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Agreement between UFS rectorate and Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) on 16 March 2021

16 March 2021 | Story Lacea Loader

UPDATE: 16 March 2021 at 20:37

During a meeting between members of the Rectorate and representatives of the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) on 15 and 16 March 2021, the following was agreed upon:

1. SUSPENSION OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

All academic activities have been suspended on all UFS campuses from 17 to 22 March 2021. No online/face-to-face lectures/tests/assignments will take place until 23 March 2021, and the full academic programme will resume on this date.

This decision will allow the university management an opportunity to address outstanding matters regarding the admission of senior undergraduate students.

2. FACE-TO-FACE REGISTRATION

Any senior undergraduate and first-year student who is unable to register successfully online, can do so on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses from 17 to 19 March 2021.

► Registration stations:

Bloemfontein Campus:

- Examination Centre (EXR)

Qwaqwa Campus:

- Faculty of Education: Mandela Hall
- Faculty of the Humanities: E0013 + 14
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: E009 + 10 – EMS
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Fulufhelo Gazelle

► Operating times on both campuses:

17 March 2021: 13:00-15:00
18 and 19 March 2021: 8:00-15:00

The following must be noted:

Senior undergraduate students must be in possession of a valid student card (previous year) and will be allowed to enter the campuses without an access permit in order to register.

First-year students must be in possession of a firm offer from the UFS in order to register – no campus access permit is needed.

3. NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUSES

The university management is aware of the challenges that some students are experiencing with the continuation of their studies off campus in terms of, for instance, access to campus facilities and connectivity.

It is, however, important to take note that the institution is obliged to adhere to national regulations linked to Level 1 of the national lockdown, also taking into account the university’s teaching and learning approach, as well as the capacity to adhere to physical distancing protocols.

The university management will continue with the return of students to the campuses in a responsible way, as the safety, health, and well-being of students and staff remain the key priorities.

With this in mind, the university will reconsider its blended learning arrangements for 2021 to allow more students to return to campus within the parameters of the national lockdown regulations. These arrangements will be communicated to students soon.

4. ACADEMICALLY ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

The university will compile a list of students who have outstanding debt and who are still awaiting funding confirmation from NSFAS. Confirmation will be provided before midnight on 16 March 2021 if these students can register provisionally without payment of the first amount.

5. MEAL ALLOWANCES

The payment of meal allowances for NSFAS students will be implemented by the end of March 2021. It should be noted that NSFAS is only expected to transfer funds in April, but the UFS will lay out the funds for food allowances in the meantime.

6. ACADEMIC EXCLUSION

During the meetings on 15 and 16 March 2021, the ISRC tabled the matter regarding students who are academically excluded for the 2021 academic year. This matter is being addressed by the university management and engagement in this regard will continue.

7. VICTIMISATION OF STUDENTS BY PRIVATE SECURITY

During the meetings on 15 and 16 March 2021, the ISRC tabled the matter regarding students being victimised, harassed, and assaulted by private security.

The ISRC will submit more information, after which the allegations will be investigated.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393

News Archive

University community join hands in the walk for peace and justice

2016-03-02

The Campus Ministries Forum and South African Council of Churches (Free State) have organised a walk for peace and justice from the Main Building to the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Tuesday 1 March 2016. This walk was followed by a prayer meeting at the Callie Human Centre.

Pastors from the Campus Ministries Forum of the South African Council of Churches (Free State) led a group of more than 350 students and staff in praise and worship, followed by prayers in English, Afrikaans, and Sesotho.

A significant gesture at the event was the church leader’s plea for peace and solutions for the conflict at the UFS.

Bishop Monty Mabale, Chairperson of the South African Council of Churches, read an extract from the declaration compiled by the pastors ministering to staff and students at the UFS.

“We are saddened by the violence and vandalism that took place on and off campus. We understand that there are many reasons for frustration and anger, which lead to tensions at the end of last year and again now. We also understand that there are different perspectives on these developments and the complexities underlying to this. However, we cannot agree with the hate speech, the continuous blaming of others, the instigation of violence, and the damage being caused to this precious institution and its commitment to the ideal and practices of reconciliation and a proper education for every student.

“Because we believe in the justice and mercy of God in Christ, let us seek His justice in a compassionate way. Let us resolve to glorify his name in the way we enter into dignified discussions when addressing those matters we perceive to be injustices, and seek for solutions. Let us be critical of our own biased perceptions, opening ourselves to the practice of listening to the viewpoints of others and learning from each other, while discerning the will of God in our society together,” Bishop Mabale said.

The forum and council also wrote a special prayer for UFS students, staff, parents, and management:

Our Father in Heaven
•   You have created us all as unique, special people, each with a great destiny.
•   You have an awesome plan for our University, and value every person working and studying here.
•   We have not respected Your heart and opinion of everyone on campus, and so we have sinned against You.
•   Forgive us where we did not follow Your example of reconciliation, restoration, and forgiveness through the blood of Christ, Your Son, on the cross. We need You to show us what You expect of us: grace, mercy, respect, and tolerance for one another from a place of gratefulness and humility.
•   We are grateful for the opportunity and honour You have given us to be involved in this institution.
•   We repent and accept afresh Your commandment to love You and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
•   You are saying to us: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We, as an institution, believe and receive this promise You gave to us.

In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen.

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