Following the resignation of Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) as from 30 September 2024, the Council will be appointing an acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal until the position is filled. This appointment will commence at the beginning of September 2024 to ensure a smooth handover from Prof Petersen to the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal and to maintain continuity with a view to ensuring a smooth transition when the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal takes office, possibly as early as 1 January 2025.

An announcement about the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal will be made soon.

During June 2024, the Council embarked on a process to recruit a Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the university through external advertisements in the national and social media. A recruitment agency was also appointed to headhunt for a suitable candidate nationally and internationally. 

The closing date for applications was 31 July 2024. The selection committee will be constituted as per the university’s Employment Policy and Procedure.  This is expected to be finalised in the week of 12 to 16 August 2024.

The schedule for the appointment is as follows:

• Week 26 to 30 August 2024:
  The Selection Committee meets to discuss the suitability of candidates who have applied and to compile a shortlist based on the inherent requirements for the position.

• Week 2 to 6 September 2024:
  Candidates on the interview shortlist are invited for interviews.
  

• Week 9 to 13 September 2024:
  The university community is informed about the names of the shortlisted candidates.
  

• End of September 2024 to beginning of October 2024:
  Interviews are conducted with candidates on the interview shortlist.
  

• End of September 2024 to beginning of October 2024:
  Introduction of shortlisted candidates to the UFS community.  The following members of the UFS community will be invited to the university presentation:  Council members, Senate members, Selection Committee members, Institutional Forum members, Convocation members, and other staff members and registered students.

• Date to be confirmed:
  Senate meets to vote on the appointability and preference of candidates.
  

• Date to be confirmed:
  The Selection Committee meets to consider candidates, taking into account Senate’s preference, the post requirements and applicable criteria, and the recommendation of the Institutional Forum. The Selection Committee votes by way of secret ballot on the appointability and the order of preference of candidates. The Selection Committee makes a recommendation to the Human Resources Committee of Council.
  

• Date to be confirmed:
  The Institutional Forum and Senate have separate meetings to finalise the recommendation / advice to Council on the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and Principal. 

• Date to be confirmed:
  Meeting of the Human Resources Committee of Council to consider the recommendations of the Selection Committee, Senate, and the Institutional Forum for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The Human Resources Committee of Council makes a recommendation to the Council.
  

• Date to be confirmed:
  Meeting of Council:
  The UFS Council will consider the recommendation of the Human Resources Committee of Council, together with the Selection Committee’s recommendation, Senate outcome, and advice from the Institutional Forum. The Council makes a decision to appoint the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The Council members vote by secret ballot on the recommended candidates in accordance with the post requirements and relevant criteria and in line with the Procedure for the Appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Once a decision has been made, an engagement will take place between the Chairperson of the Council and the successful candidate to confirm his or her acceptance of the position.
  

• Date to be confirmed:
  A statement will be issued by the Chairperson of Council via the Department of Communication and Marketing to inform the UFS community about the outcome of the process and the successful incumbent.
  
  Further media statement/s will be issued to the external media via the Department of Communication and Marketing.
  

• 1 January 2025:
  Appointment date of the successful candidate.

For more information: Vice-Chancellor Timeline Infographic.