University of the Free State

Infobox_University
name = University of the Free State
native_name = Universiteit van die Vrystaat


motto = In Deo Sapientiae Lux ("In God is the Light of Wisdom")
established = 1904
type = Public university
chancellor = Franklin Sonn
rector = Frederick Fourie
students = 26 500
city = Bloemfontein
state = Free State
country = South Africa
website = http://www.uovs.ac.za/

The University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. Bloemfontein is a modern city offering a full range of recreational, commercial and educational facilities, but which also retains a laid-back atmosphere that reflects its agricultural beginnings.

The University campus is referred to as an academic village, as all lecture halls and laboratories, offices, student residences, sports and student facilities, and a training hospital are located within walking distance on a secure campus. The campus, in turn, is a short distance from the city centre.

The University has had a number of names during its history:
*1904 Grey College first accepted matriculants for a full B.A. course
*1906 Grey University College established and later in 1906 separated from Grey College
*1940s University College of the Orange Free State
*1950 University of the Orange Free State / Universiteit van die Oranje Vrystaat
*2001 University of the Free State / Universiteit van die Vrystaat

History

The long-held dream of an institution of higher education in the Free State became a reality in 1904 when the Grey College first accepted matriculants for a full B.A. course. In 1906 the tertiary part of Grey College became known as the Grey University College (GUC), but shortly thereafter the school and college parted ways. In 1910, the Parliament of the Orange River Colony passed legislation declaring the GUC an official educational institution in the fields of the Arts and Sciences. [ [http://www.ufs.ac.za/content.php?cid=1&sid=1 History of the University] ]

Initially, the medium of instruction was English, but later this changed to be bilingual and included Afrikaans. The name was changed to the University College of the Orange Free State -- the Afrikaans version of this name change is the source of the word used to this day to refer to students of the University ("Kovsies"). In the late 1940s, the medium of instruction was changed to Afrikaans. The University was declared a fully-fledged, independent university in 1950 and the name was again changed to the University of the Orange Free State.

In 1993, it adopted a system of parallel-medium tuition. Today, all classes are offered in Afrikaans and English. Subsequent to the adoption in 1999 of a new university statute, the UFS entered a significant growth period. Today, the University of the Free State boasts more students than ever in its history.

In February 2001, the University's name changed to the University of the Free State, which was adopted to reflect the real character of the institution and its environment.

In 2004, the University celebrated 100 years since it was founded. Its Centenary celebrations form a cardinal part of the existence of this university.

Student facilities

The University boasts sports facilities for more than 20 sports, medical facilities and cultural activities, ranging from the political arena to outdoor life and the creative arts. It has a student centre, a student newspaper and a campus radio station. In addition, students have access to an extensive world-class library, a career and guidance centre, a modern student theatre and a computer centre. Fact|date=March 2008

Controversy

The university faced controversy in late February 2008 following a video made by four white students of the Reitz residence in protest against racial integration at the university. The video depicted five black workers being subjected to various mock activities, including being forced to consume food which appeared to have been urinated on. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7267027.stm |title=Outcry in SA over 'racist' video|publisher=BBC News] The video received coverage from both South African and international media and condemnation from most major political parties in South Africa, and led to riots and racial strife among students at the university.

Two of the students have already left the instituion while two face disciplinary action, and all four could face criminal charges. The council of the university has closed the Reitz hostel permanently over the incident, and has plans to convert the buildings to offices.

In riots that followed the video, the Afrikaner civil rights union Afriforum claimed that white students were warned to leave the campus by protesting black students, who allegedly threatened that all white "bitches" would be raped and all white farmers killed. [cite web|url=http://www.24.com/news/?p=tsa&i=856084| title='Probe black racism at UFS'| publisher=News24| [http://www.24.com/news/?p=tsa&i=856084] | date =04-03-2008] Few white students were on campus, while some were assaulted, and residents of Reitz and other hostels formed furniture barricades in 'fear for their lives'. [cite web|url=http://www.24.com/news/?p=saa&i=851501| title='It's war!'| publisher=News24| [http://www.24.com/news/?p=saa&i=851501] | date =2008-02-27]

References and notes

External links

* [http://www.ufs.ac.za University of the Free State Official Website]

Faculties

* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=01 The Humanities]
* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=03 Law]
* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=04 Natural and Agricultural Sciences]
* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=06 Economic and Management Sciences]
* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=08 Health Sciences]
* [http://www.uovs.ac.za/faculties/index.php?FCode=09 Theology]