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12 May 2021 | Story Ilze Bakkes

The COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa and the subsequent national lockdown severely impacted the usual physical open day mass-marketing tactic. At the same time, it provided an opportunity for the Department of Student Recruitment Services (SRS) to be super creative and agile in promoting the UFS offerings to the target audiences. 

Once a year, the UFS invites prospective learners and parents to visit our campuses for a taste of campus life. But for many interested students, especially those living remotely or abroad, a site visit is not always practical. Furthermore, the 2021 open days on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses were again cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Virtual Open Day proved that breaking from the traditional recruitment tactics and moving into the virtual domain was not only bold and innovative, but also offered more engagement and communication opportunities with prospective students. Building on the insights and success of COVID-19 response engagements, the Department of Student Recruitment Services has once again developed an immersive virtual experience for prospective students. 

Ilze Bakkes, Chief Officer: Integrated Marketing and Innovation from the Department of Student Recruitment Services, says: “We listened to the needs and wants of our prospective students and staff. Therefore, the 2021 Virtual Expo will have undergraduate, postgraduate, and international student recruitment foci, offering more and relevant information in a visual, multi-layered, and digital way.” Information is presented through videos, photos, downloadable PDF brochures, and links to marketing material and the online application platform. 

A challenge during the physical open day is the lack of time to engage with faculties or that not all the information could be obtained. The Virtual Expo is live now click here and can be visited until 30 September 2021, when applications to study undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 2022 close. The Virtual Expo offers a professional, easy-to-navigate and hassle-free digital experience of the academic, social, and cultural life at the UFS on all three campuses – in the convenience of the visitor’s own space and time. Subtexts for videos enable differently abled visitors to enjoy the content, and data-sensitive visitors can download the PDF versions of videos. 

Applications to study in 2022 are already open. To apply, click here (link to online application). For important closing dates, download the UFS Undergraduate Prospectus

For information on the Virtual Expo, contact Ilze Bakkes at +27 51 401 9028 or bakkese@ufs.ac.za.

News Archive

UFS orders forensic investigation at computer services division
2005-11-11

(Statement by Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS)

Two Deputy Directors from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Computer Services Division have been put on compulsory leave pending a further investigation.  This was announced today by the UFS senior management.

This action is related to an earlier internal investigation ordered by the UFS senior management after possible irregularities at the division were brought under their attention.

The findings of this internal investigation were handed to the Commercial Branch of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and a group of forensic auditors for further investigation.

The SAPS confiscated equipment and documentation from the offices of the Computer Services Division. 

Equipment and documentation were also confiscated from two companies in Bloemfontein which are related to the case.

This process arouse out of the commitment of the UFS to good and transparent corporate management.  Any irregularities are thoroughly investigated.  Strict action will be taken against any staff or students who are found guilty of wrongful behaviour. 

Media release
Issued by:Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:  (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
11 November 2005
 

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