Jaaroorsig - University of the Free State

UV is verbindtot opvoedkundigeenvoorligtingsprogrammeindie stryd teenMIV en vigs.presenting groupings of the support serviceshad submitted their own draft equityplans, which the Central Equity Committeewill evaluate and consolidate, afterwhich an integrated university equity planwill be compiled. The Employment EquityPolicy is a key element in recognising,appreciating, managing and harmonisingdiversity in a balanced way and respectsthe university’s values of academic freedomand autonomy, equity, integrity,excellence and service orientation.MIV/vigs positief benaderMet die Raad se goedkeuring van dieMIV/vigs-beleid in Maart het die UVaangedui dat hy daartoe verbind is omMIV en vigs in ’n positiewe, ondersteunendeen nie-diskriminerende lig te benader.Die beleid maak onder meer voorsieningvir ’n volgehoue opvoedkundigeen voorligtingsprogram en die bevorderingvan ’n menseregtegebaseerde benaderingtot die siekte om die stigma watdaaraan verbonde is, af te breek.Die UV respekteer die reg op vertroulikheidvan personeellede en studente seMIV/vigs-status. Potensiële studente ofpersoneellede sal nie toegang tot die UVgeweier word as hulle positief toets nie.Geen indiensnemingskontrak sal beëindigof bevordering teruggehou word opgrond van ’n personeellid se MIV/vigsstatusnie, mits so ’n personeellid in staatis om doeltreffend te werk. Alle nuwelingstudenteis in Januarie ingelig oor diedienste van die Vigssentrum en aangemoedigom hul MIV-status deur die sentrumte laat bepaal. Vrywillige toetseword weekliks op die Hoof- en Vistakampusuitgevoer. Vanaf Februarie totOktober is 352 persone getoets, teenoordie 206 in 2004. Weens ’n gebrek aan personeelword dié dienste nog nie op dieQwaqwa-kampus aangebied nie.Residence placementpolicy needs a rethinkOne of the important questions asked bythe Vice-Chancellor when he announcedthe fourth phase of transformation at theuniversity, was whether the UFS was producinggraduates who are able to copewith our changed and changing world.Diversity and multiculturalism arerealities of the world and a democraticSouth Africa. The UFS is committed tothis, but an important question is whatstudents experience at grassroots level.Outsiders and many staff membersand students are of the opinion that “twocampuses” in effect exist on the MainCampus — one white and one black, separatedin the classrooms and in the residences.This is an unintended consequenceof the University’s parallel-mediumpolicy (which allows for classes inAfrikaans and in English), together withthe current residence placement policywhich gives students the freedom tochoose between residences. The currentresidence policy of free association anddissociation is the result of negotiations ina transition period in 1997/98. After eightyears the situation has changed. Lately,more students are used to mixed schoolsand mixed school hostels.During 2005 the Vice-Rector: StudentAffairs, Dr Ezekiel Moraka, completed adraft document on the situation. Aninclusive consultation process and discussionson the placement policy will follow,which will involve students, studentleaders and wardens.New institutional cultureThe development of a new institutionalculture is an intrinsic part of the university’srole in promoting social justice and inbuilding a new South African society.54