Jansen steps down as UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor

The university said in a statement Jansen will take up an invitation as a Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Studies in the Behavioural Sciences at Stanford University in the United States in September. 

Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of UFS Council, said the fellowship was awarded to Jansen earlier this year. 

"Prof Jansen's departure is a great loss for the university, but the Council accepts his decision to step down and pursue his academic career as well as other opportunities," van der Merwe said.

Van der Merwe said Prof Nicky Morgan, current Vice-Rector for Operations, will act as Vice-Chancellor and Rector should Jansen's position not be filled by the end of August.

A group of students recently demanded that Jansen be removed from his post, following violent protests at the university. 

The calls, led by SRC president Lindokuhle Ntuli, came after a brawl at Shimla Park during a Varsity Cup rugby match. The students said Jansen had failed to unite students. During the brawl, a group of students invaded the field, and then spectators attacked them.

Meanwhile chairperson of the UFS's Alumni, Pieter du Toit, said Jansen accomplished a lot in his tenure, but some issues on campus could have been dealt with in a more positive and definitive way over the last few months. 

Du Toit said students from all walks of life, including alumni members, are of the opinion that certain sensitive issues could have been dealt with through dialogue instead of using revolutionary rhetoric. 

Du Toit wished Jansen well for the future on behalf of all alumni.