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30 June 2025 | Story Lebohang Motshweneng | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Dr Temba Hlasho
Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director in the Division of Student Affairs at the launch of the University of the Free State Co-Curricular Hub.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is spearheading a student-centred transformation through its dynamic and inclusive co-curricular programmes, aimed at equipping students for personal growth, leadership, and professional success. These intentionally structured, skill-building opportunities form a critical part of preparing future-ready graduates who are poised to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact.

The official launch of the UFS Co-Curricular Hub early this month at Awela Restaurant on the Bloemfontein Campus marked a significant milestone in advancing the university’s commitment to holistic student development. Organised by the Student Leadership Development office, the event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and inclusive learning that transcends traditional academic boundaries.   

 

Purpose of the Co-Curricular Hub 

The Co-Curricular Hub is designed to complement formal academic programmes by empowering students with a diverse range of skills and values essential for navigating an ever-evolving world.

“Co-curricular programs at the University of the Free State are integral to our mission of developing adaptable, socially responsible, and professionally prepared graduates. These initiatives extend learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to explore their potential, engage with their communities, and acquire real-world skills. It’s about shaping graduates who are not just academically competent but equipped to make a lasting impact wherever they go,” said Dr Wahl, Director for Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs.

 

Why get involved? 

Participating in UFS co-curricular programmes offers students the opportunity to: 

  • Strengthen academic and professional performance
  • Enhance employability and build professional networks 
  • Improve emotional well-being and resilience
  • Engage in meaningful community service 
  • Develop a well-rounded, impactful student profile 

These programmes are intentionally aligned with the UFS graduate attributes, ensuring that students leave the university not only with academic qualifications but also as responsible, capable, and empowered individuals. 

 

Explore your path - today! 

The UFS Co-Curricular Hub is your launchpad to personal and professional growth. Whether your passion lies in innovation, inclusion, wellness, or leadership, there’s a programme tailored to your interests and goals. 

Students are encouraged to connect with the following support units and initiatives:

  • Career Services
  • Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS)
  • Kovsie ACT
  • Engaged Scholarship
  • KovsieX
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Student Counselling and Development
  • Student Leadership Development

“At the University of the Free State, success isn’t just about academic performance—it’s about who you become along the way. Co-curricular programmes are not side activities; they’re a powerful part of your journey toward leadership, growth, and real-world impact. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, creating digital content, developing sustainable solutions, or building your self-confidence, every step you take outside the classroom helps shape your future. The Co-Curricular Hub is here to walk that journey with you—equipping, empowering, and elevating you to reach your full potential. Step out of the classroom. Step into your purpose. Your future starts here,” said René Pelser, Assistant Director: Student Life.

 

Reflections from leadership 

“The Co-Curricular Hub is more than a platform - it is a movement. It reflects our deep commitment to shaping well-rounded, resilient, and socially conscious graduates. Through these programmes, we are investing in the whole student: intellectually, emotionally, professionally, and ethically. This is how we prepare leaders who are ready not only for the world of work, but also for the world at large,” said Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director for Student Affairs.   

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Student Life team, including Dr Wahl, Maleshoane Mofokeng, and René Pelser, and to all the offices involved - Career Services, CUADS, Engaged Scholarship, Kovsie ACT, KovsieX, Peer Mentoring, Student Counselling and Development, and Student Leadership Development. Your dedication, collaboration, and vision have brought this initiative to life, and your work continues to shape the future of our students in meaningful and lasting ways.” 

News Archive

2014 Winter Graduation
2014-06-27

 
It is time for the 2014 Winter Graduation on our Bloemfontein Campus. From 2 – 4 July 2014 Masters and Doctoral degrees will be bestowed on graduates from across all seven faculties as well as the School of Open Learning. These include the conferral of Medicine degrees on the South African Cuban trainees.

Wednesday 2 July 2014 at 14:30: School of Open Learning
The School of Open Learning will confer a total of 609 degrees this year – almost double compared to the 320 of last year.

Thursday 3 July 2014 at 09:30: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prof Magdalena Blum will receive an Honorary Doctorat, DPhil honoris causa, at this event. Prof Blum is an Extension Systems Officer in Rome. She works for a specialised agency of the United Nations called the Food and Agriculture Organization. This organisation’s mandate is:
• to improve nutrition,
• increase agricultural productivity,
• raise the standard of living in rural populations and
• contribute to global economic growth.

Her position serves to modernise and strengthen rural advisory services, their systems and networks worldwide. She has filled this position for almost nine years.

Prof Blum is driven by a passion for development, humanitarian work and female upliftment, but most of all, to enable people to help themselves.

Blum’s life has taken her from a small German village to Africa, Asia and Europe – and she has made an impact wherever she went.

Thursday 3 July 2014 at 14:30: Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Humanities, Education, Health Sciences, Law and Theology
At this ceremony, Faculty of the Humanities will award an Honorary Doctorate, DPhil honoris causa, on Prof Laura Mulvey. She is a feminist film theorist and worked at the British Film Institute for many years. She is currently a professor at Film and Media Studies at Birkbeck, University of London.

Prof Mulvey was prominent as an avant-garde filmmaker in the 1970s and ‘80s. In collaboration with her husband, Peter Wollen, she co-wrote and co-directed:
• Penthesilea: Queen of the Amazons (1974),
• Riddles of the Sphinx (1977, perhaps their most influential film),
• AMY! (1980),
• Crystal Gazing (1982),
• Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti (1982), and
• The Bad Sister.

In 1991, she returned to filmmaking with Disgraced Monuments, which she co-directed with Mark Lewis.

Friday 4 July 2014 at 10:30: Special Graduation Ceremony
Conferral of Medicine Degrees on the South African Cuban trainees at the UFS

Live streaming will be available on: http://www.ufs.ac.za/ufslivestreaming/

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