From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience
I hope you are well and enjoying your Term 2 studies despite the current challenges.
The latest Government briefing outlines that universities should continue to provide online teaching for most study programmes until at least 8 March 2021 and that you should not return to campus unless for a specific reason. If you have any questions about what this means for your teaching, do please speak with your module convener or academic school/department.
No detriment
Many of you have raised questions concerning your progression during this academic year. I understand this is a concerning time and want to reassure you that the University is focused on this very important area of work.
This year, we will be using a range of different academic mitigation methods to ensure no student is disadvantaged by the pandemic. We have already implemented many changes to our teaching and student support and have now published information on how we will be continuing to do this throughout the year in our No detriment measures for 2021.
Student support
I understand this is a difficult year however must stress how important it is that you remain committed to your studies. There is a wealth of help and support available to ensure you continue to develop academically and achieve the learning outcomes you need to progress and graduate.
Our new Head of Colleges, Jacqui Double, has written a brief introduction to the support available from your College and Community Life team no matter where you may be living at present.
We have a number of emergency funding options to help any student in financial need and instructions on how to apply are online. Please contact our Financial Aid team, Kent Union or GKSU if you at all unsure whether or not you are eligible or which option might be best for you. They will be happy to help you.
Covid-19 testing for students in term-time accommodation
To those students who are living on-campus or accessing University facilities under the Government’s exemptions, I must urge you get tested for Covid-19. You should have two tests 3-5 days apart on your return to your term time address or self-isolate for ten days. After that you should be regularly tested twice a week. Please book your tests now and get tested at our on campus testing sites at both Canterbury and Medway. This is a vital part of the Government’s strategy to combat the virus.
Web chat
The next Student WebChat is on tuition fees and student finance and will take place on Wednesday 10 February 13.00-14.00. The booking form is now available online.
New weekly updates
From this Monday, 8 February, we’ll be sending you a new brief weekly update of the main student events of the week, top tips and quick links to key support services and information informed by the feedback we receive from you and the questions raised at our WebChats.
We will continue updating our website as often as we can. Please do continue to email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk with any urgent enquiries and we will respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued dedication to your studies.
With best wishes,
Richard
Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience