The Acting Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof. Teuns Verschoor, today informed the UFS Council about his decision to close the Reitz Residence.

Council requested management today during its quarterly meeting to take any reasonable steps to minimise the inconvenience of the residents who are affected by the closing of the residence. This includes the finding of alternative accommodation and their academic work.

The residents have been requested to evacuate their rooms no later than the day following the last day of the second examination opportunity of the first semester, namely 30 July 2008.

Although the residence will therefore close on 20 June 2008, the UFS has given residents the opportunity to evacuate the residence up and until 30 July 2008.

According to Prof. Teuns Verschoor,  the decision was made in consideration of suggestions by the Council, Student Representative Council, primes of residences, other stakeholders, the parents of residents as well as the first-year students in the residence. .

The special committee appointed to assist residents with finding new accommodation requested the residence head to provide it with the names of students who are in need of accommodation. The committee has already found alternative accommodation for students on campus as well as within walking distance from the campus and will approach these students with suggestions.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
6 June 2008

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