Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
13 June 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied
Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane
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

Conference on critical studies in higher education
2013-03-05

05 March 2013

Conference in Bloemfontein, South Africa, 26 - 27 June 2013:  Higher Education and Social Justice  - Making 'human capability' pathways

The University of the Free State, in conjunction with its new Centre for Higher Education and Capabilities Research (CHECaR), is hosting a conference on critical studies in higher education, with a specific focus on diversity, change and social justice. Papers delivered by leading national and international scholars, master classes presented by international experts on conducting higher education research, as well as posters and papers, will all take up key challenges for higher education, human development and advancing capabilities as/for social justice, both theoretically and operationally in empirical research projects. For doctoral and post-doctoral researchers attending the conference there is a writing development workshop on 25 June.

For more information see http://www.ufs.ac.za/heconf or contact Professor Melanie Walker (walkermj@ufs.ac.za)

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