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01 October 2019 | Story Prof Francis Petersen | Photo Pixabay
Mental Health


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.

Mental Health Awareness Campaign

News Archive

NBT tests compulsory for all prospective students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the UFS
2010-05-21

All prospective students who apply for study in the Faculty of Health Sciences (excluding Nursing) at the University of the Free State in 2011, must undergo die National Benchmark Tests (NBT) on 17 July 2010 or 31 July 2010.

Students who do not have an NBT test result will not be considered for selection at the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences Placement Tests (HSPT) has been replaced by the NBT.

Applications for selection for 2011 close on 28 May 2010. A student who has not undergone the test will not be considered for selection and no exceptions will be allowed. If a student therefore does not undergo the test on 17 July 2010 or 31 July 2010, the university will not have the results in September 2010 before the preliminary selection takes place.

Prospective students who have undergone the test before 2010 will have to write the test again. Only students who have undergone the NBT in 2010 needn’t write the test again, but they have to fax their NBT reference number to 051 401 3226.

Prospective students have to register at www.nbt.ac.za  themselves and undergo the test. The cost of writing the test is R110.

The NBT is used by all universities in South Africa to improve the quality of education and learning in order to enhance the performance of students.

Students may visit the www.nbt.ac.za  web page for any further enquiries. Enquiries about applications en selection to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the UFS may be directed at AdminFHS@ufs.ac.za  or feel free to visit the UFS web page at www.ufs.ac.za/HealthSelection  . Students are requested to read the question-and-answer section regarding selection.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (acting)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za  
21 May 2010
 

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