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Wellness drive officially launched

15 June 2020 | Story Amanda Thongha

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WATCH: Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Hendri Kroukamp, the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Susan Van Jaarveld, Senior Director at the Department of Human Sources, and Brandon Jacobs, Head of Retail and Business Banking at Standard Bank, Central Free State explain what the “I Am’ Wellness programme is about.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance continues to be a juggling act for most, more so during this uncertain time dominated by COVID-19. To help individuals cope with life challenges, the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a new short learning programme that addresses all aspects of well-being.

The ‘I Am’ Wellness short learning programme, open to UFS staff, private individuals, and businesses, kicks off on 19 June 2020. A number of prominent South Africans participating in the launch of the ‘I Am’ Wellness short learning programme are, among others, Kovsie alumna and former Miss World, Rolene Strauss; former Miss South Africa, Amy Kleinhans; and motivational speaker and author, Alison Botha. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela rounds off the list of public figures who have also expressed interest in the programme.

Burneline Kaars, Head of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness at the UFS, says those interested in the programme can look forward to content focusing on different topics and themes related to wellness aspects. Participants will discover the fun of finding ways to improve their health and well-being through activities, games, quizzes, and many more.

“Upon completion of this programme, participants will be equipped to understand and improve their own personal and work-related well-being. They will be empowered to increase their own well-being and reach their optimal potential in both their personal and work life.”

The programme, a joint effort of the UFS Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the UFS Department of Industrial Psychology, can be completed online or as part of contact sessions, depending on the needs of the participants. Participants need to avail themselves four hours a week to successfully complete the programme. Those who master the two-month programme will also receive a certificate of completion from the UFS.

The programme is offered to UFS staff at no cost. External audiences will pay R9 500 per person to complete the programme. Groups of 10 and more will get a special discount when signing up.

Registration for the formal programme opens on Wednesday, 24 June 2020.

For more information, contact Burneline Kaars at KaarsB@ufs.ac.za.

Other programmes done by the UFS Organisational Development and Employee Wellness office:

First #MentalHealth awareness run to Stellenbosch to bring hope
Kovsies pedal smoothie bike for #MentalHealth

News Archive

Call for nominations for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards

2017-06-23

Description: Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards 2017 Tags: Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards 2017

The University of the Free State has produced a crop of excellent alumni who have placed the university on the world stage. The aim of the third annual Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards is to acknowledge and honour alumni for achievements in both their personal capacity and occupational fields. Recognition for the 2017 Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards will be based on achievements attained from 2016 to 2017.

Nominations are invited in five categories:
•   The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award, the highest honour accorded to an alumnus, recognises the distinguished national or international achievements of its recipient.
•   The Young Alumnus of the Year Award acknowledges the achievements of alumni who have graduated within the past decade.
•   The Cum Laude Award is bestowed upon an alumnus to recognise excellence in any field.
•   The Executive Management Award is made to any person (not necessarily an alumnus) who has delivered exceptional service to the university.
•   The Kovsie Ambassador Award is bestowed upon a current student whose achievements have brought distinction to him/her, benefited his/her community, and brought credit to the University of the Free State.

Previous recipients of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards include television personality, Leon Schuster; Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe; politician, Adv. Roelf Meyer; Olympic gold medallist, Wayde van Niekerk; former Miss World, Rolene Strauss; CEO of Central Media Group, Gary Stroebel; and Judge President of the Free State High Court, Justice Mahube Molemela.

Nominations can be submitted in writing to the Alumni Office at alumni@ufs.ac.za using the provided nomination form. A selection panel will choose the appropriate candidate(s) with age, race, and gender playing no role in the selection process. The closing date for submission of nominations is 12:00 on 31 July 2017. Award winners will be announced at a gala banquet on Saturday, 26 August 2017.

Additional queries can be directed to Helen Namponya at +27 51 401 9343, or by email at alumni@ufs.ac.za.

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