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Accreditation of off-campus accommodation

19 November 2019 | Story Portia Arodi | Photo Charl Devenish

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites off-campus accommodation service providers in Bloemfontein who offer accommodation to its students, to apply for accreditation.

“The decision to accredit off-campus accommodation service providers stems from concerns by the university management about the safety of students and the conditions under which some of our students live in off-campus accommodation.

Student accommodation is a significant aspect of the success of the UFS, and consequently good quality accommodation is important for each individual student to be successful in his/her studies,” says Mr Quintin Koetaan, Senior Director: Housing and Residence Affairs at the UFS.

The accreditation process entails a list of primary requirements, drafted with the cognisance of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in terms of off-campus accommodation, which private providers must adhere to in order to be accredited by the university. The requirements are in line with the Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public Universities (Government Gazette 39238, dated 29 September 2015).

According to Koetaan, the norms and standards as set out in the policy establish the foundation and assessment criteria for such accreditation of service providers by the UFS. “It has become necessary for the UFS to have a policy on off-campus accommodation in order to protect the rights and interests of our students and that of the university,” says Koetaan.

Landlords and agents are also advised to become more involved in their student homes and to ensure that their properties are in good condition and secure enough for students to live in,” says Koetaan.

Private off-campus accommodation service providers have until 6 December 2019 to apply for accreditation. Please contact Ms Portia Arodi at tyhalitip@ufs.ac.za or on +27 51 401 2118 for more information

Private off-campus accommodation service providers have until 6 December 2019 to apply for accreditation.

More information and application documentation for accreditation can be obtained by sending an email to tyhalitip@ufs.ac.za or by visiting President Steyn Annex, Office 128.

News Archive

UFS staff get salary adjustment of 13,35%

2008-11-13

At the signing of the salary agreement were, from the left: Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Chairperson of UVPERSU, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, and Ms Senovia Welman, Chairperson of NEHAWU.
Photo: Anita Lombard

UFS staff get salary adjustment of 13,35%

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) management and trade unions have agreed on an improvement in the service benefits of staff of 16,55% for 2009. This includes a general salary adjustment of 13,35% (according to the estimated government subsidy that will be received in 2009).

“The negotiating parties agreed that adjustments could vary from a minimum of 13,00%, or more, depending on the government subsidy and the model forecasts. If the minimum of 13,00% is not affordable, the parties will re-negotiate,” said Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS.

“The negotiations were conducted in a positive spirit and the parties are in agreement that it is an exceptionally good adjustment – being higher than for example the increase in medical premiums,” said Prof. Verschoor.

The agreement was signed yesterday by representatives of the UFS management and the trade unions, UVPERSU and NEHAWU.

An additional once-off non-pensionable bonus of R3 390 will also be paid to staff later this year.

The bonus will be paid to all staff members who were in the employ of the UFS on UFS conditions of service on 10 November 2008 and who assumed duties before 1 October 2008. This includes all former Vista staff, regardless of whether they have already been aligned with UFS conditions of service.

The bonus is payable in recognition of the role played by staff during the year to promote the UFS as a university of excellence and as confirmation of the role and effectiveness of the remuneration model.

“It is important to note that this bonus can be paid due to the favourable financial outcome of 2008,” said Prof. Verschoor.

It is the intention to pass the maximum benefit possible on to staff without exceeding the limits of financial sustainability of the institution. For this reason, the negotiating parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Multiple-year Income-related Remuneration Improvement Model used as a framework for negotiations. The model and its applications are unique and has as a point of departure that the UFS must be and remain financially sustainable.

Additional funding (0,70%) was also negotiated. This will be allocated on 1 January 2009 to accelerate the phasing-in of medical benefits and, if possible, to finalise the phasing-in process. Agreement was reached that 2,50% will be allocated for growth in capacity building to ensure that provision is made for the growth of the UFS over the last few years, as well as the incorporation of Vista staff.

The agreement also applies to all staff members of the two above-mentioned campuses whose conditions of employment have already been aligned with those of the Main Campus.

The implementation date for the salary adjustment is 1 January 2009. The adjustment will be calculated on the total remuneration package.

In 2008, a total improvement of service benefits of 9,32% and a salary adjustment of 7,52% were paid to employees. Staff received a once-off non-pensionable bonus of R3 000 at the end of 2007.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
12 November 2007

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