With the new academic year starting on Monday 28 September, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the University and hope you have a fantastic time at Kent.
This year will undoubtedly feel a little different for all of us. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to make many changes to the way our University runs and follow the latest guidance for HE provided by the Department for Education.
This includes developing clear guidelines for how our students, staff and visitors should behave. Please help to keep our campuses and local communities safe and running effectively by following the guidelines and advice you receive.
Whether you are on campus or in the local community, you must follow Government regulations – in particular:
It is important that you understand the Government regulations and adhere to these. As you may have seen in the news, the infection rate is rising including among young people. Please keep yourself safe and help look after those around you by following the guidelines.
The Government has just announced new regulations regarding socialising and meeting others which come into play from Monday 14 September. These regulations apply to everyone, and include meetings both indoors and outdoors. From Monday you may only socialise in groups with a maximum of 6 people. This means that meeting with others inside your own home, outside and in bars or restaurants will all be affected. Please note, should your household already be larger than 6 people, you are allowed to meet as a group together.
The Police have the power to break up groups of more than 6 people and fines from £100 rising incrementally to £3,200 can be issued. In the case of serious or deliberate breaches of Covid-19 regulations, the University can also take action in line with our Student Disciplinary Procedure.
You’ll see lots of signs around campus and in local shops, bars and attractions to help you remember how we all need to behave now. Please follow the signs you see; they are here to keep us safe. We have put together this video to help you. Remember – all the guidance you see applies in the community as well as on campus.
For those of you forming new households this year, in either University or private rented accommodation, you should take account of the guidance on meeting people from outside your household for advice on household interactions.
If you’re still planning your journey to University, please follow Government guidance and avoid public transport where possible.
We appreciate this is a difficult time and a lot for us all to remember. The University is here to support you and we are committed to ensuring you have the best possible time at Kent. We have put together a dedicated student website for further guidance and FAQs concerning Coronavirus to help you. These will be updated as further information becomes available. There is also a clear procedure you must follow if you experience symptoms that might be Covid-19.
We are working hard to ensure you feel a part of our Kent community. Please make sure you check out all the welcome events and activities you can engage with safely during your first few weeks with us. If you need advice, our Student Support and Wellbeing Service is always on hand to help you. You can also speak with your academic school or email studenthelp@kent.ac.uk.
Our next Welcome WebChat is for new and returning students at 10.00, 28 September 2020. Please sign-up online if you’d like to attend.
Thank you for being part of our Kent community.
Best wishes
Richard
Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience
