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29 June 2023 | Story Refiloe Shedile | Photo Supplied
Refiloe Shedile
Refiloe Shedile is an Online Assessment Coordinator in the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Refiloe Shedile, Online Assessment Coordinator in the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), shares her UFS journey:

 

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: I completed my undergraduate degree in 2015, followed by my honours degree in 2016.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: My first qualification was a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. After that, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce Honours qualification with specialisation in Industrial Psychology.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: I started my journey as a staff member at the UFS through an internship programme in the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) on 1 June 2017.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: My internship focused on technology in teaching and learning, specifically working with assessments on the Questionmark platform. After the internship, I was appointed as an assistant officer in CTL’s Writing Centre (Unit for Language Development); however, I only held this position for four months before there was an opportunity to move back to the division in which I completed my internship. In October 2018, I rejoined the online assessment team as the Questionmark Coordinator and have been working in this role ever since.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: There are numerous initiatives offered by the university that prepared me for the world of work, i.e. the onboarding and new staff orientation sessions conducted by HR; my department also gave me a clear understanding of my individual and team responsibilities, the divisional procedures and culture, and how our work contributed to the larger institutional mission and vision. I was well supported in the team and provided with the necessary resources to excel in my role. Moreover, CTL’s environment enabled me to build strong social connections that continue to be invaluable.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Transitioning from being a UFS alumnus to a staff member was an exciting experience. There was an initial adjustment period to adapt to a nine to five routine; however, I was fortunate enough to join an amazing team led by an inspiring mentor/ line manager. As a Kovsie, you get to develop valuable skills such as optimism, hard work, and resilience; these skills were essential to thrive within the university’s fast-paced environment. Additionally, I believe that being familiar with the UFS environment and culture made it easy for me to better understand and cater for the needs of the students, drawing on my own experiences as a former student. This enabled me to perform my job diligently and effectively.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: One of my favourite moments about becoming a UFS staff member was the opportunity to work with some of my former lecturers. It was an intriguing experience, being on the other side now, shifting my perspective and seeing them as colleagues rather than just lecturers. This shift in dynamics added a special aspect to my overall experience at the university.

News Archive

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS
2006-09-04

During the ceremonial kick-off of the biggest construction project in the history of the UFS were from the left: Ms Vuyiwe Mkhupha (Manager of   Sikeyi Construction), Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Prof Steve Basson (Head of the UFS Department of Chemistry). Photo: (Gerhard Louw)

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS   

The biggest construction contract in the history of the University of the Free State (UFS) to the value of R40 million has started on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.  The contractors are Ströhfeldt Construction, in a joint venture with Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment partner.

The contract comprises the extensive modernising, refurnishing and extension of the Chemistry Building.  This is the highest amount the UFS has ever spent on the refurnishing of a building. 
 
A number of initiatives have contributed to the fact that the UFS Department of Chemistry is one of the foremost chemistry departments in the country:
 

  • Expensive equipment and apparatus to the value of almost R20 million were acquired by the department the past year;
  • The basis of this is a strategic partnership with Sasol, the biggest research and development company  in the country;
  • The purchase of the most advanced 600MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectro meter in Africa;
  • The purchase of a single crystal X-ray diffractometer; and
  • The purchase of a differential scanning calorie meter, used to test the effect of heat on chemicals.  This apparatus comprises of the most advanced detectors in the world.

“Natural scientists need the necessary equipment, apparatus and laboratories to be able to exercise world-class science.  Three years ago the UFS top management made a strategic decision to focus strongly on research and on our  laboratories and lecture halls,“ said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the launch of the Chemistry Building’s refurbishment.

“I regard this project as a symbol of our investment in science and the academy,“ said Prof Fourie.

Prof Fourie said that the UFS spent almost R100 million in the last 5 years to renovate the Main Campus.  New buildings such as Thakaneng Bridge were built and other such as the Reitz Dining Hall was renovated and converted into the Centenary Complex.  “These projects, together with the refurbishment of the Chemistry Building, also show how the UFS contributes to the development and growth of not only Bloemfontein, but also how we invest in the Free State,“ said Prof Fourie.

According to Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Planning and Special Projects at the UFS, the current building originally comprised of the Moerdyk Building built in 1949 and a newer wing built in 1966.  This building became too small and obsolete and a new part is now being added to the eastern side.
  
According to Ms Pelzer a great deal of the project comprises the dramatic upgrading and modernising of laboratories, existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems.  “The nature of the work of staff and students demands sophisticated mechanical systems such as air conditioning, fume hoods, the provision of gas, etc and therefore these received specific attention.  The research laboratories, lecture laboratories and office areas will also be separated for safety and greater efficiency,” said Ms Pelzer.

“Interesting design solutions for the complex needs of the department were found and I foresee that the building and its immediate environment will be an adornment to the Main Campus after its expected completion in 2008,” said Ms Pelzer.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:  (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 September 2006

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