Yearly Archives: 2015

Mental Health Week at Medway

University of Kent and University of Greenwich will celebrate Mental Health Week from 23-27 March with a series of lunchtime events. Sessions include:

  • Meditation
    Monday 23 March, 12.00 – 14.00, Gillingham Building G4-11This session comprises a series of 10 minute meditations recorded by counsellors and wellbeing advisers. Participants can stay for 10 minutes or for longer. There will be questions afterwards about the role meditation can play in dealing with stress at university.
  • Mental Health: Work in Progress
    Tuesday 24 March, 12.00 – 13.00, Gillingham Building G2-04
    15 minute film, Mental Health: A Work in Progress, which was filmed by, and features, university students who have experienced mental health difficulties themselves whilst at university. Including discussion and reflection.
  • Compassionate Mind Training
    Wednesday 25 March, 12.00-14.00, Gillingham Building G2-04
    This workshop will explore the historical development and theoretical context of the Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) model. From evolutionary, attachment and neuroscience perspectives we will explore our understanding of what compassion is and how by developing a ‘compassionate mind’ we may promote wellbeing in both ourselves and others.
  • Managing Stress and Anxiety
    Thursday 26 March, 12.00-14.00, Gillingham Building G4-04
    A workshop on helping you to manage stress and anxiety around academic, work and social life. Includes useful contacts and information.
  • Relaxation Session
    Friday 27 March, 12.15 – 12.45, Gillingham Building G3-03
    A short relaxation session to help you through daily stresses and worries and teach you quick techniques to help feel relaxed.
    For further information please contact the Medway Wellbeing team on medwaywellbeing@kent.ac.uk.

Condolences for Jill Andrews

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Jill Andrews from the Procurement team passed away last night. She died peacefully with her husband by her side in the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury.

Jill has worked for the University since 1998 and was a font of knowledge on the University, an excellent colleague to us all and a caring boss to her direct reports; her sense of humour will be missed by all those who worked with her. She was a vital member of the Procurement team, co-ordinating the purchasing activities across the University and liaising with Schools and Departments on credit cards, travel and purchase ordering amongst other areas.

Jill was always a very positive person, despite a 15-year battle with cancer and never let the disease get her down; she always insisted on coming to work throughout her treatment over the course of the last year, as she did not want to let anyone down. She never let the disease affect her demeanour, or complained about the treatment or the hand she was dealt.

I will send out some further information on the funeral arrangements when I have this later in the week.

Please note that the Purchasing Office will be closed for the rest of the day.

Don Bowman
Head of Procurement

 

International representatives’ conference March 2015

To mark the University’s 50th year, International Development are delighted to be hosting a conference to celebrate the University’s relationship with its international representatives. This will be a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the success of our collaboration with international representatives, and look ahead to the next stage of our partnership.

Thirty of the University’s top performing representatives from around the world will attend the conference from 17 to 21 March 2015. Our conference programme provides the opportunity for representatives to tour the University, to meet with students and staff, take part in interactive workshops with key academic and support departments and learn more about University procedures. The conference includes a trip to the University of Kent at Paris, where our representatives will meet with staff and students and learn about the provision on offer at our European centres.

For more information about the conference, email international@kent.ac.uk

Student Employability: Breaking Barriers

‘Student Employability: Breaking Barriers’ is coming to the Medway campus from 16 – 21 March and Canterbury from 23 – 27 March.

The series features presentations and Q&A sessions from inspirational individuals and organisations on a broad range of topics themed around equality in the workplace.

Speakers include:

This programme is ideal for students from all year groups, but particularly those considering post University employment options. Attendance at each event is worth 15 Employability Points.

Full programme is available here.

Staff Induction and Information Fair – Monday 23 March

Learning and Development will be holding a Staff Induction and Information Fair at the Canterbury Campus on Monday 23 March, from 11am until 1:30pm (including a sandwich lunch).

If you are a new member of staff who has not yet attended a Staff Induction and Information Fair, you are able to book a place for the 23 March event.

For more information about the Staff Induction and Information Fairs and to make a booking, please visit the Learning and Development website.

We look forward to meeting new members of staff on 23 March.

Discount tickets for Festival of Steam and Transport

Kent students and staff, along with five accompanying guests, can get discounted tickets for the Festival of Steam and Transport at The Historic Dockyard Chatham from 5-6 April.

You will need your Kent ID to receive the following rates:

  • Adult: £8.50
  • Concessions: £8.00
  • Child: £6.50
  • Family: £25.00
  • Add. Family Child: £5.00

These tickets will be available to purchase on the day of visit, however you may like to obtain tickets in advance, from The Historic Dockyard Admissions Desk during normal opening hours.

Win a hamper full of goodies!

We are giving you the chance to win a hamper full of goodies, including: a meal for 4 at either Mungo’s or Cargo, promotional merchandise, and tasty treats!

COMPETITION:

For a chance of winning, all you have to do is:

1.) Follow @universitykentcatering on Instagram

2.) Snap a photo of your favourite dish from either Dolche Vita, K-Bar, Origins, Mungo’s, Create, Rutherford Dining Hall, No1, or Cargo

3.) Tag the photo with #ukcfood

We’re looking for the tastiest Instagrams from around campus!

Competition closes 12:00 on Monday 16 March 2015.

The winner will be chosen by our panel, and announced on Tuesday 17 March 2015.

Please read the terms and conditions. Good luck!

Kent Union Leadership Elections

Voting for the Kent Union Leadership Elections is now OPEN and will stay open until 5pm on Thursday the 12th March.

These are the elections that decide the next generation of Officers to lead the Students Union.

Students can vote online at the Kent Union website

Students can also vote in the Kent Union campervan outside the Rochester Building or by the Drill Hall Library from 10-4 every day.

All student who vote can collect a scratch card from the campervan with loads of gifts up for grab from 10% off stationary in essentials, to a PlayStation 4!

For more information or to vote, just visit the Kent Union website.