University of Free State resumes academic activities after violent protests
Academic activities at the University of the Free State (UFS) will continue on Monday
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Academic activities are set to resume at the University of Free State (UFS) on Monday following violent protests that saw students having to evacuate the premises last week.
According to reports, the violent outbursts were linked to changes within the UFS's financial support system.
IOL last week reported that learning across UFS's three campuses was suspended and students told to leave the QwaQwa campus.
Three security officers were injured during the protests that erupted.
The QwaQwa campus will reopen on Monday and University Estates staff will be the first batch to return.
On Tuesday, academic staff, professional and support staff will return, with residence students returning on Wednesday. On Thursday, all academic activities will resume.
Meanwhile, UFS stated that it has had to amend its academic calendar to ensure continuity of education.
"The end of the fourth quarter will be postponed, and the start of the main end-of-year examinations will be moved from November 3 to November 10.
"This decision applies to all students, except final-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences," said UFS Senior Director of Communication and Marketing, Lacea Loader.
Loader added that Faculty of Health Sciences final-year students will begin their year-end exams on November 2 to enable them to graduate in December 2025 and begin their community service or internships next year.
"Information to support the continuation and completion of lectures and assessments will be communicated by the respective lecturers. Our students are encouraged to consult their lecturers or programme coordinators with any queries," Loader stated.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL