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New UFS Modular Lecturing Space and Assessment Centre Building

10 June 2021 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Supplied

A brand-new modular space for students was recently completed on the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus. The Modular Lecturing Space and Assessment Centre is a bold step to engage with the changing academic environment. It is an example of how collaboration between UFS faculties, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, ICT Services, and University Estates can create cutting-edge and innovative learning and teaching environments.

One space, many functions

The centre, which took 22 months to complete, consists of innovative multi-functional spaces that can be used for large- and small-scale lectures or group work. The biggest venue, which can accommodate up to 980 students, can also be converted into five acoustically separate venues with a variety of table configurations depending on the educational needs.

In line with the newly adopted blended learning approach, the digital infrastructure in the centre allows for the seamless integration of technology, as all the spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. The computer laboratory and assessment centre, which can accommodate 800 students, can be used for examination or teaching and can be divided into two separate areas if needed.

Functional study stops

The centre offers an area where students can pause and study in groups around tables with a laptop-friendly study ledge that runs along the length of the space. Sufficient power points allow students to recharge their devices in an aesthetically pleasing space that promotes optimal engagement with learning.

The design brief for this multifunctional space was a collaborative effort between professionals and UFS departments to ensure the most efficient use of space and purpose. The overall focus was on effectiveness and efficiency, which is part of University Estates’ strategy to maximise the use of space.

More to this than meets the eye

The building integrates into its environment with waterwise gardens and numerous indigenous trees planted around the permanent outdoor seating, which can also be used as informal learning spaces. The landscaping is seamlessly accessible with ramps and tactile paving.

Modern, fully inclusive ablution facilities can accommodate high volumes of traffic, and rainwater is collected in 44 tanks with a capacity of 79 000 litres for watering the landscape, as well as emergency water supply to flush water closets. Heat pump air-conditioning systems with individual control for each room are connected to the campus building management system for effective energy control.

Further expansion

Phase 2 of the project will entail a 24/7 study space that will accommodate 250 students. The venue will also provide a small recreation area. Completion is scheduled for December 2021.

Although the project team was faced with COVID-19 restrictions during construction, they managed to complete the building within the agreed budget and quality measures. The team is looking forward to creating more functional spaces on the UFS campuses.

Take a tour of the new Modular Lecturing Space and Assessment Centre Building:

News Archive

Campus-wide poll to determine preferences among current staff and students for language models

2015-10-20

Language poll postponed until Thursday 22 October 2015

Due to the closing down of all UFS campuses on Wednesday 21 October 2015, the language poll has been postponed until Thursday 22 October 2015.

Invitation to take part in a campus-wide poll to determine preferences among current staff and students for language models.

As mandated by the Council on 5 June 2015, the senior leadership of the University of the Free State (UFS) has committed itself to a formal review process of the current language policy through a comprehensive process of consultation with all university stakeholders.

Since 19 August 2015, the following public sessions have taken place across all three campuses:

Public dialogue for staff and students, Qwaqwa Campus, 19 August 2015
Staff submissions, Bloemfontein Campus, 20 August 2015
External stakeholder submissions, Bloemfontein Campus, 24 August 2015
Public dialogue for staff and students, South Campus, 26 August 2015
Alumni submissions, Bloemfontein Campus, 27 August 2015
Expert panel discussion for staff and students with Q&A, Bloemfontein Campus, 31 August 2015
Staff, students, and external stakeholder submissions, Qwaqwa Campus, 9 September 2015
Panel discussion and public dialogue for students, Bloemfontein Campus, 10 September 2015
Expert panel discussion for staff and students with Q&A, Bloemfontein Campus, 11 September 2015
Student submissions, Bloemfontein Campus, 15 September 2015
Staff and student submissions, South Campus, 16 September 2015
Convocation submissions, Bloemfontein Campus, 30 September 2015

Further, written and online submissions from the entire university community were put forward until 18 September 2015, while the Convocation had until 30 September 2015 to submit. During the process, the Language Committee has met weekly and discussed the viability, benefits and challenges of various language model options, taking into account institutional, regional, national and global concerns, documents and information.

Following the university’s commitment to open, democratic practice, the UFS calls upon all its current staff and students to participate in a campus-wide poll in order to assist the Language Committee in determining possible preferences among current staff and students for language models. The possible models have emerged from the broad consultation process.

Please note that the campus-wide poll is NOT a formal voting process or referendum and will form only one part of many deciding factors that will be referred to the UFS Council on 20 November 2015 for their deliberations regarding the future of the language policy at the UFS. The poll, conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), will be indicative of the preferences of staff and students for possible language model options, with specific focus on language of instruction.

The poll will take place at the following venues from 21-28 October 2015, 08:00-16:30, including the weekend:

Bloemfontein Campus: Kestell Residence Gazellie

Qwaqwa Campus: VIP Lounge

South Campus: Conference Hall

To take part in the polling, a valid staff or student card must be produced. Polling will take place on the basis of one poll per current staff member/student.

We look forward to your participation in the poll and hereby thank the entire university community for their ongoing interest and responsible engagement with the review process.

For inquiries send an email to language@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 3422051 401 3422.

The UFS Language Committee

Click here for the question and answer page.

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