Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

UFS Language Policy is now available in four languages

13 June 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, is at the forefront of this initiative, championing diversity and inclusiveness for all stakeholders at the University of the Free State.

Diversity in higher education institutions enriches the learning environment, fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect. It broadens perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and prepares students for a global workforce by supporting equitable access to opportunities and enhancing all students' personal growth and academic excellence.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to linguistic diversity with the official translation of its Language Policy into three additional languages: Sesotho, Afrikaans, and isiZulu. Previously only available in English, the translation of the policy – approved by the University Council in November 2023 – into these languages reflects the university's dedication to inclusivity and recognition of its diverse community.

The collaboration between the Academy for Multilingualism and the Institutional Regulatory Code was instrumental in a groundbreaking initiative: making the Language Policy accessible to speakers of African languages. Spearheaded by the Academy for Multilingualism, this endeavour involved a thorough translation, formatting, and proofreading process.

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, emphasised that the availability of the Language Policy in multiple languages is not merely symbolic, but underscores the UFS' values of respect, human dignity, and social justice, as outlined in its Vision130. “This initiative aligns with the university's overarching goal of fostering an environment where all languages are valued and respected. We also hope that the Language Policy will not just be written in different languages but will strengthen the implementation of the policy in various domains of the university to achieve its objectives.

She further explains that the translation project is expected to have far-reaching impacts on how policies are communicated and understood within the university, because it enhances the ability of students, staff, and stakeholders to participate more fully in university life, contributing to a more cohesive and integrated community.

This initiative is a testament to the UFS' commitment to embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity as a fundamental aspect of its identity and operations.

News Archive

One student – nine awards

2012-04-04

Marina Viljoen
2 April 2012

Marina Viljoen was also a recipient of one of the university’s Dean’s Medals at the Autumn Graduation Ceremony. Apart from the Dean’s Medal, Marina also received nine awards at the Faculty of Law’s prize-giving ceremony. She was awarded the degree LL.B. (summa cum laude).

Marina is studying for her LL.M. degree, while doing her articles at Webbers Attorneys in Bloemfontein. “Kovsies definitely has the best law faculty in the country. The lecturers are really friendly and very helpful,” said Marina.
Heyns du Preez received the Dean’s Medal in the Faculty of Theology. He completed a B.Th. degree, and is registered for a M.Th. degree in Pastoral Studies. He works part-time at the student church on the Bloemfontein Campus of the university.

Maryke du Toit also received her degree at this year’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony. She is the daughter of Yolanda du Toit, a staff member at the university. Maryke, who has already completed her B.Com. Law degree, received her LL.B. (cum laude).

She is currently studying at the university’s Centre for Financial Planning as a certified financial planner. “Kovsies has been an unforgettable student experience with the beautiful campus, excellent lecturers and course. I’ve enjoyed every moment,” she said.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept