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Student Affairs Week: A celebration of community and engagement

19 May 2025 | Story Teboho Mositi | Photo Simbongile Jojo

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) recently hosted a vibrant Student Affairs Week on the Qwaqwa Campus, inviting staff and students to participate. This annual event aimed to foster a sense of community and engagement among students, staff, and the broader university community.

A key highlight of the week was the address by Zoleka Dotwana, Director of Student Affairs on the Qwaqwa Campus, who emphasised the importance of informing students about the services provided by Student Affairs. In her own words: “After four years of hosting the event, this year’s edition was particularly successful, with students enthusiastically participating and embracing support structures.” The event encouraged students to join organisations for additional support, both academically and personally. Staff members went above and beyond to ensure the success of the event, and it is heartening to see students embracing the new strategy and services. Eventually, Student Affairs Week achieved its goal of promoting support and inclusivity on campus.

Monday 5 May: DSA and students displayed their initiatives through engaging student exhibitions, highlighting their commitment to success. The displays provided valuable insights into the role of the Division of Student Affairs in fostering a thriving campus community. Through these exhibitions, students gained a deeper understanding of the support services that are available and offered on campus.

Tuesday 6 May: Introduction to student structure and organisations – On day two, students and staff witnessed a significant event when the Division of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Centre for Graduate Support, hosted an introductory session for student associations and organisations under the Student Governance Office. The initiative aimed to provide a platform for understanding the structures and functions of student governance, fostering greater engagement and participation among the student body. The session emphasised the commitment of the university and Student Affairs to empower student leadership and cultivate a vibrant campus community.

Wednesday 7 May: Arts and culture performances – Mid-week brought forth a burst of creativity and talent, with captivating arts and culture performances. Students took to the stage to showcase their diverse artistic expressions, creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural exchange that resonated throughout the campus.

Thursday 8 May: Food drive – On day four, students and staff presented a lively student food drive, requesting donations of non-perishable food items to support students in need through the No Student Hungry Programme and the Social Support Office. Students and staff members came together in solidarity to support those in need as they shared the powerful experience of giving back and leaving no one behind through the spirit of humanity. The event saw an overwhelming response from the university community, with students, staff, and faculty members generously donating food items. The DSA extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and donated.

Friday 9 May: Aerobics and fun walk – Students and staff members united for a fun-filled morning exercise and wellness at the aerobics and fun walk event. A scenic walk was followed by valuable primary health-care services, which prioritised their well-being. An invigorating aerobics session wrapped up the event, boosting energy and enthusiasm. This engaging activity strengthened bonds among participants, promoting a sense of community.

Nhlawuleko Mhlanga, a final-year Bachelor of Administration student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, said: “Student Affairs Week was a valuable experience that provided students with valuable information that is often overlooked.” The event showcased student talents and celebrated cultural diversity through performances. “The food drive initiative stood out to me, as it demonstrated our community’s capacity for kindness and ubuntu, as many students were unfamiliar with different units within the Division of Student Affairs. It would be amazing to incorporate the initiative in both semesters.”

News Archive

UFS council approves guidelines for reconfiguration of Vista Campus

2005-03-15

Human resource development (teaching and training) will be the primary aim of services to be rendered at the reconfigured Vista campus of the University of the Free State (UFS).

This in-principle decision forms part of a set of guidelines for the strategic reconfiguration of the Vista campus in Bloemfontein that was recently approved by the UFS Council. The Vista campus was incorporated into the UFS in January 2004.

“One of the most important aspects that resulted from these guidelines is that we have come to a point where I can say that the future of staff at Vista is not dependant on the strategic reconfiguration of the campus. Vista staff members will stay staff of the UFS and are being integrated into the functions of the main campus,” said Prof Magda Fourie, Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS.

“According to the guidelines, the reconfiguration of the Vista campus must occur within the ambit of the UFS as a single institution with three campuses,” said Prof Fourie.

The UFS is currently offering two activities on the Vista campus – the regional Centre for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Sesotho Language Research and Development Centre.

According to Prof Fourie no duplication of services or programmes being rendered on the main campus in Bloemfontein will take place. In the guidelines suggestions are made that the Vista campus could be used for activities that are currently offered on the main campus (eg short learning programmes), new UFS activities (mainly of a developmental and entrepreneurial nature), cooperative partnership ventures with other role-players and the renting of facilities for education and training purposes.

“However, no definite decisions have been made about these possible activities – the necessary consultation process with relevant stakeholders and role-players must first take place. A consultative forum for this will be established early in the second term of this year,” said Prof Fourie.

“We are excited about the possibilities that have arised from the guidelines as it fits in with our vision to utilise new resources for education and training and to contribute to higher education in the Free State. This will also contribute to the development of human resources as a propelling force in the Central Region,” said Prof Fourie.

MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
15 March 2005

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