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13 April 2021 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Sonia Small (Kaleidoscope Studio)
Nicole Morris
Nicole Morris

Student Affairs divisions occupies an important role within higher education, and there is a constant need for development and reform in the services and programmes they offer to support students. This was the input from the Acting Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, Nicole Morris, at a virtual President-to-President dialogue hosted by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), commemorating Human Rights Month and #TheRightToEducation on 30 March 2021.

Morris participated with a handful of prestigious panel members, including ANC Headquarters General Manager, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela; CMMI Brand Ambassador, Musawenkosi Saurombe; author and entrepreneur, Busisiwe Seabe; the leaderships of various student representative councils; and Chairperson of the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute, Yonela Njisane.

Delegates delved into subjects concerning access to free education, the criteria and measures involved, as well as the proposed methods of implementation needed to operationalise free and equal education.

Morris contributed to the discussion that reflected on the revolutionary spirit and political contributions of renowned political activist, Charlotte Maxeke, identifying her as a “stalwart for the fight of equal opportunities and progress”.

The Acting Dean said Maxeke’s quest for education and the need to use it to support changes in humanity, encouraged the liberation of women in mainstream politics and other leadership roles – developing her fight into one that sought equal opportunities and progress for all.

Morris went on to highlight the importance of student counselling and development, career services, and other student affairs services to support students at university and higher education spaces.

She encouraged student leaders to emulate Maxeke’s methods by continuously employing innovative ways of thinking to ease the challenges faced by students in higher education, ensuring that each of them has an equal opportunity to succeed in today’s society.

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Kovsies offer prospective students countless opportunities at Open Day
2017-05-16

Description: Bloem Open Day 2017  Tags: Bloem Open Day 2017

The University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Campus opened its doors to prospective 2018
students at this year’s Open Day to learn what
being a Kovsie entails.
Photo: Johan Roux

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“It is important for us not to be stressed or confused, as you need to understand where your passion lies.”

These were the encouraging words of Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), to the learners in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus during this year’s Open Day on 13 May 2017.

Prospective learners, teachers, as well as parents came out in numbers to learn and see what the UFS has to offer. The audience was also set ‘In the Mood’ by the enchanting voices of the Swing-City band.

UFS represent diversity, inclusivity as well as academic excellence

Prof Petersen highlighted the importance of the values which the UFS stands for, namely diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence, as vital reasons why learners should consider coming to the UFS.

“We believe that innovation is part of the curriculum, it is part of the way we do things, and it is also embedded as a key attribute that we will expose potential Kovsie students to,” he said.

Mpho Maloka, a parent from Welkom, says: “It (the UFS) represents the Free State and it is home-brewed. We want our kids to have the best education, and with many of my colleagues that graduated from the UFS, you can see the quality, the enthusiasm, and the success that comes from this university.”

Graduates to impact society through innovation

Prof Petersen said that the UFS will not only develop them as individuals, but will also assist them in making a contribution to society. “If you really want to have an excellent degree, well-rounded exposure to Kovsie life, make an impact on society through innovative thought, and also have the value of being exposed to a richness of diversity, then Kovsies is the place to be.”

Sergio Abdiziet, a learner from Heidedal, said that he’d like to be part of the UFS, because it is one of the best universities in the country.

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