The University has launched a new approach to the management of Athena SWAN (AS). A national scheme established by the Equality Challenge Unit in 2005, AS initially focused on advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine employment in higher education and research.

The scheme has now been expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law and in professional roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. AS awards are made at three levels – bronze, silver and gold.

The AS Working Group, chaired by Professor Sarah Vickerstaff, will enable the University to respond positively to this broader criteria and fulfil the requirements of the University Plan 2015-20. The aim is to enable current bronze holders to achieve at least silver by 2020, with all other schools to achieving at least bronze. The University should also obtain at least a silver institutional award by that date.

The working group will be supported by new, expanded project team, led by Sarah, which will oversee the delivery of these outcomes over the next 3 years. Minna Janhonen, AS Advisor, will have a key role in the team, and she and Sarah will be joined by a project manager, data analyst and a post-doctoral research associate.

Sarah said ‘I am delighted to lead on this project. The University has had a long-standing commitment to Athena SWAN and this new approach will allow us to build on this to make a real step change in how we understand and respond to the challenges of gender inequality.’

Throughout December our Conference Suite will exclusively host groups from 40 up to 150 guests, offering a glass of prosecco on arrival followed by a three-course meal. The party then continues with music, dancing and a cash bar until midnight.

Located just outside of the city centre, our campus is easily accessible from the Canterbury train stations and surrounding areas, with ample free parking on-site.

Our three-course Christmas menu is £32 per person. We can accommodate any dietary requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can discuss this further.

To make a booking please call 01227 828000, email conferences@kent.ac.uk, or visit our website

Dr. Cecilia Sayad, Senior Lecturer in Film, was the winner of the Best Journal Article Award annually given by the British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies (BAFTSS).

The article, titled ‘Found-Footage Horror and the Frame’s Undoing’, appeared in Cinema Journal 55.2. The panel commented: ‘A comprehensive and persuasive analysis of the found footage horror subgenre: the article skilfully balances the particular and general in a way that is appealing to a broad readership. Its discussion of the frame as a figurative and stylistic device is rich and ambitious. Overall, this is an important contribution that casts new light on the wider significance of documentary style, narrative space and the screen’s borders. Sayad’s analysis of the Paranormal Activity films equally considers optical and aural dimensions arguing for a flexible and porous interpretation of the filmic frame.’

On Tuesday 27 June 2017 the University will be hosting a Leadership Forum event focusing on the themes of change and resilience during change. The event is open to leaders and managers at all levels across the University and will comprise of a number of key note speakers, presentations, workshops and the opportunity to network with management colleagues as part of a lunch.

We are currently finalising the schedule and timings of events but please save the date in your diary. The event is anticipated to run across the full day but certain events will be bookable in advance. Spaces at the event will be limited and if you would like to be sent further information of the schedule and bookable events please email ldev@kent.ac.uk

Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships – All staff briefings

You are invited to attend one of the upcoming staff briefings on higher and degree apprenticeships.

These meetings hosted by the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships will be taking place over breakfast or lunch throughout the beginning of the summer term.

Briefings will be an opportunity to find out more about: How academic Schools can go about offering higher and degree apprenticeships The opportunities associated with delivering higher and degree apprenticeship training What the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can do to support academic Schools with the delivery apprenticeships What opportunities there are to deliver apprenticeships internally

Please select one of the dates below to attend and indicate your preference using this Doodle Poll:

• Canterbury: Wednesday 10 May, 12.00 – 14.00 (lunch 12.00 -13.00), GLT3 (please note the change of location)
• Medway: Wednesday 17 May, 12.00 -14.00 (lunch 12.00 -13.00), PK107
• Canterbury: Thursday 25 May, 9.00 – 11.00 (breakfast 9.00 – 10.00), CNESR1
• Medway: Wednesday 31 May, 8.00 – 10.00 (breakfast 8.00 – 9.00), DA101

If you have any dietary requirements please email apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk

The delivery of apprenticeships represents a significant new area of provision, with upwards of 80 learners currently enrolled on Kent apprenticeships. The Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships was established in 2016 to support growth in this area. The Centre is located on the Historic Dockyard and operates under the direction of Dr Scott Wildman.

For more information, please visit www.kent.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Please direct any queries relating to apprenticeship provision to apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk

The NHS and health issues remain a key national election issue and are of particular concern here in East Kent.

The Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS) is hosting a health policy debate on Wednesday 31 May 2017 at 19.00 in the Gulbenkian Theatre, to hear more about the parties’ policies in this important area. 

Question your local candidates
All of the main local parties have confirmed that they will be sending their Kent parliamentary candidates to take public questions from the floor and inform the audience what their policy plans could mean for the future of our health and social care.

The following local candidates have confirmed their attendance:
* Sir Julian Brazier, Conservative Party
* Rosie Duffield, Labour Party
* James Flanagan, Liberal Democrats
* Henry Stanton, Green Party

CHSS warmly invites you to join us at this free event, no booking necessary. 

For further information please contact Helen Wooldridge, h.l.wooldridge@kent.ac.uk

The University’s annual music festival, held in the grounds of Keynes College, is an event definitely not to be missed. Keynestock sees the whole college embrace the festival vibe, with bars in Dolche Vita and K-Bar and a whole load of student acts showcasing their musical talent up on stage. All profits from this year’s event goes to Rhythmix, which is a music and social welfare charity that provides opportunities for music making to people in challenging circumstances.

Keynestock will be taking place on Saturday 27 May, with tickets released on 20 March. Tickets will be:
£7.00 if bought online,
£8.00 on the door
£5.00 if you have already bought a summer ball ticket.

For a Guest Ticket, you must get a current student to log-in and purchase an extra ticket. They must then sign you in on the night of the event.

Full line-up acts can be seen below, with the winner securing a spot to appear at Summer Ball 2017.

The Exams Office (and their pets!) share the top 10 exam disasters you should avoid.

1.Walking into the wrong exam check your timetable carefully!
Personal timetables are available on SDS now. Module codes, dates, times and venues are listed here. Please check regularly as information may change

2. Oversleeping – leave yourself plenty of time to get to your exam.
Morning exams begin promptly at 09.30, afternoon sessions at 14.00. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your exam.

3. Inappropriate clothing – wear layers of clothing, temperatures can vary.
Keep an eye on weather reports and check Twitter for updates from the Exams Team.

4. Turning up late
Latecomers will not be given additional time. Speak to your student support officer regarding concessions after the exam if there are exceptional circumstances.

5. Your mobile phone or smart watch ringing
   Mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted in exam halls. Leave it at home!
   Any electronic device brought into exam venues will be reported to your school.

6. Sitting uncomfortably
Allow enough time to leave your property in the bag rooms and check the seating plan outside the venue so you know where to sit.

7. Bringing your bag in
   Bags are not allowed in the exam halls, please leave at home or use the bag room provided – Keynes Building Room KS7 . Stationery should be in a clear plastic pencil case. Food and drink are not permitted unless you have prior permission (for medical reasons).

8. Forgetting your Kent ID card
You need to bring your ID card to every exam. If you’ve lost your card please visit the Student Reception in the Registry to purchase a replacement.

9. Last-minute revision! But don’t bring notes into your exam.
There’s lots of help available. Contact your school and tutors for specific advice. Preparation is key!

10. Panicking! There is lots of support on campus to help you keep calm.
It’s normal to feel anxious before exams. Make sure you’re well prepared and seek advice in advance if you’re unsure or unclear about your exams.

Good luck with your exams!