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The Future Is Here: Download the KovsieApp

31 May 2019 | Story Eugene Seegers | Photo Barend Nagel

KovsieApp Landing Page — The new KovsieApp’s landing page.

The new KovsieApp will be available from 31 May 2019. This mobile app will be compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and will enable users to access information from the UFS website on their mobile phones at no cost while connected to the on-campus Wi-Fi network.

The first roll-out of the KovsieApp will be primarily aimed at students, who will be able to access their personal information, such as study records, marks, class and exam timetables, mini fee statement, etc. However, for security reasons and privacy requirements, the student will have to register on the app before such information is made available. Later iterations will have additional functionality for staff, for whom space has already been allocated in the app.

Positive Response

During the beta testing phase, a number of students were included in the focus group. Their feedback highlights the value of the app for Kovsie students.

“The app is very smooth and easy to use. Compared to other apps, it has so much more useful information that a student needs, such as checking Gradebook or your financial statement wherever you are. One of the key aspects is that it is data-friendly, even when on mobile data,” said Omar-Raphael Tabengwa, SRC: International Student Council, in his response.

Katleho Lechoo, SRC for Sport on the Bloemfontein Campus, said: “This app is something the students have been looking for, and it brings the university to your pocket. It is convenient to use, especially for those who have to access their academics while travelling for sport. We can’t wait for it to hit the ground running very fast.”

Nomathemba Pakade, Deputy President of the South Campus SRC, had this to say: “For me, this app means convenience and it is going to save me a lot of time, because I can access almost everything on my phone. We couldn't have asked for anything better at this moment.”

Lastly, Mvuyo Madlala, SRC Secretary for the South Campus, said, “The KovsieApp is very efficient and includes all the essential information that a student might require.”

Data accuracy a must

Since students will log in with an OTP sent to the cellphone number linked to their profile, the accuracy of a student’s data will be critical to the correct functioning of the KovsieApp, especially when it comes to personalised information such as timetables and marks. Therefore, students are encouraged to update their contact details and other information, using the Student Self-service page on KovsieLife. Alternatively, you can visit Student Academic Services for assistance (remember to take along your ID or passport as identification). Any errors in a student’s data can cause the KovsieApp to function unpredictably, with the result that the person will be restricted to a public view with limited access to basic personal information.

The future is here!

Get ready to experience the next generation of information access: Download your KovsieApp today!

News Archive

Research on locomotion of giraffes valuable for conservation of this species

2016-08-23

Description: Giraffe research 2016 Tags: Giraffe research 2016

Technology was used in filming the giraffes.
According to research, giraffes will slow
down when a drone is positioned
approximately 20 - 30 m away. When the
drone moves closer, they will revert
to galloping.
Photo: Charl Devenish

The meaning of the Arab term Giraffe Camelopardalis is ‘someone who walks fast’. It is precisely this locomotion of their longnecks that encouraged researchers, Dr Francois Deacon and Dr Chris Basu, to study the animals more closely.

Despite the fact that giraffes are such well-known animals, very little research has been done on the manner in which these graceful animals locomote from one place to the next. There are only two known ways of locomotion: the slower lateral walking and the faster galloping. Most animals use these ways of moving forward. It is unknown why giraffes avoid intermediate-speed trotting.

Research of great value to the industry
Research on the manner in which giraffes locomote from one place to the next will assist the industry in understanding aspects such as their anatomy and function, as well as the energy they utilise in locomoting from one place to another. Information on the latter could help researchers understand where giraffes fit into the ecosystem. This data is of great value for large-scale conservation efforts.

Universities working together to collect data
Dr Basu, a veterinarian at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, has studied the animals at a zoo park in the United Kingdom. He visited the University of the Free State (UFS) in order to expand his fieldwork on the locomotion of giraffes. This study was done in cooperation with Dr Deacon from the Department of Animal, Wildlife, and Grassland Sciences at the UFS. Dr Deacon is a specialist in giraffe habitat-related research in South Africa and other African countries.

The fieldwork for the research, which was done in the Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate and the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve, preceded research on the movement and the forces involved in the locomotion of giraffes. Due to the confined fenced area in the zoo park, it was practically impossible to study the animals at speed. “The study of actions ‘faster than walking’ is crucial for gathering data on, inter alia, the frequency, length, and time associated with each step.

Technology such as drones offers unique
opportunities to study animals like giraffes.

Technology used to ensure accuracyTechnology such as drones offers unique opportunities to study animals like giraffes. Apart from the fact that it is possible to get high-quality video material of giraffes – moving at speed – it is also a very controlled device that ensures the accuracy of data.

It is the first time ever that a study has been done on the locomotion of giraffes with this level of detail.
Research on the study will be published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

The project was approved by the UFS ethics committee.

Previous research articles:

9 March 2016:Giraffe research broadcast on National Geographic channel
18 Sept 2015 Researchers reach out across continents in giraffe research
29 May 2015: Researchers international leaders in satellite tracking in the wildlife environment

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