Monthly Archives: March 2021

New Sustainable Development Goals Trail at the Canterbury Campus

A new walking trail has been installed around the Canterbury campus that follows the 17 Sustainable Goals on a route that takes you from central campus to the Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) located in Parkwood.

The Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the Global Goals or SDGs) are 17 goals that outline a vision for a sustainable world by 2030. The 17 goals and underlying targets were created and signed by 193 countries at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015.

The University of Kent has signed the SDG Education Accord that commits us to embedding all 17 goals into our operations, teaching and research. As part this we would like all staff and students to become familiar with the goals by getting out and about across campus and discovering all 17, whilst visiting some of the greener spaces on campus and discovering the hidden gem of KentCOG.

The trail starts with SDG 1: No Poverty, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce overall poverty by 50% by 2030. You will find the starting board on central campus between the Senate building and Rutherford Extension.

The trail ends with SDG 17: Partnerships, which you will find at the Kent Community Oasis Garden, our flagship community partnership project at the Canterbury campus where food growing is used as a way of meeting new people, reducing stress, learning new skills and getting some fresh air. This project is run in partnership with Mind in Bexley and East Kent.

The Sustainability Team would like to thank the Interior Services Team and Landscape and Ground Teams from Estates for their support with this project.

Learn more about the SDG Trail or email sustainability@kent.ac.uk for more information.

KentVision launching on 19 April

KentVision, a new, simpler way of supporting the student journey, will be available to staff from 19 April.

KentVision brings together a number of different administrative processes to help us work better together. It includes a new Student Record System to replace the Student Data System (SDS) and introduce easier, more consistent ways to input, manage and process our student data

Launch timetable

To prepare for the University-wide launch of KentVision on 19 April, staff should make note of the following key dates:

Friday 9 April – Student Data System, Cressida and Admissions System close at 17.00
Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 April – KentVision data migration
Monday 19 April – KentVision will open to all staff

Regular updates and reminders will be shared with affected staff as we get closer to launch, including detailed information and support on managing the transition between the two systems.

We are also planning a Staff Webchat on KentVision, led by Richard Reece, William Collier, Paul Sales and Anthony Brenton, on Wednesday 7 April, from 12.00-13.00. More details and sign-up information for this webchat will be circulated shortly.

Training and support

A series of online and face-to-face support has been available to staff in the run-up to the KentVision launch. This will continue throughout 2021 as users get used to the system, and we identify further ways to improve it. The KentVision team will also be on hand, with their dedicated trainer Paul Sales leading on ensuring that colleagues are equipped to make the most of the new simplified system.

A number of resources and video guides are available on the KentVision staff webpages to help staff familiarise themselves with the new system at their own pace ahead of more in-depth support and guidance provided throughout the year. Further staff and student communications will be scheduled in the run-up to launch.

Find out more about KentVision

Employability Points deadline and rewards pack

The deadline to log your Employability Points is only a few days away! You have until 17.00 on the 15 March to log your co-curricular activities on MyFolio and receive Employability Points.

Remember, if you earn enough points, you will have the chance to apply for exclusive EP rewards. Qualifying students will be emailed an application form on the 16 March and you can check out the available rewards in the recently published EP Rewards Pack 2020-21.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with a member of the EP team, you can contact them via employabilitypoints@kent.ac.uk

Census 2021: It’s time to fill in your form

The 2021 Government Census is here.

All students are an important part of the census and must be included.

We are working in partnership with the Office for National Statistics to ensure that all our students are included in the Census 2021. Whether you are in halls, living in a shared house, living with your parents or guardians, or are an international student – all students are an important part of the census and must be included.

What is the census?

The census is an important national survey that takes place every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.

All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.

Why do I need to fill in the census?

You are required to complete the census by law. By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your student community get the services needed now and in the future. The information you give informs decisions that affect student life, such as university campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training. Therefore, it is key that you complete the form for your university address.

The last census was 2011, so this might be your first time completing the census yourself. Don’t worry – it only takes ten minutes per person and you will complete online.

Census Day is 21 March, but you can fill in yours now.

We understand your circumstances may have changed during the pandemic. So, although you might not be living where you normally would be when at university, you must complete the form with your normal university address.

If you are currently living on campus, your letter will be delivered to your accommodation reception from Saturday 6 March onwards. Collect this as soon as you receive your email notification from the Accommodation Team as this letter will contain your individual access code which will allow you to access the census survey.

If you’re currently living at home, you need to be included on your household census questionnaire as well as completing one for your university address. See more information on how to complete the census.

If you are currently living in Pier Quays (Medway), your letter will be delivered to you via the Pier Quays reception team. This letter will contain your individual access code which will allow you to access the census survey.

If you do not receive or cannot access a letter containing an individual access code you should go online to request a new access code. Your code will be sent via SMS.

Visit the census website for support

For more information on the census, or if you need help, go to the census website. There are a wide range of services available, including translations and accessible guidance.

Thank you for your help in taking part in the census, you’re making a profound difference to decisions which influence the student community.

Study Plus events this week (8-13 March)

Our Study Plus scheme provides a range of free short-term courses and workshops which can enhance your graduate employability skills alongside your main subject specialism. Here are some of the upcoming events you can sign up for:

Study Plus – Having difficult conversations By Kate Gardner Wednesday 10 March 1.30-15.00

By the end of the session, participants will have:

Explored the stages and causes of conflict
Identified strategies to enable difficult conversations
Examined their own conflict handling style
Understood the steps to take when having difficult conversations.

Study Plus – ASPIRE Workshop 12 – Build your pitch Wednesday 10 March 15.00-17.00

Learn which slides you need in your pitch deck to impress potential investors. Create the perfect pitch telling a compelling story.

Study Plus – Time management Be Productive – not Busy By Leanne Davies Thursday 11 March 14.00-16.00

Do you often feel that there are just not enough hours in your day? By attending this course, you will learn how to use your time effectively so that you are productive – not just busy. You will explore tips and time management techniques and take the first steps to achieve your goals – whether it is dealing with your daily “to do” list, meeting dreaded deadlines, managing interruptions or realising a personal dream.

Study Plus – Understanding Stress and Self Care by Sal Pearman Friday 12 March 10.00-12.30

During the webinar we will explore:

The importance of routine and positive daily habits
Emotional Labour: what is it and why does it matter?
Recognising the symptoms of stress
What is resilience and how can we develop this?
Nutrition, hydration and sleep
Working in a busy household
Practical steps to make working in isolation easier.

Study Plus – Resolving Conflict and Managing Difficult situations by Jeffrey Wotherspoon Thursday 12 March 14.00-16.00

By attending this course, you will learn:

The main reasons we avoid having difficult conversations
Principles that will help you get the best out of challenging situations
Understanding the underlying motivations for behaviours we may find challenging to deal with when working with others
How to be assertive.

Study Plus – ASPIRE Bootcamp 3 – Get pitch perfect Saturday 13 March 10.00-16.00

Learn the best tricks and tips for presenting an outstanding pitch to potential investors. Build confidence in public speaking with fun games and exercises.

Study Plus – Emergency First Aid – 4 hours Saturday 13 March 10.00-14.00

An introduction to Emergency first aid.

Learn more about Study Plus.

Silver award for our Hedgehog Friendly Campus

In July 2019 the University launched its participation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus project, created at the University of Sheffield, to use the unique spaces that university campuses are, to raise awareness of the plight of UK hedgehogs and take action to safeguard their future.

Since then, the University Hedgehog steering group made up of student and staff hedgehog champions has been working to ensure that the campus becomes a haven for hedgehogs. Activities include hedgehog surveys, litter picking, training workshops and adjusting campus management techniques to ensure they are sensitive to hedgehog ecology.

All these activities have led to a Silver award for the University’s actions and the steering group is now planning its next steps to go for Gold!

The hedgehog is in trouble, with populations plummeting 50% since 2000. Increasing habitat loss means hedgehogs are moving out of their rural homes and into built areas. But here they face a whole host of challenges, including road traffic, litter, poisoning and lack of access to food and water.

The Sustainability Team would like to thank all the students and staff who have taken part in this project and thank the Landscape and Grounds Team for all of their support.

If you would like to know more about the project or want to join the hedgehog steering group, you can find out more on the Sustainability website.

What’s on this week: 8-14 March 2021

From this week Templeman and Drill Hall Library will be open for longer, you can take part in a guided online mindfulness session and join the online cultural celebrations as part of WorldFest this month.

On campus? Get tested for Covid-19

If you have returned to campus or using university facilities, help keep you and your friends safe by getting tested twice a week. This is quick and easy to do with testing centres on campus.

Covid-19 safety advice

Read our Covid-19 safety advice for everything you need to do to help you and your friends stay safe.

Events for you to try this week:

International Women’s Day lecture on Monday 8 March, 17.30-18.30
Mindfulness session on Wednesday 10 March, 13.00-14.00
Answering job application questions on Thursday 11 March, 10.00-11.00
Creative Careers Week, 8-12 March
Celebrate cultural diversity at one of our online WorldFest events throughout March

Browse all events

Have you read this?

Browse all student support

Keep an eye on:

Let us know what you think of these updates by emailing communications@kent.ac.uk

Challenging Racism: White Privilege live webinar – 18 March

Article from the Challenging Racism team

Continuing with our ‘Challenging Racism’ campaign the next Live Webinar on Thursday 18 March at 12.30. We are delighted to welcome Dr Deborah Gabriel speaking on the topic of White Privilege. The ‘Live webinar’ is a 90min online webinar facilitated by Inclusive Employers, with a guest speaker, panel discussion and Q&A session.

Dr Deborah Gabriel

Dr Deborah Gabriel is the Founder and Director of Black British Academics, a global network of scholars focused on addressing racial inequality in higher education and society, established in 2013. Key areas of focus are transformation in teaching, learning and research, with an emphasis on equity and social justice. She created and leads the Ivory Tower Project on race and gender inequality in academia and developed the 3D Pedagogy Framework to decolonise, democratise and diversify the higher education curriculum.

Her current areas of focus are community empowerment and collaborative social justice. Her intellectual work is interdisciplinary and broadly focused on the dynamics of race, gender and culture in media, communication, and higher education. These areas of inquiry are approached from a critical race and Black feminist standpoint to analyse the relationships between race, power, privilege, and inequality. As a consultant, she specializes in strategic approaches to equity, diversity and inclusion centred on social justice and transformation in higher education and society.

Book Your Place Today: Eventbrite Registration Link.

The aim of the ‘Challenging Racism’ campaign is to promote unity, not division and to help understand and develop more inclusive behaviours. To do that we all need to increase our awareness and understanding of racism and how it can be tackled within Kent, to ensure all staff and students feel safe and empowered.

Please share this and encourage your contacts and teams to sign up so that we can all work together and take the first steps to address racism at Kent and beyond.

#EDI #challengingracismtogether #choosetochallenge

If you have any questions, contact us via challengingracism@kent.ac.uk

Covid-19: Safety on campus

From Monday 8 March, the first step of the Government’s roadmap for moving the country out of lockdown comes into force. This means that the guidelines are changing slightly and that more of you will be returning to our campuses.

What you need to remember:

Hands – please keep your hands clean.
Face – wear a face covering inside University buildings and where social distancing can’t be maintained. There are exemptions for a number of health and other reasons, please be respectful of those who are unable to wear a face covering.
Space – remember to socially distance from others.
Test – if you display any symptoms that could indicate Covid-19, self-isolate immediately, get tested, and let the right people know. Please read our procedure if experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have been advised to self-isolate.

Book your asymptomatic test

As long as you are symptom-free, please get tested regularly – you should be tested twice a week if you are living on or accessing the campus.

Socialising with one other person

From 8 March 2021, you can leave home for recreation and exercise outdoors with your household or support bubble, or with one person from outside your household. For example you can grab a takeaway coffee with a friend, just ensure you maintain social distancing.

Other things to remember:

Follow local signage on and off campus.
Look after your wellbeing and those around you.
Report any behaviour you’re concerned about.
Remember not everyone is able to wear a face covering – be kind.
Travel to and from campus safely.

Thank you for looking after our University community.

Music Department’s In Conversation with Libby Burgess

The Music Department’s In Conversation series continues on Weds 10 March at 19.00, with pianist and festival director, Libby Burgess.

Pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, Libby’s work has taken her to festivals and concert-halls around the country. She is also Artistic Director of the New Paths Festival, founded in 2016 and which takes place each spring in Beverley, and Co-Artistic Director of Beverley’s own Chamber Music Festival.

In this interview with Head of Music Performance, Dan Harding, Libby reflects on finding new ways to engage audiences for the New Paths Festival in light of the pandemic, her own responses as pianist and vocal coach, and looks ahead to her ‘ Bach Project48,’ setting herself the ambitious challenge of playing all of Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues in each of the forty-eight counties of England, and what effect playing the entire set in different venues throughout the country might have on her own relationship to the famed set.

The interview is free to watch on the Music Department’s YouTube channel.