University of Kent staff are warmly invited to attend a series of brief, informal lunchtime bitesize talks given by specialist staff from Student Services and Kent Union on ‘Understanding and Supporting Student Needs’.

First launched in February 2015, these talks provide a perfect opportunity for University staff to gain a greater understanding of important student issues and the support services available.

This academic year the talks have been expanded and split into three themes:

Theme 1: Supporting Students
Theme 2: Student Disability
Theme 3: University Staff and the Student

The sessions will take place from 13.00 – 14.00 hours on the dates listed below and will be video linked to Medway campus. To allow staff time to arrive, the talks will start at approximately 13.10.

Theme 1

Wednesday, 28 October 2015
The role of the Master’s Office and the Student
Dermot O’Brien (Master of Turing College)
Canterbury room KS17 Medway room M1-16

Wednesday, 4 November 2015
The role of the University’s Counselling Service and the Student
Gerard McGill (Wellbeing Team Manager)
Canterbury KS17 Medway M1-16

Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Inclusive Learning Plans
Tom Sharp (Disability Team Manager), Kate Pitchforth (Senior Wellbeing Advisor), Pauline Farrance (SpLD Team Manager), Andres Velarde (International / European Disability Advisor)
Canterbury KS17 Medway M1-16

Wednesday, 18 November 2015
The Challenge of Supporting International and EU Students with Disabilities
Andres Velarde (International / European Disability Advisor)
Canterbury KS17 Medway M1-16

Monday, 23 November 2015
The role of Kent Union Advice Centre and the Student
Jill Plows (Advice and Information Services Manager)
Canterbury KLT5 Medway M1-16

Room information KS17: http://www.kent.ac.uk/timetabling/rooms/room.html?room=KS17
Room information KLT5: http://www.kent.ac.uk/timetabling/rooms/room.html?room=KLT5
Room information M1-16: https://www.kent.ac.uk/timetabling/rooms/room.html?room=M1-16

Staff are welcome to bring their lunch along and listen to a talk of 10-15 minutes. The rest of the time will be left open for Q&A and discussion.