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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

UFS sets deadline for applications
2006-11-07

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2007 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2006. 
 
“This applies to first-time entering first-year students and senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS.
 
According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2006 and until 15 January 2007 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for. 
 
“No applications of transfer students from other tertiary institutions who wish to continue their studies at the UFS will be accepted after 31 October 2006. After 5 January 2007 no applications will be accepted from prospective students with conditional exemptions,” said Mr Collett.
 
Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R120 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them. 
 
The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee. The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.
 
“More than 25 000 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus for the 2006 academic year. We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.
 
First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 13 January 2007 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.
 
The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 16 January 2007 and that of senior students on 22 January 2007 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme. 
 
Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2006 and are accepted can register from 5 February 2007. 
 
Lectures will commence on 5 February 2007 and the registration process will end on 9 February 2007.
 
Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
31 October 2006
 

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