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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.
Students hard work rewarded at Spring Graduation ceremony
2012-09-17
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Photo: Johan Roux
17 September 2012 |
More Kovsies’ hard work will be rewarded this month with 632 qualifications to be awarded at the Spring Graduation ceremony of the university on 20 September 2012. A total of 530 baccalareus and honours degrees and 102 diplomas and certificates will be awarded in Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus.
The university awarded more than 4000 qualifications this year – most of which were awarded at the Autumn Graduation ceremony. A total of 629 diplomas and certificates and 2856 degrees were awarded in March 2012 and 481 master’s degrees and 82 doctorates in June 2012.
This month’s qualifications will be awarded at two ceremonies.
The programme for the respective ceremonies is:
- 10:15 the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences will award 132 qualifications, the Faculty of Health Sciences 80 qualifications and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences 146 qualifications.
- 15:15 the Faculty of the Humanities awards 160 qualifications, the Faculty of Education 89 qualifications, the Faculty of Law 20 qualifications and the Faculty of Theology five.