As you may be aware the University is holding an Open Day on the Canterbury campus for potential applicants for 2015 entry on Wednesday 17 September 2014. We are expecting in excess of 4000 visitors to this event.

Open Days are very important recruitment events for the University as they play a key role in a student’s decision-making process. Our September event is particularly important as it targets those seeking to make early applications and who tend to be highly qualified individuals. The competition for such applicants will be fierce, particularly with the total removal of student number controls for 2015 entry.

Our top 20 league table position has put us in good standing to attract highly qualified students and our competitors are among the best universities in the country. It is therefore important that we do all we can to ensure that our potential applicants have a positive Open Day experience.

Due to the numbers we are expecting to visit, car parking on the day will be problematic. It would therefore be very helpful if staff could assist by making alternative travel arrangements and, where possible, use public transport, car share or work from home on Wednesday 17 September. Managers are asked to encourage staff to respond positively to the impact of the Open Day and, where it is possible, to allow relevant staff to work from home. Enrolment Management Services and the Estates Department are working together to limit the disruption.

For those who are still required to attend work on the Canterbury campus, we have arranged for other parking options. These include a free Park & Ride from Kingsmead (opposite) Sainsbury’s operated by Canterbury City Council. If this is not convenient, members of staff will be reimbursed for any parking charges they incur in or around Canterbury as a result of the parking restrictions.

We ask for your cooperation and understanding as we seek to both respond to our potential students as well as maintain a fully operational campus.

Further information on parking arrangements for the Open Day can be found on Estates webpages.