Cape Town - Stellenbosch University Council has confirmed its new multilingual academic status, which it considers a “strategic asset”, providing it with a competitive advantage.
At a meeting on Monday, the Council said it remained committed to the language policy as agreed last November and the interpretation by vice chancellor Wim de Villiers in his inaugural address that the university was not an Afrikaans, English or isiXhosa institution, but a multilingual South African university.
University spokesperson Martin Viljoen said the Council stated unequivocally that language should never be an obstacle for any student who wishes to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study.
“Thus Council requests Management to expand the necessary mechanisms to this end, and to monitor these continuously. If this should imply that the English academic offering exceeds the set target, it will be supported by Council,” he said in a statement last night.
The Council requested the Afrikaans undergraduate academic offering also be increased.
“With regard to the administrative and communication language at Stellenbosch University, Council decided language may never exclude full participation by students and staff.
“Council accepts that official documents and communication will therefore continue to be in Afrikaans as well as English. Students, staff and the public will continue to be addressed in the language of their choice, either in Afrikaans or in English, and if possible also in isiXhosa,” said Viljoen.
He said the Council was considering the growing diversity in student demographics at the university as a great asset to both the academic and personal development of the students.
“Council would like to, along with Management, continue to think creatively about how mutual understanding and appreciation for everyone associated with SU can be promoted, and the enrichment potential of diversity can be unlocked to the maximum.” he said.
Cape Times
* Use IOL’s Facebook and Twitter pages to comment on our stories. See links below.