, her first experience of the UFS was daunting but exciting, as she had never been in a similar environment. According to Given Gwerera, who dropped his son off at the Karee residence earlier the day, “the UFS is an institution with great culture and an overall good academic record.” He further explained that he trusts his son to make full use of the opportunities presented to him, as he has a cool head on his shoulders.

On the evening of 25 January, an eager group of millennials, joined by their parents, took the first sip from their cup of varsity life as they assembled on the Red Square of the Bloemfontein Campus to meet the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, members of Rectorate, the deans of all faculties, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the UFS.

“2019 will be a year of continued change; the UFS is thrilled about the prospect of bringing about opportunities for adaptation and realignment to the future,” said Prof Francis Petersen.

He further explained that the university prides itself in moulding its students into well-rounded individuals who will develop into globally competitive graduates as required in a diversity of landscapes. Prof Petersen urged first-years to remain open to the technological developments that go with globalisation, because of its permanent effects on society today.

First-years were further advised to take advantage of the rich pool of academic research and knowledge that is characteristic of the university and is piloted by UFS scholars, by engaging with and learning from them.

The inspiring night concluded on a colourful note, as the audience enjoyed an artistic laser show in front of the Main Building. Caption:

“UFS academics conduct research that forces the world to take note,” said Prof Francis Petersen at the official first-year welcoming ceremony on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

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SRC members attended the First Year welcoming ceremony
SRC members attended the First Year welcoming ceremony
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Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor adress the crowd.
Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor adress the crowd.
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News Archive

UFS talks directly to South African ambassador to Japan
2011-03-16

Direct conversation between the UFS and the South African ambassador to Japan
Photo: Gerda-Marie Viviers

During a direct conversation with the South African ambassador to Japan, Mr Gert Grobler, today, the University of the Free State (UFS) expressed its compassion and solidarity with the people of Japan. The university also stated that it intended to support the country and its citizens in various ways.

This came after Japan was plunged into chaos the past week as a result of various earthquakes and consequential disasters. Mr Grobler, who participated in the conversation via Skype from Tokyo, welcomed this talk initiative initiated by Mr Rudi Buys, Dean: Student Affairs, and the Interim Student Committee (ISC). The talks formed part of a series of initiatives launched by students to promote solidarity with Japan, and which includes fund-raising projects and awareness campaigns.

Mr Grobler expressed his appreciation for the initiative: “The initiative by the UFS is greatly appreciated, and I shall do anything to promote partnerships between the UFS and Japan, particularly in collaboration with the ambassador for Japan in South Africa. The solidarity project is essential, because this is the worst crisis Japan has ever experienced in its history.”

In solidarity with Japan, the Student Committee envisages a mass march on Thursday, 17 March 2011 by means of which students will declare their unanimity with Japan and their support of human rights.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, also promised to send a message of support directly to the Japanese embassy in Pretoria, as well as extending a hand of support to Japanese universities in order to become part of discussions on how to render assistance, while making plans for students to visit the respective countries and share their experiences first-hand.

Mr Buys informed the ambassador that the university would support the rescue teams, which are departing for Japan in response to a request by Mr Grobler, by means of manpower.  In response to this, Mr Grobler, a Kovsie alumnus, welcomed this token of compassion and offer of assistance. “I am excited to see that South Africa cares so much for Japan.”
 

Media Release
15 March 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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