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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

Otorhinolaryngology research hopes to decrease morbidity
2016-10-04

Description: Prof Riaz Seedat Tags: Prof Riaz Seedat

Prof Riaz Seedat, Head of the
Department of
Otorhinolaryngology at the UFS

Prof Riaz Seedat, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the UFS is a world-renowned ear, nose and throat specialist and researcher. He is also a National Research Foundation C3 rated scientist.

He is conducting his research in ear, nose and throat (ENT) pathology in a developing world setting, particularly focusing on recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and other ENT conditions. “This condition is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), infective conditions as well as allergic rhinitis,” said Prof Seedat.

Current research is aimed at further describing the epidemiology of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, identification of the HPV variants responsible for causing the condition and markers of disease aggressiveness.

The research has led to various international partnerships such as the multicentre collaborative studies, “Genetic Susceptibility to Papilloma-induced Voice Disturbance” at the Centre for Genomic Sciences at the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute in Pittsburgh, United States, and the HPV6/11 Global Diversity Consortium at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Although most head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are caused by excessive tobacco and alcohol use, there is an increasing body of evidence to show that HPV causes a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, there are few studies on the role of HPV in head and neck neoplasms in developing countries.

“Through the research we have shown that recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, caused by HPV, is not as rare in South Africa as it is in developed countries and that patients usually present respiratory papillomatosis at an advanced stage when the condition is life-threatening,” said Prof Seedat.

“It is hoped that this research will help us to address the morbidity caused by ENT conditions common in developing countries,” said Prof Seedat.

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