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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

South Campus first in SA to introduce new online platform for educators
2016-05-25

Description: South Campus online platform for educators Tags: South Campus online platform for educators

Dr Whitty Green (DHET), Phillip Dikgomo (NDBE), Ernst Stals (Free State Department of Education), Isaac Mogotsi (Nothern Cape Department of Education), Tsatsi Montso (Free State Department of Education), Prof Daniella Coetzee (Principal: South Campus), Steven Bailey (Academic Partnerships), and Prof Judy Zimny (Academic Partnerships)
Photo: Eugene Seegers

The South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) has become the first in South Africa to introduce a completely online platform for educators to obtain the Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT) in either Foundation, Intermediate, or Senior Phase.

Beginning with the first start date of 4 July 2016, this platform will be offered in nine or ten 8-week sessions. It will provide educators the opportunity to complete these certificates in 18-20 months compared to the 24 months usually required by part-time university students.  Academic and technological support will also be provided.

Unique platform

Prof Daniella Coetzee, Principal of South Campus, said that she is thrilled, “as this opportunity for educators to earn a qualification 100% online - is a first for both the UFS and South Africa.”  This opportunity represents tremendous strides in providing options for South African educators.

According to Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, human connectivity is a key component of education: “We should never reduce education to a stranger at a distance without any human interaction. That is also why the UFS has been consistent in promoting not only its Academic Project, but the Human Project as well.” He said that it would not be possible to extend second-chance opportunities to students without partnerships with government, non-profit organisations, local and international academic partners, and other external stakeholders.

Specific challenges addressed

In her presentation, Prof Judy Zimny, who is affiliated with Academic Partnerships (a company that has supported more than 40 universities in providing high-quality online programmes for educators) aligned a number of the challenges described by South African leaders in supporting educators with opportunities now available through online education as a result of recent strides in learning technologies.

Various members of the national education sector were also present at the workshop to give their input: Isaac Mogotsi (Northern Cape Department of Education), Phillip Dikgomo (National Department of Basic Education - NDBE), Dr Whitty Green (Department of Higher Education and Training - DHET), Tsatsi Montso (Free State Department of Education), and Ernst Stals (Free State Department of Education).

For educators interested in pursuing an Advanced Teaching Certificate (ACT), the website will soon be populated with all admission and enrolment information for programmes starting on 4 July 2016, 29 August 2016, and 24 October 2016.

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