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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

Andrew Mellon Foundation renews ongoing support for UFS projects
2017-04-10

Description: ' Andrew Mellon Foundation - Badat Tags: Andrew Mellon Foundation - Badat

Dr Saleem Badat and Annemia van der Heever.

The University of the Free State (UFS) was first awarded a grant by the Andrew W Mellon Foundation (AWMF) in 2015 to fund several projects between 2015 and 2016 under the International Higher Education Strategic projects fund. The programme’s director, Dr Saleem Badat, visited the UFS on 23 March 2017 as part of his annual first-quarter feedback sessions, with not only the UFS but other universities around the country that benefited from the programme. Top of the agenda was a meeting with principal investigators of projects funded by the foundation, to discuss the UFS’s institutional priorities for funding, alongside the university’s management, to discuss possible intra-institutional projects to be undertaken with other universities.

During his visit, Dr Badat met with Prof Nicky Morgan, UFS Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector, as well as the AWMF representative, Annamia van der Heever, Director: Institutional Advancement. He discussed future plans with managers of the Programme for Innovation in the Artform Development, #Movements project, Inclusive Professoriate Grant and the Curriculum reform programme which involved seven other universities.  

The AWMF, through its projects, is instrumental in developing and maintaining strong higher education institutions that produce knowledge and high-quality graduates, and advances social justice. The projects further aim to deepen and broaden public understanding and support for the arts and humanities, diversity and inclusion. “The Foundation each year presents universities with wonderful opportunities to improve teaching, learning and research in the humanities. We are working hard with the Faculty of Humanities on possible submissions for 2017,” said Van der Heever.

During 2017 between $10.8 million and $12 million will be available for grants by the Foundation’s International Higher Education and Strategic Projects programme. The Vice-Chancellor’s Office will continue to serve as a contact point and administrative support for UFS projects currently funded by AWMF. Institutional Advancement will assist project leaders to draft submissions to the Foundation this year and in the future. In 2018 AWMF will celebrate 30 years of involvement in supporting higher education in South Africa. 

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