The University views such behaviour in a very serious light. In his address to new first year students and their parents at the beginning of the year, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Calie Pistorius, unambiguously put the University’s policy. “I need to state clearly that … degrading practices [towards] first year students, including students that live in the residences, are prohibited at this university. The University is very serious about this matter, and has taken all possible steps to ensure that it does not occur.…Unfortunately, it may happen from time to time that a few senior students transgress in this regard. I would like to appeal to you to please bring any such practices, in the unlikely event that they should occur, under our attention immediately so that we can deal with the guilty and rectify the situation.”, said Professor Pistorius.