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16 September 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Supplied
UFS Division of Student Affairs plans to extend their annual research colloquium to involve other universities, establishing the university as a pioneering institution of higher education and learning.
The annual University of the Free State (UFS) Division of Student Affairs Research (DSA) Colloquium aims to promote a culture of research embedded in data-driven and evidence- based practices in the field of Student Affairs. The purpose of the annual colloquium is to create a safe, enjoyable space for staff members to share their experiences, knowledge, research and practices.

The 2020 Student Affairs Research Colloquium was the first virtual Research Colloquium held by the university. As noted by DSA Researcher Ruben Langenhoven, this year’s theme Virtually Human: Connecting Meaningfully in a Digital World was inspired by the challenging times we live in, and thus commemorated the resilience and adaptability UFS Student Affairs practitioners, academic staff and students. 

As most of the projects and programmes in the DSA were negatively impacted, the Colloquium was threatened by a lack of “hard data” emanating from the 2020 academic year. The division consequently decided to reframe the colloquium by profiling distinct human voices that focused on qualitative experiences. As such, this Colloquium comprised of numerous sections where the emphasis was placed on shared experiences and shared understanding where UFS staff members and students discussed the challenges they faced in the last six months.

DSA staff engaged one another with staff and student-centered lived experiences, and professional staff development sessions that visited the impact of technology on their psychological well-being and how to improve their relationship with technology in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also forming part of the programme that will inform the future of the division going forward, reflected DSA success-story presentations of the past year. 

The colloquium proved as beneficial for the DSA and the entire institution in its pursuit of a research-based working approach within the Student Affairs discipline. 

News Archive

New residences officially open
2013-03-06

 
Celebrating the official opening of the two new residences, were Vusumzi Mesatywa, Prime of House Outeniqua and Sherilyn Roelofse, Prime of House ConLaurês.
Photo: Johan Roux
06 March 2013

 

  Video clip (YouTube)

The one implies dreams of victory; the name of the other means ‘bringers of honey’ in the Khoisan language.

With these unique names, two new residences, House ConLaurês and House Outeniqua, will create new memories for generations of Kovsie students. The two residences were officially opened on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State, bringing the number of junior residences on the campus to 19.

Celebrating the new addition to residence life, Mr Quintin Koetaan, Director: Housing and Residence Affairs, told residents of House ConLaurês and House Outeniqua that they were part of history. He told guests that the residences will provide accommodation for a new generation of students and encouraged residents to breathe life into their respective abodes.

“Nobody thought that two residences could be built in a year,” he said about the short time between the planning and opening of the residences in January this year. The two residences welcomed 250 students each, with male and female students living under one roof, but in separate units.

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, praised Koetaan and his team, as well as the developers, saying they have done something completely different on the campus. He said the two residences will create a place which students can call home. “It will create a place not just to eat and sleep, but also to learn. It will create memories for many years to come.”

Mr Rudi Buys, Dean: Student Affairs, said House ConLaurês and House Outeniqua is much more than simply residences. “It’s about the university putting its heart out there, showing what can be done.” He told guests that representatives from other universities and the Department of Higher Education and Training have visited the UFS to see what is being done here.

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