The University acknowledges the seriousness and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and commits itself to develop policies and practices in relation to HIV/AIDS based on principles of human dignity and non-discrimination.

The Institution exists within one of the most affected provinces and seeks to minimise the social, economic and developmental consequences of the disease to the University and its staff/students. In this respect the policy endeavours to contribute to the main objective of the HIV/AIDS and STI National Strategic Plan: reducing the number of new infections in South Africa by 50% by 2011.

This policy is therefore aimed at managing and mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS through the core functions of teaching, learning, research, community engagement and through its administrative and planning processes.