Yearly Archives: 2021

Music and Audio Technology in public health campaign

Composer and Music and Audio Technology Lecturer Dr Jackie Walduck has created Medway Sonic Hand-Washing Experience, a public artwork commissioned by Medway Council as part of their post-Covid Safe Return campaign, The Rainbow Effect.  The work is a sound-trail of 15 short Hand-washing compositions by Jackie, her colleague Richard Lightman, Kent Alumnus Logan Ellis and other Medway-based artists.

These are accessed via specially designed Hand Hygiene posters installed in bathrooms around the Borough – in libraries, leisure centres, the Brook Theatre and cafes and bars along Rochester High Street.  The posters contain QR codes which, when  scanned on a  phone, take the listener is taken to 20 seconds of sonic pleasure to ensure a clean wash, and more importantly, sufficient time for soap to break down the Coronavirus cell membrane.  Jackie collaborated with Dr Vladimir Gubala from Medway School of Pharmacy to create a voice-over explaining the action of surfactants on cell membranes on two of the tracks.

The sound trail creates an engaging and varied hand-washing experience, and with poster graphics based on glass sculptures by Roberta Mason, offers an alternative to conventional public health messaging.

The Borough-wide Rainbow Effect campaign was launched on 31 March 2021, and artworks will stay in place around Medway at least until June.  Further details can be found on the Medway council website and this Council press release.

red sticker with the text 'I voted'

Thursday 6 May 2021 is Election Day!

Kent County Council and Police & Crime Commissioner elections are taking
place on Thursday 6 May.

You need to be registered to vote in order to participate and vote at these elections and the deadline to do this is midnight on 19 April.

 

If you are a student living at your term-time address in the Canterbury area,
you may be able to register to vote from your home and term-time address.
(Students need to re-register from their term-time address each academic
year).

Please click on this link to find out more about the benefits of registering to vote.

To register to vote please visit gov.uk/register-to-vote or call 01227 862007.

If you have any questions or if you are not sure whether you are entitled to register to vote, please email us at electoral.services@canterbury.gov.uk

Photo by Parker Johnson on Unsplash

Student exam accommodation

What is stress and what can we do about it?

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Due to Covid-19 and lockdown, this year it is more important than ever to understand stress and how it can be reduced. With deadlines and exams fast approaching, many students can find this a very stressful time. Understanding stress and how it affects you can make it easier to deal with. Below are some interesting facts about stress and some links for where to go if you need help.

What is stress?

Stress is when your body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode. It releases hormones and chemicals like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine, which causes a number of reactions.

Everyone can experience stress in different ways and changes caused by stress can be emotional, physical, behavioural, or a mixture of the three.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year that they felt overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Where can I go for help?

Student Support and Wellbeing Services:

If you feel that stress is affecting your mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out to Student Support and Wellbeing. The University is able to offer counselling and other support to any students experiencing issues such as anxiety, depressed feelings and emotional difficulties. For more information, head to Student Support and Wellbeing.

Stress Management Workshops are also available and delivered by qualified counsellors who will help you to identify stress triggers and learn how to manage stress levels effectively. Sign up for the next workshop on 28 April.

Speak to your friends or family (or someone you trust):

When you’re feeling stressed, often the temptation is to isolate yourself. However, speaking to friends and family can help a lot!

Although it can be difficult to connect with friends due to Covid-19, interaction with others can help with relaxation and generally just talking things through. A good idea could be to go for a socially-distanced walk, or to call your friends online.

The Stress Management Society’s ‘Free Stress Guide’:

If you’re looking to better understand stress and how to deal with it, take a look at the Stress Management Society’s ‘Free Stress Guide’. It explains what stress is, how to recognise it, and what you can do to cope better.

Prepare, Connect, Be Calm

Exam season can be difficult and this year students all over the world are facing new challenges as they prepare for exams. At Kent we have a lot of resources, information and activities to help you stay calm, connected, and feel prepared to tackle your exams.

Head to the Exam Calm page to see how you can make the most of a range of support from different university departments who are working together to help all students throughout the summer term.

Remember: stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing! It helps us to survive dangerous situations and is a natural reaction. However, being in a state of stress for long periods of time can be damaging to our health, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel you need help. To look after yourself, ensure you are getting enough sleep, managing your time, taking part in physical activity and talking to others! Try taking up hobbies, and take breaks from work whenever possible.

Professor Karen Cox

Vice-Chancellor’s update – 1 April 2021

Dear colleagues, 

This week I want to pass on huge thanks to colleagues across the University for their enormous effort in submitting to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 on Monday. It’s amazing to see the incredible impact of our research brought together in one place, and I fully appreciate how much work goes into it – I encourage you all to read our DVC Research & Innovation Shane Weller’s blog with more detail on how far we’ve come since the last submission seven years ago. 

Related to this, it was great to see one of our research projects from the School of Psychology on BBC South East last night that really encapsulates the benefit our work has to the wider community. Those of you who have driven round Canterbury may have seen signs up at level crossing encouraging you to switch your engine off; this was part of some careful testing to see what could best prompt a change in behaviour, and has already led to changes being put in place by Canterbury City Council that will be part of ensuring better air quality for all. 

I also want to thank all of those both centrally and in Divisions who are working on today’s Undergraduate Open Day. This a fantastic opportunity to show people what we’re all about, and are a key moment in the recruitment calendar so I fully appreciate the effort that goes into them. While we look forward to holding these on campus again in future, the adaptability in bringing these online is an example of the kind of creative thinking we might want to keep from last year – if you haven’t already, then please do take a moment to fill out our Future of Work survey, which will help us work out how we all want to balance old and new as Government restrictions ease. 

Lastly, I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and that those that can get to meet up with someone outdoors now that rules allow. I hope all of you can get a bit of a break over the next few days, and thank you once again for your continued hard work this term. 

With my best wishes to you and your families, 

Karen

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President

Students sat at Canterbury campus

Covid-19 update: Easter vacation, graduations and summer events

From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

I hope you are all well and looking forward to some much-needed relaxation at the end of the Spring Term. Thank you for your dedication to your studies during what has been an incredibly challenging academic year – watch this space for plans to bring those that can together later in the Summer when restrictions allow, with more information below.

For now, as we move into the next stage of the Government’s roadmap we can look ahead to lockdown rules easing further and being able to spend more time with friends and family. Please remember that from 29 March, the ‘Rule of 6’ is now in force, meaning you can socialise outdoors in groups of 6, or as 2 households. Socialising indoors with those not in your household is not yet permitted.

Easter vacation

For those of you already in your term-time accommodation, Government guidance states that although you may travel back to your permanent home at Easter, it is preferable that you remain at your term-time address, if you can.

If you do intend to travel, please ensure you get tested before you leave, plan your journey in case of delays and get tested at a local community testing facility if possible before you return to campus. Remember that if you test positive for Covid-19, you must self-isolate and are not permitted to travel.

If you plan to travel from abroad, please see our International information page for more on the travel and testing arrangements that must be followed if you are returning to the UK from abroad.

Graduations

This week we have written to final year students confirming our delayed plans for this year’s graduations. While everyone will still receive their certificate so there should be no need to delay plans for employment or further study, it is important that every Kent student can enjoy the graduation ceremony they deserve. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee this for this summer – however we will be welcoming all our final year students to celebrate their graduation at Canterbury or Rochester Cathedral next May.

Summer events

Look out for joint plans on the way with our Students’ Unions to make the most of summer and celebrate the end of term, including a festival fortnight of fun and community on our Canterbury and Medway campuses from 21 June to 2 July. We’re aiming to have something for everyone, with music events, outdoor catering, sports programmes, screenings, workshops and much more to coincide with the planned removal of Government restrictions. I hope as many as possible can join activities when we can this summer and come together safely to mark the end of a difficult year for everyone.

Summer Term accommodation at Canterbury

As I mentioned last week, if you no longer have term-time accommodation and wish to stay on the Canterbury campus for any part of the Summer Term, we have a range of accommodation options available starting at £35 per night. Whether for exams or our summer events, you can book online using the EXAMSTUDY promotional code to reserve your room.

Best wishes

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

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

A Staff Webchat on KentVision, led by Richard Reece, William Collier, Paul Sales and Antony Brenton will take place on Wednesday 7 April, from 12.00-13.00.  Ahead of the session, it would be helpful to have as many questions as possible so we can do our best to cover everything in the time. To do this, please sign-up via the form where you can include your question when prompted.

An initial communication will be sent to all students on Tuesday 6 April informing them of the closure of SDS and introduction of the KentVision system.

Training and support

KentVision is due to go live on Monday 19 April. A range of options for seeking guidance and raising issues is available now on the KentVision webpages.

To help staff move to the new student management system, the KentVision webpages also include information on the impact on other IT systems during the transition week (w/b 12 April) and overall changes relating to timetabling, with specific reference to week numbers, module codes and a view of the new KentVision student portal.

Find out more about KentVision

Congratulations to our new Fellows and Senior Fellows of the HEA

The Centre for the Study of Higher Education congratulates the following colleagues who applied for Senior Fellowship and Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy) through the Route to Recognition for Experienced Staff (RRES), and successfully gained national recognition for their leadership, excellence, expertise and commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning.

Senior Fellowship

Fellowship

Addressing Misogyny in Higher Education

In light of recent national news events, as a University we are re-enforcing our commitment to fostering a positive working environment where all staff and students are treated fairly, with dignity, courtesy, respect and consideration.

Misogyny is the hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls that manifests in numerous ways, including social exclusion, sex discrimination, hostility, belittling of women, disenfranchisement of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification. All of us have a responsibility to create an environment, which is free from harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination and victimisation.

A new series of Active Bystander training will help ensure that staff can play their part in preventing any inappropriate behaviour.

Georgina Randsley de Moura, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic Strategy, Planning and Performance, comments: ‘As part of our commitment to our staff and student community, I am pleased to support the Active Bystander initiative. We value our community, and therefore it is our responsibility to create and nurture an environment, which is safe, supportive, and free from all forms of bullying and harassment. This initiative is an important step forward.’

About the training

The Active Bystander training sessions will take place on 28 April, 19 May and 23 June, from 14.00-15.30.

Each virtual session will include:
• A video demonstrating bystander apathy
• Specific references for the HE Sector
• High-profile examples of inappropriate/unacceptable behaviour
• Decision-making techniques to help people overcome fear and self-doubt when faced with a challenging situation
• Assertiveness techniques to give them the confidence and tools to speak out, whether they are dealing with the challenge directly or calling for help from others.

The session will include group discussion and interactivity and each delegate will receive a ‘Active Bystander’ toolkit booklet. 40 places are available at each session – book your place now via Staff Connect.

Find out more

Kent has a zero tolerance approach to any behaviour that violates an individual in person or online, and encourages the reporting of such instances. You can find out more on our EDI webpages.

Kent’s key role in shaping the Creative Estuary

From Emma Wilcox, Project Director for Creative Estuary

The University is helping to shape the Creative Estuary, a four-year funded project driving forward the creative and economic evolution of the Thames Estuary. The aim is to unlock its potential as an international production hub and as a collaborative, inspiring place to live and work.

The stunning Creative Estuary place brand was launched in November 2020, supported by our inaugural Creative Estuary Champions, including Kent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Cox. The event was a huge success with over 300 virtual attendees and received fulsome praise and positive feedback. You can watch a film linked to the brand launch here: https://vimeo.com/483767452

Under the Creative Estuary banner, the University of Kent is leading a consortium of public sector and cultural organisations to support the Thames Estuary Production Corridor. This is an ambitious 30-year vision to unite East London, the North Kent Coast and South Essex to create a world-class centre for creative and cultural production.

In 2019 the creative industries contributed in excess of £110bn to the UK economy. By comparison, the construction industry contributed £129.3bn, the automobile industry contributed £49.1bn, and agriculture £13.0bn. The success of the Production Corridor will contribute to wider national programmes to generate investment, jobs and creative industry opportunities for the whole Thames Estuary, making it one of the most attractive places to live and work in the UK.

Initially funded for three years, the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport, awarded us a 12-month extension at the end of 2020 to mitigate the impact and disruption of Covid. This welcome news presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our progress to date and take advantage of the University’s reorganisation and refreshed strategy, to ensure that Kent can make the most of its role in this project. Creative Estuary is now part of the programme that our Institute for Cultural and Creative Industries (iCCi) is delivering.

Coming up

A key part of the Creative Estuary is Estuary 2021. Opening on 22 May, this large-scale arts festival is curated in response to the spectacular Thames Estuary and the lives, landscapes and histories found there. A mix of large scale and intimate visual art, literature, music and film, the festival celebrates culture, creativity, recovery and renewal. Alongside an online discussion and events programme, the physical programme will explore and respond to powerful themes resonant to the Estuary, from the climate, to rebellion and imperial legacy. Re-framed in light of Covid-19, the festival invites visitors to take an epic walk along the stunning coastline of South Essex and North Kent encountering contemporary artworks and performance within the estuary landscape, historic sites and coastal towns.

Commissions include an opening weekend of live broadcast discussion and specially commissioned online artworks exploring the three key themes of climate, rebellion and imperial legacy. The event will be brought together by four artists and curators all of whom know the estuary as home.

Our project team is hugely excited about the many challenges and opportunities ahead, and we look forward to sharing more updates and involving colleagues right across the University.

Emma Wilcox | Project Director for Creative Estuary

Spring concert 18 April

Virtual spring concert for charity – ‘Music in Springtime’

The KSL Music Collective are back with another virtual music concert – Music in Springtime, with performers from the South East, including several alumni of the University of Kent. The concert is organised by Arun Silva (organist and singer), alumnus of the University of Kent. The group includes several musicians who have studied at the university’s Historic Dockyards campus. The performance will be streamed via YouTube on 18 April 2021 at 17.30 and will cover a variety of musical styles, performed virtually by singers and instrumentalists. The aim of this event is to bring music and cheer to audiences in any location, at this time, when live performances and events have been limited.

The group are keen to continue to support a charitable cause through their events. This concert is in aid of the Young Minds Trust, a charity that supports children and young people’s mental health. Donations can be made via the JustGiving page. To access the programme and receive a link to view the concert, viewers should register free via the Eventbrite page or the Facebook event page. All donations will go directly to the Young Minds charity.

Young Minds provide young people with tools to look after their mental health. They give them the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in. Coronavirus has had a significant impact on the mental health of young people. Whether they need a reassuring conversation, specialist mental health support, or simply the knowledge that they are not alone in how they are feeling, Young Minds ensures that all young people get support they need as quickly as possible.

Register your free ticket online. 

You can also view the event on Facebook.