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27 September 2023 | Story Prof Francois Strydom and Dr Sonja Loots | Photo Supplied
Prof Strydom and Sonia Sloot
Prof Francois Strydom and Dr Sonja Loots are among the individuals dedicated to making student success at the UFS a priority.

The University of the Free State (UFS) was recently recognised internationally for its exceptional work in promoting student success. This achievement was acknowledged in a publication featuring 31 other exemplary good practice institutions from 24 different countries, all dedicated to transforming students’ lives. The acknowledgement came as the UFS was nominated as an international case study showcasing best practices. The publication highlights how the UFS has significantly improved student success, bridged racial achievement gaps, and successfully implemented high-impact practices to support its students. 

The publication, titled "Transforming Lives at the Institutional Level: Equity Promotion Initiatives Across the World ", and edited by renowned higher education expert Jamil Salmi, aims to acknowledge global efforts in higher education that strive for equitable opportunities. The UFS was an integral part of this publication, with Dr Sonja Loots and Prof Francois Strydom collaborating with Dr Nasima Badsha, the former deputy director general. The UFS’ narrative underscores its transformation from a predominantly White, Afrikaans-speaking university in the late 1980s/early 1990s to a university that now predominantly serves black, first-generation students. Most of these students come from under-resourced schools. The UFS’ commitment to understanding its students and addressing their support needs, has been a significant contributor to the Siyaphumelela success story. The University’s active engagement in national and international knowledge exchange networks continues to shape its approach towards achieving student success.

The UFS was nominated through the Siyaphumelela Network, a project funded by the Kresge Foundation, of which the UFS has been part of since its inception in 2014. Participation in the Siyaphumelela Network has empowered the UFS to develop data analytics supporting student success, broaden the implementation of high-impact practices such as tutorials and the UFSS transitional module, and lead in the professional development of academic advising within the sector on a national platform. Additionally, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) administers the South African Surveys of Student Engagement (SASSE), a crucial vehicle for student voice that informs institutional planning, practices, and change, utilised by 17 Siyaphumelela Network institutions. The Kresge Foundation has confirmed its commitment to continue supporting the Siyaphumelela Network for another three-year funding cycle, starting in 2024. 

Prof Strydom stated, “The inclusion of the UFS in this publication gives international recognition to the remarkable success story that the UFS has to tell. It further illustrates CTL’s commitment to Vision 130 for academic excellence, quality, research visibility, and impact that promotes social justice.”  

News Archive

UFS hikers to Cape Town reflect on their journey
2014-05-26

 

For the four volunteers from the university who are currently on their way to the Cape on foot, every hour of every day is a victory.

It is three weeks since two employees from the University of the Free State (UFS), Adéle van Aswegen and Ntokozo Nkabinde, together with two other Bloemfontein residents, Nico Piedt and Ronel Warner, left Bloemfontein on fóót for the Cape, in order to highlight the problem of food insecurity among students.

On Sunday 18 May they crossed the halfway mark at Beaufort West and will conclude their journey on Tuesday 3 June in Cape Town.

This is what the hikers have to say after three weeks on the road:

Adéle van Aswegen
It isn’t only a physical journey, but rather an emotional journey you undertake. You learn what it means to be truly thankful for basic things like clothes, a place to sleep and food.

Nico Piedt
I know what it feels like to survive on only a glass of water in your stomach – a cup of weak tea if you’re lucky – for the whole day. If I can help (through the hike) to give someone a better chance in life, then it is worthwhile.

Ronel Warner
You think and grow simultaneously. As you plan every stride ahead of you, you also plan your life ahead.

Ntokozo Nkabinde
You don’t walk for yourself. You undertake this journey, maybe because you want to help someone, but this journey is actually in honour of something bigger and you just have to endure.”

These boots are made for walking ... to Cape Town (Article of 02 May 2014)
“Aren’t auntie and them hungry yet?” Country folk worried about NSH hikers (15 May 2014)

Daily updates:
(You can also follow us on @UFSweb for daily tweets)

Day 33: 2 June 2014
13:40
20 km
Sunset Beach, Cape Town

Day 32: 1 June 2014
16:05
26 km
Mervyn and Sanet Wessels, Belville

Day 31: 31 May 2014
16:31
39.6 km
Rhonell and Gavin Julain, Paarl

Day 30: 30 May 2014
14:00
16 km
Monte Rosa, Rawsonville

Day 29: 29 May 2014
13:16
31 km
The Habit, Worcester

Day 28: 28 May 2014
11:00
22.4 km
Monte Roza, De doorns

Day 27: 27 May 2014
17:00
21.1 km
Karoo Hotel

Day 26: 26 May 2014
18:27
43.3 km
Tows river

Day 25: 25 May 2014
12:18
Lord Milner Hotel, Matjiesfontein

Day 24: 24 May 2014
16:30
42 km
Laingsburg Country Lodge

Day 23: 23 May 2014
17:32
41.8 km
Vergenoeg

Day 22: 22 May 2014
16:42
43 km
Assendelft Lodge and Bush Camp, Prins Albert

Day 21: 21 May 2014
15:09
42 km
Leeu Gamka Hotel

Day 20: 20 May 2014
13:39
20 km
Alida, Springfontein

Day 19: 19 May 2014
12:31
27.6 km
Teri Moja Game Lodge

Day 18: 18 May 2014
First rest day
Nagenoeg Guesthouse, Beaufort West

Day 17: 17 May 2014
19:30
62.3 km
Nagenoeg Guesthouse, Beaufort West

Day 16: 16 May 2014
13:00
14 km
Taaibochfontein

Day 15: 15 May 2014
16:03
32 km
Travalia, Three Sisters

Day 14: 14 May 2014
18:33
43 km
Joalani Guest Farm

Day 13: 13 May 2014
17:30
33 km
Die Rondawels

Day 12: 12 May 2014
16:49
40 km
Aandrus B&B in Richmond

Day 11: 11 May 2014
39 km
Wortelfontein (Magdel and Christiaan)

Day 10: 10 May 2014
15:44
34 km
Hanover Lodge

Day 9: 09 May 2014
40.8 km
Camping between Colesberg and Hanover

Day 8: 08 May 2014
15:25
33.7 km
Colesberg, The Lighthouse Guesthouse

Day 7: 07 May 2014
15:08
23 km
Orange River Lodge

Day 6: 06 May 2014
15:57
51.06 km
Gariep Forever Resort

Day 5: 05 May 2014
12:18
28 km
Rondefontein

Day 4: 04 May 2014
15:27
35 km
Trompsburg: Fox Den

Day 3: 03 May 2014
17:30
46.74 km
Edenburg Country Lodge (Hotel)

Day 2: 02 May 2014
11:44 am
15.3 km
Tom's Place

Day 1: 01 May 2014
32 km
Leeuwberg

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