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Student Affairs Week
Students and staff unite during Student Affairs Week to celebrate community, support, and campus engagement.

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

World renowned cardiothoracic surgeons convene at UFS
2010-03-14

World-renowned cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world will be the guests of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of the Free State (UFS) when a workshop for cardiothoracic surgeons is presented at the UFS Faculty of Health from Monday, 15 March to Wednesday, 17 March 2010.

The workshop is presented by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS), which focuses on development and training in Africa.

Prof. Francis Smit, Head of the UFS Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and also member of the international cooperation committee of EACTS, says EACTS have selected the UFS, and specifically Bloemfontein, to be the site for their African Training and Education outreach. “We are extremely honoured by this after working at it for more than four years.”

Seven world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeons, including three former presidents of EACTS, will present the training courses in Bloemfontein from 15-17 March 2010. These surgeons are from the United States of America, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Scotland.

The European Cardiovascular Technologists are sending a perfusionist as well to present a perfusion workshop on Wednesday, 17 March 2010. The last day will be devoted to advanced surgical techniques.

The programme consists of a two-day scientific course that addresses research issues. All the invited speakers are well-known and established researchers. They all have been editors/editorial staff members of major international journals.

Prof. Smit says, “The knowledge transfer to South African surgeons can be phenomenal. Young and established surgeons can also meet the experts and improve their skills in conducting and successfully publish results.”

More than a hundred participants are expected for the workshops of the first two days, of which forty from abroad. The last day would be open registration and more than 150 people are expected.

Prof. Smit says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to educate, stimulate and teach surgeons in South Africa. It will add to their knowledge base and introduce them to high quality research methodology that will certainly have an impact on our research output. Hopefully this will be a bi-annual event where we can teach our academic community at a very focused and high level supported by EACTS.”

Media release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt@ufs.ac.za  
12 March 2010
 

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