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13 December 2020 Photo Supplied
Read More NAS Danie Vermeulen
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences held its very first virtual Academic Awards Ceremony this year, where 103 prizes were awarded in 75 different categories. Prof Danie Vermeulen sponsored the award for the best undergraduate student in the faculty.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) presented its very first virtual Academic Awards Ceremony this year, celebrating the achievements of students.

According to Tracy Isaacs and Heidiry White, both from the Office of the Dean: Natural and Agricultural Sciences and organisers of the event, the aim of this event is to award and reward skills, knowledge, talent, and abilities. They believe the event contributes to encourage, inspire, and motivate other students to excel.

“Academic awards in the faculty create meaningful moments of recognition that inspire others and reinforce the behaviour that led to the reward. Rewarding students for their hard work forms an integral part of creating a competitive spirit among students. Competition is essential, as it encourages every student to do their best to stand out,” says Isaacs. 

Support and innovation

During this year’s ceremony, 103 prizes were awarded in 75 different categories. Dedicated academic staff who went the extra mile to ensure that no student was left behind, played a major role in the faculty awarding this number of prizes. 

The quality of the programmes and the curriculum, together with innovative teaching and learning activities and approaches, form the basis for academic excellence in the faculty. Lecturers and students are also provided with ongoing support and proper resources to maintain a high quality of teaching.

An achievement that stood out was the work of Philip Schall, who received the Dean’s Award for best undergraduate student in the faculty. Schall obtained his degree with distinction. The Dean, Prof Danie Vermeulen, sponsored this award.

Search for knowledge encouraged

Lecturers and researchers encourage students on a daily basis to pursue academic excellence by challenging them to obtain the highest level of success in their work. 

Students are also provided with an academic, creative, and enterprising spirit that not only prepares them for their academic journey, but also for the world of work. “While being exposed to a range of valuable and relevant learning experiences, students are prepared for further study, ongoing learning, and for their future work environment,” says Isaacs.

News Archive

First-years excited about new life at university
2017-01-25

Description:Residences welcome class of 2017  Tags: Residences welcome class of 2017  longdesc=

First-years moved into residences at the
Bloemfontein Campus of the University of
the Free State on 20 and 21 January 2017.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

The Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State was abuzz with excitement as first-year students arrived at their new homes and residences, brimming with enthusiasm at starting a new chapter in building towards a professional career.

Although there were some mixed emotions about leaving the nest, most students were excited about the times ahead as they moved into their residences on 20 and 21 January 2017.

Student life and building a career

“I am looking forward to a new adventure, to student life and living at university. Also to build my future here,” said Veruska van Schalkwyk, as her parents, who had driven all the way from Springbok in Northern Cape, helped her unpack at Harmony residence.

Veruska, who will be studying Nursing, said she loved TV programmes like Grey's Anatomy. “Nursing has always been my passion and something I loved. I have always loved helping people.”

University provides a prosperous future

For Okuhle Gubevu, who will also be a first-year in Harmony, the UFS is the ideal place to further her career. “Out of all the research I have done, the University of the Free State is the one university that has a prosperous future for me in my ventures to become an accountant,” she said. “Because of that and because it is not too far from home, I decided on the UFS.”

Mopeli Lebohang will be staying in Outeniqua residence and is keen to work hard. “I heard the course I am studying, B Accounting, is the third toughest course at the university,” he said. “I am excited, because I like challenges.”

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