Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
01 October 2019
|
Story Prof Francis Petersen
|
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.
Alleged attacks on students
2008-03-12
The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) notes with concern the two alleged incidents of attacks on students on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein
The one incident involves two black female students where a liquid substance was thrown at the students and the other incident involves an alleged attack on a black male student by white male students.
According to reports in the media today (Tuesday, 11 March 2008), the incidents involved students from the Reitz Residential Units. “These incidents, which happened about a month ago, occurred in the vicinity of Reitz, but at this stage I cannot say for certain that students from Reitz were involved in the alleged attacks,” says Dr Natie Luyt, Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS.
Both cases were reported to Dr Luyt and are being investigated by the university’s Protection Services Division. The cases are still under investigation.
“I am concerned about incidents of this nature and strongly disapprove of students behaving in such a manner,” says Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
According to Prof. Fourie the UFS already is in the process of reviewing the disciplinary process for students to make it more streamlined and accessible. “The introduction of a hotline to give students the opportunity to report incidents is being considered. We are also looking at the possibility of appointing an ombudsman for diversity. The recent introduction of a system of full-time live-in residence wardens at men’s residences is also intended to improve supervision. This system will be in place shortly, as soon as the necessary accommodation has been provided,” says Prof. Fourie.
Prof. Fourie has urged students to report any unlawful incidents on campus immediately to the Protection Services Division. “If we do not have incidents on record, proper investigations cannot be conducted,” says Prof. Fourie.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 3422
Cell: 072 207 8334
E-mail: fishera.stg@ufs.ac.za
11 March 2008