Message from the Dean - 12/10/2016 (FMHS)

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Dear Colleagues and Students

I am aware that the situation on campuses countrywide is of concern to many of our staff and students. The Management of the Faculty and University are continuously engaged in discussions with a range of stakeholders, in our collective effort to address the challenges in higher education that are being raised.

We are deeply grateful to staff and students for your understanding and support during this difficult time. Due to the national situation there is an increased security presence and additional security measures in place on our campus, as is the case on campuses elsewhere. We understand that this is unsettling, but it is necessary to help ensure that our clinical services, education and research activities continue, and that all students are able to complete their academic programmes in 2016.

We fully support the struggle for equitable access to quality, relevant higher education and remain committed to the ideal of creating an inclusive, people-centred campus environment where all human rights are respected. We support the right to peaceful protest that does not infringe on the rights of others or cause harm or damage.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the availability of following services and policies:

• You can report any instances of discrimination, intimidation, abuse or victimisation to the SU Equality Unit by sending an email to unfair@sun.ac.za.

• Our Faculty's Equality Champions are available to meet with students and staff to discuss their concerns about possible unfair treatment. Our Equality Champions are also able to provide guidance to members of the Tygerberg community on where they can obtain further assistance. For further information kindly see here.
  
• SU Council recently approved a new Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment, applicable to both staff and students. The new policy encompasses both the previous policy on sexual harassment, as well as new guidelines on unfair discrimination and is aimed at establishing an improved campus culture. You can read more about this policy and other related documents here.

Finally, I wish to draw your attention to recent media statements relating to the training of health professionals and the provision of health services, released by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Medical Association, respectively. These statements specifically deal with the implications of the current state of uncertainty on health care in South Africa.

Thank you once again for your support. My team and I look forward to further opportunities to engage and interact with you. 

Kind regards

Prof Jimmy Volmink
Dean

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Staff Only: No

Visibly Featured: Medicine and Health Sciences Snippet

Published Date: 10/13/2016

Visibly Featured Approved: Medicine and Health Sciences Snippet;

GUID Original Article: D625C8A8-79D0-4591-9993-8BA1403CAB93

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Opsomming: Die Bestuur van die Fakulteit en die Universiteit is gemeenskaplik daartoe verbind om die probleme in die hoëronderwyssektor aan te spreek en is dus in voortdurende gesprekvoering met ʼn verskeidenheid rolspelers betrokke.

Summary: The Management of the Faculty and University are continuously engaged in discussions with a range of stakeholders, in our collective effort to address the challenges in higher education that are being raised.