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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.
Kovsies get a free pass
2014-06-23
As from this year, a fee of R20 is charged to park on the Bloemfontein Campus during the Vryfees arts festival. All staff and students of the UFS with valid cards will be able to park for free, though.
The cost of a ticket is R20 per day or R60 for the entire week (Tuesday 15 July to Saturday 19 July 2014). The parking ticket is issued per car and is valid for the entire day. You can therefore enter and leave the campus as many times as you like for that particular day. Parking will be free on Sunday 20 July 2014.
You can buy your parking tickets in advance from Computicket. Tickets will also be available at the gates. Two Computicket representatives will be present at each gate to sell tickets and collect ticket stubs.
These fees are only applicable to visitors of the Vryfees festival – not to university staff, -students or campus guests.
Kovsies who present their valid staff or student cards will have free access to the campus. All service providers, shop owners, conference attendants and other guests of the university will be provided with complimentary tickets for the duration of the Vryfees.
The university – as partner of the festival – will channel the funds from these tickets towards financing art projects in collaboration with the Vryfees.
All five gates of the university will be in use during the festival:
• Main gate (Nelson Mandela Drive),
• Roosmaryn (Badenhorst Street),
• Medical Faculty (corner of DF Malherbe and Wynand Mouton Drives),
• Agriculture (DF Malherbe Drive) and
• the top gate close to Tempe (Fürstenburg Street).
Golf carts will ensure convenient transport to festival-goers between venues and parking areas.
For any further information, phone Maritsa Barlow on +27(0)51 404 7947 or +27(0)76 285 8387.