Learning, Care and Action for Social Impact
A Student Affairs platform for student development, active citizenship, community engagement and co-created solutions at the University of the Free State — for students, by students.
Discover ACCESS UFS
What is Engaged Scholarship?
Engaged Scholarship at UFS Student Affairs is a student-centred platform that weaves together active citizenship, experiential learning, community engagement, student development, co-created knowledge, and social impact — rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu.
Our Mission
To cultivate active community citizens through engaged scholarship that connects student learning with community needs, fostering co-created solutions for a sustainable and just society.
Our Vision
A university where every student is an architect of social impact — engaged, empowered, and equipped to co-create knowledge and care within and beyond the walls of academia.
Our Values
Ubuntu, co-creation, active citizenship, care, sustainability, and the belief that knowledge grows stronger when it is shared between the university and its communities.
Questions, answered
Everything you need to know about Engaged Scholarship at UFS Student Affairs — what it is, who it's for, and how you can be part of it.
A network of communities, centred on students
ACCESS UFS sits at the heart of a living ecosystem of student communities of care. Knowledge flows inward and outward — co-created, shared, and returned to the communities it serves.
Environmental Affairs
Sustainability, biodiversity, climate action, and ecological stewardship — connecting students to the land and its future.
- Sustainable gardens
- Biodiversity projects
- Climate education
Health & Wellbeing
Holistic student and community wellness — physical, mental, and social health as foundations for active citizenship.
- Wellbeing circles
- Health outreach
- Mental health support
Social Justice for Impact
Equity, dignity, and rights — empowering students to advocate for just and inclusive communities.
- Advocacy & dialogue
- Community rights
- Inclusion initiatives
Tools, guides, and knowledge for the journey
Practical resources to support students, champions, and community partners in their engaged scholarship practice.
Engaged Scholarship Framework
The guiding document outlining principles, practices, and pathways for engaged scholarship at UFS.
Access resourceStudent Development Toolkit
Practical tools and templates for student leaders facilitating communities of care.
Access resourceCommunity-Based Research Guide
Step-by-step methodology for conducting ethical, participatory research with community partners.
Access resourceWellbeing Circle Handbook
How to establish and sustain residence-based wellbeing circles for student care.
Access resourceA living laboratory for sustainability
Lapeng la Rona — "our home" — is a real-world community where students experiment, build, grow, and co-create solutions for a sustainable future. It bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and community impact.
Biodiversity Garden
A living showcase of indigenous flora and student-led conservation.
Earth Building
Hands-on learning in sustainable, natural construction techniques.
Water & Waste
Innovative water harvesting and zero-waste practices in action.
Food Sovereignty
Community gardens feeding students and neighbours alike.
Moments of engagement, care, and impact
A visual journey through the people, places, and projects that bring Engaged Scholarship to life across the Free State.
Voices from the community
The heart of Engaged Scholarship is the students who live it every day. Here are their stories.
"Engaged Scholarship changed how I see my role as a student. I'm not just learning for myself — I'm learning for my community."
Thandiwe Nkosi
3rd Year, Social Work · Resident Leader
"The Edu-Village gave me hands-on experience I could never get in a lecture hall. I built, I planted, I grew — alongside people I now call family."
Karabo Dlamini
Postgrad, Environmental Science · Edu-Village Champion
"Through ACCESS UFS, I discovered that citizenship isn't a status — it's a practice. Every action counts."
Lerato Molefe
2nd Year, Law · Community of Care Facilitator
Our reach, our footprint
Engaged Scholarship at UFS is measured not just in numbers, but in lives touched, communities strengthened, and knowledge shared.
Join the movement
Whether you're a student, a community partner, or a supporter of engaged scholarship — there's a place for you in the ACCESS UFS ecosystem.
Visit us
Examination Centre, Office Door No. 27, Food Environment Office
Email us
dikotsems@ufs.ac.zaCall us
+27 51 401 9241