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01 October 2019
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Story Prof Francis Petersen
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Photo Pixabay
During October, the national focus is on mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month also coincides with a time when our students prepare for the end of the year exams, making it a particularly valuable time for us to think about how we can continuously assist them during their time at university. The value of peer support and genuine care can never be overstressed; that is why I want to encourage our students to reach out to their support networks such as our Department of Student Counselling and Development, as we move towards the end of the year.
Mental health is an equally important matter for our staff. During this month, I want to encourage our staff to also take cognisance of their own well-being. There is a lot of wisdom in the old adage: Healthy body, healthy mind. Many of the initiatives of our Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness are focused on the value of physical activity and the negative impact that inactivity can have on one’s productivity and mental health. They also present regular lunch-hour sessions for our staff, where experts share information and practical tips for mental wellness. I want to encourage our staff to attend these sessions and to make use of the services the university has to offer in this regard. It is important to note that suffering from mental and anxiety disorders is not weaknesses and it is not always indicative of a deeper psychological issue; it is an illness and hence can be treated.
On 20 September 2019, a 21-member team was sent off on their run of 1 075 km to Stellenbosch to raise awareness for mental health. The run was organised by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The team ran in relay format throughout the night and handed the baton of hope to Stellenbosch University on 25 September 2019. I admire and thank them not only for their commitment and stamina, but also for addressing this crucial matter in the public domain and for raising awareness in the many towns and communities along the way.
This is an excerpt from a message by Prof Francis Petersen.
UFS Statement regarding incorrect issuing of application acknowledgement letters for the 2015 academic year in 2017
2017-07-07
The University of the Free State, through the Office of Student Academic Services, is investigating a communication error that resulted in a number of students receiving application acknowledgement letters for the 2015 academic year via email from the university in 2017.
An error occurred in the internal electronic letter mailing system, which resulted in letters being mailed that were set on 2015 parameters instead of 2017. This resulted in 31 000 communications being assigned to 19 123 applicants who applied in 2015 and already received acknowledgment letters.
The university pledges to correct this communication error by sending apologies to the affected students via SMS, as well as responding to any enquiries relating to this matter in a timely manner.
The university sincerely apologises to students and families who are affected, and will take strict measures to ensure that this error does not occur again.
For further enquiries, please contact: +27 51 401 9666 or email: studentadmin@ufs.ac.za.
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393