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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

Achievement for the UFS School of Management

2007-10-04

(Translated from an article that appeared in Volksblad of 27 September 2007)

The School of Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) obtained an achievement in various areas of an annual survey done by the Financial Mail. In the survey the opinion of MBA students was asked on various aspects of schools of management at South African universities.

The UFS School of Management obtained second place in terms of the quality of its curriculum and its administrative support. The teaching of two subjects, namely human resource management and marketing, achieved the top position in the division on subject standard. Leadership achieved the second position.

Students were also asked how much the schools of management contributed to the development of certain competencies such as decision making, creative thinking, problem solving, team work, leadership, communication and ethics. The UFS School of Management was rated first in terms of communication and second in terms problem solving.

The school came third in terms of business connections in the division on the expectations of students about what the schools of management can offer them.

This year 15 of the 16 registered schools of management in South Africa took part in the survey.

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