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10 February 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Gateway Amigos
Volunteer Gateway Amigos, a University of the Free State initiative to assist first-entering students during Gateway First-year Orientation and the transition to life at the institution.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be hosting welcoming ceremonies – which include the 2023 UFS Dream Walk event – for first-year students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  

The Dream Walk – also known as Kovsie Dream – is an annual event, with the first being hosted in 2022.  With the event, the UFS welcomes first-year students to the university community, placing an emphasis on their individual dreams and aspirations. The event is also an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with the university, facilities, available opportunities, and to make new friends. 

The UFS recognises the importance of helping students set and pursue their dreams, especially in their first year. During the event, students will have an opportunity to interact with university staff, as well as current students who will share their experiences of pursuing their dreams and overcoming obstacles. 

Students participating in the Dream Walk will have the chance to explore their potential, identify their passions, and by completing their dream cards, they will be able to set goals for their individual futures.

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will officially welcome students to the UFS on both days – on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  The welcoming messages on the two campuses will be followed by a Dream Walk.  Students participating in the Dream Walk will move along the same route that students follow on the day of graduation. 

The Division of Student Affairs believes that building a strong support network is crucial for students to succeed in their academic and professional lives. By connecting with staff and seniors, first-year students will gain valuable insight into their chosen courses and receive advice on how to achieve their academic goals.

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, said: “The UFS is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to pursue their dreams. The Rector’s Welcoming, coupled with the Dream Walk, is an exciting opportunity for first-year students to start their university journey on the right foot and to set themselves up for success.”

For more information on the Welcoming, the Dream Walk event, and the programme, please click here

News Archive

Students applaud Prof Jansen one last time
2016-08-11

Description: The Talk To Me  Tags: The Talk To Me

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the
University of the Free State, talks to a student outside the
Library of the South Campus on Tuesday 26 July 2016
during the Talk To Me session.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

“The Talk To Me session made me feel like I mattered.”

This was one of the compliments the University of the Free State (UFS) and Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, received after the last Talk To Me sessions for the year.

On 25 and 26 July 2016, Prof Jansen gave staff and students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses a chance to pull up a chair and have a chat with him on issues that mattered to them.

The students commended Prof Jansen on this great initiative as they felt their voices were being heard. It allowed them an opportunity to speak to him directly, as well as to make suggestions on things they were concerned about. “I really appreciate this manner of allowing students to have a chat with Prof Jansen,” a student said, giving feedback on the session.

Students were very pleased with the professionalism and organisation of the whole session, but requested that it be held more often, therefore giving more students the opportunity to converse with Prof Jansen. The majority of the students suggested that the session with Prof Jansen should run longer than just an hour as there were a large number of students who would appreciate a heart-to-heart chat with Prof Jansen.

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