Jaaroorsig - University of the Free State

Conclusion12Following the wonderful experiencesof our centenary celebrationsin 2004, it was quite anadjustment for the University, its staffand its students to return to “normality”in 2005. However, the UFS did not driftinto “post-centenary blues”. The year2005 was seized as an important opportunityfor seriously contemplating thechallenges ahead. The year was broughtinto focus by the realisation that we havea duty and responsibility to build newand stronger foundations for the next 10,20 or 50 years.Flowing from this perspective, significantnew strategic initiatives werelaunched. The first is the new, fourthphase transformation project andappointment of the Transformation PlanTask Team — intended to give a deeper,more comprehensive content to the conceptof transformation. The second is theTri-Campus Project, designed to reconfigureand realign the Qwaqwa andVista Campuses in an ambitious effort tofind an optimal model for higher educationengagement in a developing society,dealing with poverty alleviation in a sustainablemanner.The third is the strategic cluster initiative,which is the beginning of aprocess to elevate the University’s qualityin scientific and academic Endeavourto a further, higher level. A fourth issport commercialisation — at this stagestill a fledgling project, but one intendedto provide excellent sports facilities tostudents and our surrounding communitiesvia innovative entrepreneurialsports initiatives.It is our dutyto build newand strongerfoundations.79