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17 August 2020
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Story Nitha Ramnath
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Photo istock
Within the next five years, 60% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. Urban living comes with large-scale economic advantages and society benefits from economies of scale. But, COVID-19 is challenging urban living. We have introduced the term ‘social distancing’ and some policy analysts have even argued for the de-densification of cities.
Join us for a discussion where our panellists will analyse this perceived conflict.
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020
Time: 14:00 to 15:30 (South African Standard Time – GMT +2)
Please RSVP to Elelwani Mmbadi at
mmbadiE@ufs.ac.za no later than 25 August, upon which you will receive a Skype for Business meeting invite and link to access the webinar.
Speakers:
Prof Ivan Turok
Dr Geci Karuri-Sebina
Mr Thiresh Govender
Moderator:
Lochner Marais
Staff experience running in the shoes of students
2014-07-29
Photo: Sonia Small
From having to upload money on a card and buying lunch at Thakaneng Bridge to naming the SRC members, some UFS staff members got to experience life as a full-time student on our Bloemfontein Campus.
During their 2014 Purpose Summit on 22 July, staff from Student Affairs competed against each other in an Amazing Race.
“We got to see how students actually run around on campus each day,” said Elize Rall from Residence Life. “We always hear from parents how their children have to go from one place on campus to the other to get things done … and now we know what they are talking about.”
Staff who attended the summit was divided into teams during the morning’s practical session. Similar to the popular television programme, The Amazing Race, there were quite a few checkpoints – often with some formidable challenges and quizzes.
To make their tasks even more difficult, the participants were forced to take the route students with disabilities would have taken. This means: no stairs could be climbed and no curbs could be jumped – they could only use ramps and elevators.
"The experience was extra-ordinary," said Lerato Masapo from Residence Life. "I learned a lot and I didn't realise how difficult it was for our disabled students to move around the campus.
"What struck me the most was the distance between every building and how far the students had to walk to reach certain places. This made me realise the importance and responsibility on us as staff members to know our environment and assist students accordingly in that regard."