Monthly Archives: February 2021

Reclaiming our Past: LGBT+ History Month blogs

A series of blog posts championing influential films, music, authors and historical figures has been launched to mark LGBT+ History Month.

The blog posts published so far on our EDI pages feature:

the inspirational author and activist Audre Lorde, written by Dr Stella Bolaki, Reader in the School of English
James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room, described as a ‘stunning and startling piece of literature’ by Dr Declan Kavanagh, Senior Lecturer in the School of English

LGBT+ History Month, originally the idea of an American teacher in 1994, has been celebrated in Britain since 2005. Sue Sanders, who has spoken at the University, was one of the co-founders. It is held every February, marking the first attempt (in February 2000) to repeal Section 28, a highly discriminatory piece of legislation which made it an offence to ‘promote’ homosexuality.

The History Month serves as an important opportunity to celebrate LGBT+ histories and cultures, raising awareness by recovering the stories of those who are often erased (or ‘straight-washed’) from popular memory and making visible the achievements and obstacles overcome. Its remit is about ‘Claiming our past. Celebrating our present. Creating our future’.

Staff Network events

A series of events run by our LGBT+ Staff Network include LGBT in Lockdown – Wednesday 17 February from 18.00 and This Is Not My First Pandemic – Thursday 25 February from 18.00.

Covid-19 student update – 5 February 2021

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

Award of Honorary Degrees in 2021 and onwards

The next meeting of the University’s Honorary Degrees Committee will take place in March 2021 and we are looking for nominations for the award of honorary degrees for the consideration of the Committee.

Anyone can put forward a nomination and to ensure the award of honorary degrees across a broad range of academic disciplines and subject areas it would be helpful to receive a number from each Division (for example one from each School/Centre).

You can find all the necessary information, including the nomination form on the honorary degree nominations webpage.

Nominations should be returned by 25 February 2021 by email to B.R.L.Carroll@kent.ac.uk’

Kent shortlisted for excellent careers support

The Careers and Employability Service at the University of Kent has again been shortlisted for ‘Best University Careers Service’ in the upcoming National Undergraduate Employability Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in undergraduate employability, and are judged by a mix of graduate recruiters and professional bodies, who are looking for excellence in delivery as well as innovation and proactive industry engagement. The Careers and Employability Service last won this award in 2017, and has continued to develop and grow. Last year, they supported thousands of students, delivering 6,342 appointments, with 8,000 students attending events.

‘We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve in recent years, changing the way we work to better meet student need. We have increased student engagement by 80% over 3 years, and hope to continue building on this success. Students and graduates are entering a challenging labour market, with graduate jobs running at about 70% of 2019 levels. This means that Kent students and graduates need to be prepared to compete harder for roles, which is where effective career planning, application writing, and interview preparation are key’.

James Corbin, Head of Careers and Employability

If you would like to speak to someone in the Careers and Employability Service about supporting your students, you can contact James on jihc2@kent.ac.uk. There is also a wealth of staff resources, including advice for Academic Advisers on the Careers and Employability Service website.

Covid-19 update – 4 February 2021

Students returning to campus

The Government has announced further guidance concerning students’ return to campus and this outlines how the majority should not return to campus until at least 8 March 2021. This date links to the continual roll out of the vaccine programme and, by this time, the four priority population groups should have been vaccinated.

The Government intends to conduct a review of the vaccination programme during week commencing 15 February and this will be announced the following week with an outline of how higher education institutions should provide teaching and student experience for the remainder of the Spring Term. It is likely that a phased return will be recommended, prioritising those students who need access to specialist facilities to complete their study programmes and those in their final year.

We currently have approximately 1,200 students on campus and this number is increasing. It is vital that any students and staff who are working on campus or using campus facilities are tested twice a week for Covid-19. This is a very important part of the Government’s strategy to reduce the spread of the virus. Twice weekly testing is available at our asymptomatic test sites at both Canterbury and Medway.

Vice-Chancellor’s update – 4 February 2021

As many of us continue to feel the strain of living and working with the impact of Covid-19, the Executive Group is actively considering ways we can ease the pressure on staff.

You will know from the email sent to all staff by Alison Ross-Green, Director of HR and Organisational Development, that we now have agreed that RPD paperwork and the requirement for formal probationary paperwork, apart from academic probation plans, should be suspended for this academic year.

We are now looking at what further short-term adjustments can be made and we will keep you updated on this work. In addition, our longer-term project ‘How We Work’ will consider our key processes with the aim of minimising the administrative burden on staff. Please let us know your ideas on the changes we could make in order to achieve this.

This week the staff webchat focused on online learning teaching, practice and advice and covered a wide range of areas including our revised no-detriment policy, the approach to exams and technical support available. If you were unable to attend this meeting, a recording of the meeting has now been included on the webpage.

While much of our focus is inevitably on how we manage the impact of Covid-19, a great deal of work continues across the University in support of our engagement with the wider world.

Last week, we held a ‘Kent in Europe’ special event designed to support our continued commitment to our European partnerships and our links with the world at large. Over 40 of our partner institutions took part including representation from the SGroup Universities in Europe, of which we are a member, and the 3i Network, a new initiative we have formed together with Universiteit Gent, KU Leuven and the Université de Lille.

The event provided us with the opportunity to present our new Signature Research Themes and to explore future collaborative opportunities under Horizon Europe and the new Turing scheme which replaces the UK’s participation in Erasmus+. My thanks go to all those involved in organising such an exciting event.

Best wishes to you and your families,

Karen

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President

Student Activities you can get involved with in 2021

The beginning of 2021 has brought a rather different experience for many University students than the usual start of term, with many working from home and isolating. However, no matter how different, it is still vitally important to socialise in a safe way and to stay active!

A great way to keep connected with your peers is through student groups and the great activities they have to offer, even in lockdown. Whether you want to become more active or make new friends, there will be a group perfect for you. You can still get involved with many of Kent’s student groups, with most running online events to keep students busy.

Getting Active

Many student groups are continuing to support students in getting active whilst they’re at home and away from campus. Here are a few great ways they are ensuring that you can stay active and involved!

Yoga Society – This term the Yoga Society are running classes over Zoom, with a free taster class on the 6th of February for non-members. It’s a great way to get active, but also a good way to focus on your wellbeing and mental health.
Kent Pole Fitness – To keep you active, Kent Pole Fitness is running strength and flex classes on Instagram Live. They will also be running yoga and other workshops on Zoom soon!
Kent Dance – This term, Kent Dance is running weekly virtual dance classes in a range of styles, so you can do a class in a style you’re familiar with or try something completely new! They are also holding virtual fitness and technique workshops, and all classes are over Instagram Live, so you don’t even have to have your camera on. Next week, they will be running a Contemporary class to Lo Vas A Olvidar, and the week after there’s a Jazz class to Big Spender!

Great for socialising

Another important aspect a lot of our student groups are keen to help out with is ensuring students get to socialise! Although virtual, it’s a great way to keep in touch with like-minded people and make new friends.

Business Society – This term, they are hosting a variety of online events, including challenges and quizzes for members to take part in and the chance to win prizes.
Marketing Society – The Marketing Society will be running online socials ranging from quizzes to online games. Some previous socials included playing games like Pictionary and Cards Against Humanity. Also, you can keep up with what’s going on through their Instagram page, where they post lots of interactive Instagram Stories so that members can stay involved in the society.
Women’s Lacrosse – For members, they are holding fun Zoom socials, where freshers can get a chance to meet and speak to other members. Hopefully, they will be able to also start hosting sports classes soon!
Canterbury Homeless Outreach – If you’re looking for a chance to volunteer, Canterbury Homeless Outreach are running outreaches to support the vulnerable homeless community. These outreaches are hosted a few times a week. Also, the society is organising a Shoebox event, and hopes to hold an online social this term over Microsoft Teams.
Vegan Society – On the 5th, the Vegan Society will be hosting a social event in partnership with Amnesty International Society. They also have other events lined up for the rest of term which would be great to get involved with if you want to socialise!
Religious Studies Society – To help you socialise during lockdown, the Religious Studies Society is holding socials on Wednesdays, with an upcoming crafting event for members.
Books2Africa – In the next few weeks, this society will be hosting some online events for their volunteers to socialise. Their members are still able to volunteer in the warehouse, however at reduced numbers. They are looking for more volunteers, so if you’re interested in expanding your volunteering experience and meeting new people, this could be the perfect society for you!

Educational Events

Many academic groups are still working hard throughout lockdown to ensure students have lots of extra opportunities to advance their education and career prospects. There are plenty of interesting online events running which are great not only to keep you occupied, but also to enhance your CV!

Kent Law Temple Society – Holding regular events with guest speakers, focusing on different aspects of a career at the bar. Their first session of the term takes place on the 4th of February at 6pm. They are also launching an advocacy skills course and competition!
Kent Invest – Ever wanted to learn more about investing and financial services? Kent Invest is holding weekly sessions to teach members about financial markets. On the 2nd of March, they have an event running with guest speaker Jim Leaviss, “Britain’s best-known bond investor”.
Kent Critical Law Society – Events are open to all students at Kent, not just society members! Upcoming events include an exclusive M&A masterclass with BCLP on the 10th February, and a Critical Law Conference on ‘Rhythms of Law’ on the 13th March.
Kent Art Law Society – Alongside the Afro-Diasporic Legal Network, this society will be holding a Digital Art Exhibition, as well as a ‘Lockdown Art Competition’ with the Therapeutic Art Society.
Economics – Every Tuesday from 6-7, the Economics Society is holding events! They have a careers event coming up soon which will help students with making the most out of University and building portfolios. They also run debates and games nights which are great for socialising in lockdown!
Kent P.O.C.A.S (People Of Colour Arts Society) – This society is continuing to run workshops and events online catered towards building your skills. Some notable events include their weekly Creative Writing & Poetry session, and a meeting on the 9th of February to discuss Queer Representation in TV & Film.
Physics (PhySoc) – PhySoc are holding a big online panel on Quantum Physics on the 9th of February, and have more talks to follow. Also, they will be hosting some chilled out socials soon!

Check out the Kent Union website for more ways to get involved. It’s not too late to sign up!

Kent shortlisted for excellent careers support

‘We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve in recent years, changing the way we work to better meet student need. We have increased student engagement by 80% over 3 years, and hope to continue building on this success. Students and graduates are entering a challenging labour market, with graduate jobs running at about 70% of 2019 levels. This means that Kent students and graduates need to be prepared to compete harder for roles, which is where effective career planning, application writing, and interview preparation are key’.

James Corbin, Head of Careers and Employability

If you would like to speak to someone in the Careers and Employability Service, you can book an appointment or search through our upcoming events on the careers webpage. Last term, 100% of students rated their careers appointments as good or very good, and 100% said they would recommend us to their friends.

Register of Interests – 2020/21

Acting in accordance with the Higher Education Code of Governance and the Office for Students Audit requirements, the University Council has established a Register of Interests for members of Council and for all staff. It is at the discretion of individual members of staff what, if any, interests they declare. It should be noted, however, that declaration provides a protection for the University and individuals against any possible allegations of impropriety.

For the purposes of the Register, an interest is defined to be any financial or other personal interest an individual may have in any relationship or proposed relationship between the University and an external body. This would include consultancy, employment, directorship or other activity within a commercial concern, shareholding or membership of statutory and public authorities. Other education establishments and companies with which the University has an actual or potential business relationship should be included, as should any interest that a family member might have that could give the appearance of a conflict, even where no actual conflict exists.

All staff are invited to submit new or updated declarations for incorporation in the 2020/21 Register. Council Secretariat will be pleased to provide confidential advice to any member of staff on this matter.

Documents, including the Policy and a Declaration Form can be accessed on the Council Secretariat website.

The University’s Policy on Personal Benefit can be found here.

New Cycle to Work Scheme

Article from Kelsey Laidler-Symes, Travel Advisor | Security & Transport Centre Estates Department

Cycling is good for health and fitness; it’s beneficial to the environment and is a quick, cheap mode of transport in urban areas.

The Staff Cycle to Work Scheme offers employees the opportunity to purchase a brand new bike and accessories from a range of participating local stores at a discounted rate. You will also save on Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, against the cost of the bike, and can even spread the cost over a 12 or 18 month period.

In order to qualify, you must use the bike for at least 50% of your journeys to and from work. To find out if you are eligible visit the staff finance page.

The new cycle scheme provided by www.cyclescheme.co.uk means the purchase hire value has been extended above the previous £1,000 limit. This change in scheme will enable employees to continue enjoying the benefits of a cycle to work scheme arrangement with the opportunity to hire a bicycle plus relevant safety equipment up to the value of £3,000 as a tax-free benefit, through a salary sacrifice arrangement; employees take a reduced gross salary during the hire period thus making savings by paying reduced income tax and national insurance contributions.

Some common FAQ’s can be found on the Employee answers – Cyclescheme Knowledge Base

Please also remember if you are cycling to, from, or around the campus be bright and be seen. Make sure you are visible to motorists. For more information, hints and tips check out the roadwise website.