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21 April 2021
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Story Eugene Seegers
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Photo Supplied
Adelia Chauque graduated with distinction during the April Virtual Graduations hosted by the UFS.
On 20 April 2021, 693
South Campus students graduated during a
virtual ceremony, with 213 of them achieving distinctions. One of these is
Adelia Chauque, the newly elected South Campus SRC member for Policy and Transformation. During her journey as a student, Adelia says that she had numerous obstacles to overcome. For instance, she mentions that her “biggest challenge was completing my tasks with an unstable data connection during the pandemic”. Despite this impediment, Adelia managed to excel in her studies and obtained her qualification with distinction.
Adelia says her family was her biggest support system. “Due to the network problems that I faced my family had to drive me around until we found a stable connection that enabled me to write my tests.” Other support came from the university itself. “I received a lot of support from the academic adviser, Mr Chwaro Shuping,” she says. “Although he couldn't arrange for me to return to campus, he called regularly to ensure that I was still academically active.”
After overcoming these hurdles, Adelia is continuing her academic journey. “I am enthusiastic and eager to learn or to better myself. Due to that, I am furthering my studies by enrolling for a second degree programme in
Administration majoring in Industrial Psychology. I am very ambitious, in the sense that I strive for perfection and consistency with an organised and maintainable future, therefore being part of the SRC enables me to assist students and myself with a secured and comfortable learning environment to achieve our goals at the institution.”
Adelia balances her responsibilities in the SRC portfolio of Policy and Transformation on the South Campus by having a schedule planned that ensures she does not fall behind. She concludes, “During the morning, I attend my prescribed lectures to ensure that I will continue to slay academically. Then I am visible in the SRC office from 12:00 to 16:30. After hours, I contribute my time to study, but I remain available to students who prefer texting.” The university is keen to see the heights to which Adelia will attain in the coming years.
“I am enthusiastic and eager
to learn or to better myself.”
Adelia Chauque, South Campus SRC:
Policy and Transformation.
UFS staff get salary adjustment of 13,35%
2008-11-13
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At the signing of the salary agreement were, from the left: Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Chairperson of UVPERSU, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, and Ms Senovia Welman, Chairperson of NEHAWU.
Photo: Anita Lombard
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UFS staff get salary adjustment of 13,35%
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) management and trade unions have agreed on an improvement in the service benefits of staff of 16,55% for 2009. This includes a general salary adjustment of 13,35% (according to the estimated government subsidy that will be received in 2009).
“The negotiating parties agreed that adjustments could vary from a minimum of 13,00%, or more, depending on the government subsidy and the model forecasts. If the minimum of 13,00% is not affordable, the parties will re-negotiate,” said Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS.
“The negotiations were conducted in a positive spirit and the parties are in agreement that it is an exceptionally good adjustment – being higher than for example the increase in medical premiums,” said Prof. Verschoor.
The agreement was signed yesterday by representatives of the UFS management and the trade unions, UVPERSU and NEHAWU.
An additional once-off non-pensionable bonus of R3 390 will also be paid to staff later this year.
The bonus will be paid to all staff members who were in the employ of the UFS on UFS conditions of service on 10 November 2008 and who assumed duties before 1 October 2008. This includes all former Vista staff, regardless of whether they have already been aligned with UFS conditions of service.
The bonus is payable in recognition of the role played by staff during the year to promote the UFS as a university of excellence and as confirmation of the role and effectiveness of the remuneration model.
“It is important to note that this bonus can be paid due to the favourable financial outcome of 2008,” said Prof. Verschoor.
It is the intention to pass the maximum benefit possible on to staff without exceeding the limits of financial sustainability of the institution. For this reason, the negotiating parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Multiple-year Income-related Remuneration Improvement Model used as a framework for negotiations. The model and its applications are unique and has as a point of departure that the UFS must be and remain financially sustainable.
Additional funding (0,70%) was also negotiated. This will be allocated on 1 January 2009 to accelerate the phasing-in of medical benefits and, if possible, to finalise the phasing-in process. Agreement was reached that 2,50% will be allocated for growth in capacity building to ensure that provision is made for the growth of the UFS over the last few years, as well as the incorporation of Vista staff.
The agreement also applies to all staff members of the two above-mentioned campuses whose conditions of employment have already been aligned with those of the Main Campus.
The implementation date for the salary adjustment is 1 January 2009. The adjustment will be calculated on the total remuneration package.
In 2008, a total improvement of service benefits of 9,32% and a salary adjustment of 7,52% were paid to employees. Staff received a once-off non-pensionable bonus of R3 000 at the end of 2007.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
12 November 2007
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