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Prof Per Assmo from University West, Sweden and Prof Anthea Rhoda from the UFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will develop academic cooperation across fields such as research, student and academic exchanges, and collaborative projects.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University West, Sweden. Held at the UFS Business School on the Bloemfontein Campus, the event saw the signing of the agreement by Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Prof Per Assmo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation at University West. The partnership aims to develop academic cooperation across fields such as research, student and academic exchanges, and collaborative projects.

This MOU opens the door to a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including academic and researcher exchanges for the purposes of teaching, conducting lectures, conducting research, and exchanging expertise. Additionally, the MOU includes student exchange programmes, joint research projects, and the shared hosting of seminars and conferences.

Prof Rhoda shared her enthusiasm to incorporate work-integrated learning (WIL) more widely at the UFS. “We are looking at work-integrated learning as an extension of engaged scholarship. It is something that we're looking forward to expanding,” she said.

Building a connected community

Prof Assmo explained that their institution, though small, has a unique approach that focuses on both production technology and work-integrated learning – a teaching model that goes beyond internships to provide students with practical, hands-on experience. "For us, WIL is a research field and academic discipline in its own right," he said.

University West is also the only university in the world to offer a PhD specifically in WIL, a programme it spent 20 years developing.

“We want to collaborate with South Africa as a strategic partner,” he said. The University West is already actively working with several South African universities, including the UFS, the Central University of Technology, the University of the Western Cape, and Tshwane University of Technology. “This would be the core for us, where we collaborate and find different forms within research and education, not restricted to any faculty or field as such.”

His vision also includes forming a larger ‘Nordic hub’ of connections across Sweden, Norway, and the European Union, along with a ‘regional hub’ in Bloemfontein. This way, universities can share ideas and resources to build a stronger, more connected community for the future.

A need for work-integrated learning

A working example of this partnership between University West and the UFS is the collaborative focus on integrated learning between Prof Liezel Massyn, Associate Professor in the UFS Business School, and Prof Kristina Areskoug Josefsson, Professor in Work-integrated Learning and Health Science from University West. They have a mutual commitment to improve educational practices through international partnerships and to advance integrated learning strategies. Together, they have already co-authored a research article and presented their findings at five conferences this year.

Prof Massyn said she realised that there is a need for work-integrated learning, specifically in the UFS Business School. “Initially, I thought our students were working, so they didn't need the work-integrated learning component. I then realised it could actually add a lot more value.”

Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, Director of the UFS Business School, highlighted how this venture aligns with the university’s Vision 130, which aims to expand the UFS’ global footprint. “This partnership is an optimisation of the collaboration to contribute to Vision 130, expanding our reach globally while bringing practical value locally. We are looking forward to a very fruitful collaboration,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, acting Dean Prof Frans Prinsloo discussed the potential for future projects. “Now that we have this collaboration agreement, there are many opportunities we can explore further,” he stated.

News Archive

Exciting Science School of Excellence for Grade 11 learners presented
2009-05-21

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is presenting a Science School of Excellence for top achievers in Grade 11 from 6-9 July 2009. This will take place on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Four exciting days are planned during which Grade 11 learners will participate in challenging extra-curricular exercises as well as laboratory and research activities. All classes will be presented in English and Afrikaans.

A maximum of 80 learners can be accommodated and selection will take place on the basis of first come, first accepted. An application fee of R50,00 per learner is payable.

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2009. The successful candidate will be notified telephonically. A further registration fee of R200,00 is payable by the successful learners. Learners are responsible for their own transport and accommodation. The registration fee includes all meals, lectures and activities.

In order to qualify for the UFS Science School, learners had to achieve an average of 80% [level 7] during the 2008 Grade 10 final examinations. They also had to obtain a minimum of 80% [level 7] in Mathematics and Physical or Life Sciences during the same examination. Learners who are interested in the Department of Computer Sciences and Informatics will also need Grade 10 CAT at level 7. A certified copy of the learner’s school report must accompany the application form.

“Our vision is to make the Faculty the preferred choice in central South-Africa for those who wish to pursue their studies in the natural and agricultural sciences,” said Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the faculty.

For application forms and enquiries, please contact the coordinator, Mr Johan Kruger, at 051 401 3199.

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  
20 May 2009

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