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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 contributes to prevention and combating of crime
2007-03-08
The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) is going to establish an Institute for Judicial Excellence to make a decisive contribution to the prevention and combating of crime in the country.
This announcement was made today (Wednesday 7 March 2007) after the Symposium on Violent Crime by Judge Faan Hancke, one of the presiding officers of the symposium and Chairperson of the UFS Council. The symposium was presented by the Faculty of Law on the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
“This institute will have a multi-disciplinary approach which will not only involve the Faculty of Law, but also expertise from the Faculty of the Humanities and the UFS School of Management. Each of the role players will focus on a specific area,” said Judge Hancke.
According to Judge Hancke the Faculty of Law will focus on the training of lawyers involved with the administration of justice such as magistrates and prosecutors in Southern Africa, the Faculty of the Humanities will focus on research on the causes of crime and the UFS School of Management will focus on supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS) with management training.
“This proposal has already been approved by the Faculty’s Council and will now be put before the UFS Council,” said Judge Hancke.
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
7 March 2007