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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 to get a minimum of 4,71 percent salary increase

2005-11-25

The University of the Free State (UFS) management and trade unions have agreed on a minimum of 4,71 percent salary increase for 2006 as well as a once-off non-pensionable bonus of R1200 payable in December 2005.

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

Prof Niel Viljoen, Chief Director: Operations at the UFS and chairperson of the UFS Council’s representatives, and Prof Johan Grobbelaar, chairperson of the joint Union Forum, said: “The bonus is payable in December 2005 in recognition of the role that staff played during the year to promote the UFS as a university of excellence.”

He said the intention is 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.

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said one of the factors that influence the model and therefore the negotiations is the level of subsidy the UFS receives from the government.

“As the state subsidy level is unfortunately not yet known, remuneration could vary several percentage points between a window of 4,71 and 5,5 percent. Should the state subsidy be such that the increase would fall outside this window then the parties will renegotiate.”

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said the R1200 bonus is payable to staff members who were in the employ of the UFS on UFS conditions of service on 21 November 2005 and who assumed duties before 1 October 2005. There are however some exceptions.

The agreement signed today also provides for restructuring funds of R752 000 to address partial backlogs in support services, including an increase in the medical allowance of 640 staff members.

The implementation date for the salary adjustment is 1 January 2006, but could be implemented on a later date due to logistical arrangements.

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said the UFS and unions could reach an agreement despite the declining phase in income and the generally more difficult financial environment in which universities operate.

Prof Grobbelaar said salary negotiations are never easy, but the model is an important tool. The model made it possible to tie up salary negotiations for November 2006. “This is unique for any higher education institution.”

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
24 November 2005

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