Monthly Archives: January 2023

Sustainable Events at Kent: A collaborative workshop on 26 January

Ever wondered how events and meetings could be made more sustainable? Whether your job involves planning small meetings or large-scale events, or you’re simply interested in the topic and have ideas from an attendee’s perspective – come along to learn, ask questions and help to think through how we can drive the sustainability agenda at Kent forward together.

University of Kent Sustainability Team and staff Sustainability Champions welcome you to come and share your ideas and good practice about how to improve sustainability across all aspects of event planning.

Key staff from services across the University will be there to take part in this dialogue – from catering, design and print, communications and branding to answer your questions. We’ll be launching our new online sustainable events guide – a handbook to help you plan and deliver sustainable events with confidence.

Staff from the Gulbenkian will also share their sustainability ambitions for the Boing festival and how you can be part of that work to shape the future of a large community event on campus.

Book now on Eventbrite to find out more about sustainability at Kent, discover sustainability actions you can take in your work when planning meetings and events, and meet like-minded colleagues across the University.

The last part of the workshop will involve food and drink tasters showcasing our local suppliers and sustainable catering options in the cafe area of the Gulbenkian. This will give us an opportunity to talk about how venues like the Gulbenkian can support sustainable events and give us more time to chat informally.

If you have any questions about the event including accessibility requirements, please email sustainability@kent.ac.uk as soon as possible so we can seek to accommodate these as well as we can. You can also view accessibility information about the venue.

Accessibility considerations:

The workshop will take place in the Gulbenkian theatre which is on the ground floor and has step free access with automated doors. Accessible and gender neutral toilets are available nearby, as well as baby changing facilities, and everyone is welcome to come and go from the session as they need to for their comfort.

If you have any questions about the event including accessibility requirements, please email sustainability@kent.ac.uk as soon as possible so we can seek to accommodate these as well as we can.

Our ambitions for a sustainable University, and how you can get involved

If you’ve returned after the winter holidays thinking about what changes you might make in your life this year, you’re not alone. The start of the year is a great time to take stock and start thinking about ways you might change your behaviour to reduce the pressure on the planet.

What does sustainability mean?

To sustain means to ‘support’, ‘hold’ or ‘keep up’, and when we talk about sustainability, people often firstly think about environmental sustainability – that is protecting the planet, halting climate change and promoting social development. This means thinking creatively about how we might cover our present needs without compromising resources for future generations. This is also intertwined with concepts of social and economic sustainability, making sure that our progress as a society can be maintained without leaving anyone behind.

What are we doing at Kent to meet sustainability goals?

The University are signatories of the Sustainable Development Goals Education Accord. That means we are committed to embedding the 17 biggest global challenges of our time into everything we do; our operations, teaching and research.

Our ambition is that by 2025, even before visiting us, people will be aware that the university is a key actor in addressing the climate and ecological emergency and is demonstrating dramatic reductions in CO2 emissions. Through our campuses and online presence, our staff, students and the local community will experience the obvious actions and activities that show how seriously the University of Kent takes climate action and social and environmental responsibility. Every building on our campuses will show signs of having moved to more sustainable power. Our transport systems will be much less fossil-fuel based, and our shops, cafes and restaurants will focus on more sustainable produce. Our green spaces will demonstrate our connection to the natural environment, making spaces for people to enjoy that protect, enhance and allow biodiversity to flourish. More than all this, our education will be steeped in a culture of continuous improvement to ensure that all our students in all subjects are learning the skills and knowledge needed for a sustainable future. You can read about all of our targets in the University’s Sustainability Strategy.

How can you get involved?

Keep up to date with sustainability activities and events by following unikent.sustainability on Instagram, or search #UniKentSustainability
Join one of Kent’s amazing student led societies centred around environmental and/or social sustainability
Take part in Kent’s Environmentally Friendly Careers Week from 23 January to 27 January 2023
Want to be involved in sustainability activity in your School/Division? Find out who your local staff Sustainability Champion is and get in touch with them

Orchard Planting

This term we will be planting an orchard of over 300 fruit and nut trees on the edge of the Canterbury campus. What will be known as the diamond anniversary orchard has been planned ahead of the University’s 60th birthday in 2025 and the space has been designed by the future class of 2025, our undergraduates who started a 3-year degree this year.

The site on the Southern Slopes of the campus provides an ideal setting for a semi-natural orchard and meadow that will not only be a beautiful space for students, staff and community members to enjoy, but also provides a complex habitat that will boost biodiversity in the area.

As the space matures it will become a mosaic of trees, grasses, shrubs and wild flowers supporting a wide range of wildlife. As fruit trees age quickly, they create the perfect habitats for invertebrates and birds, such as the lesser spotted woodpecker and the rare noble chafer beetle. Orchard meadows with swathes cut through for paths provide a peaceful space to walk through and enjoy and with the increase bird life in the area the birdsong in this area will begin to match that heard in Bluebell wood. You can get involved with the planting and find out more about activities planned in the space on our anniversary orchard webpage.

We also have plans for the Medway campus bringing high pollen value plants for bees and butterflies to the communal seating area at Rochester Lawn, building upon the new seating and shaded area there. We will also be planting up large pots around the Medway building to improve access to nature at an urban campus and seeded a new wildflower meadow to bring nature in!

Veganuary

Doing or trying the plant-based thing? The Templeman library are supporting this month with a themed reading list that includes books and films on veganism, and sustainable living but also on the cost of living and how to manage money., check out the library blogpost on veganuary for more information.

Want to share your sustainability tips/ wins/ challenges? Find unikent.sustainability on Instagram, #UniKentSustainability.

Written by Natalia Crisanti, Catherine Morris and Emily Mason, staff 10.01.23

Summer Vacation Research Competition 2023

Recruitment for the Summer Vacation Research Competition 2023 has now begun. Watch the Q&A session to learn more.

Details of how to apply, including the application form, are available via the GRC KentNet – the closing date for applications is 10 February 2023.

The Summer Vacation Research Competition was developed for PDRAs, RAs and Research Associates wanting to gain additional research project and line management experience, and enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate students wishing to gain research experience through an established scheme where they are supported by University staff. For the first time, there are also two opportunities for Professional Services staff.

The competition, now in its sixth year, was initiated and is led by Dr Jennifer Leigh with a team including academic and professional services colleagues from across the University. Participating in the competition is an excellent way to boost your career and you can gain transferable skills by developing a research proposal, shortlisting, and interviewing students, and managing your own project, budget, and intern for 4-7 weeks with funding worth up to £2,500.

To contact the competition organisers, please email svrc@kent.ac.uk.

Good luck with your application!

Support at Canterbury in the Spring Term

Welcome or welcome back to Kent! It can be hard to get going with dark days and cold weather, so check out our Tips to boost your winter wellbeing.

As we move into Spring Term, remind yourself of all the support on offer at our Canterbury campus and online.

Nexus – your campus help point

Not sure where to go to ask a question? Head to Nexus in Templeman Library. Enter the library through the main entrance, go through the turnstiles and take the first right.

As well as a social and study area, Nexus is your campus help point. The staff at Nexus can help with any query and point you in the right direction.

You can also access Nexus online.

Financial support including £3 meal deal

With the cost of living rising, you are probably thinking more about your finances. Our cost-of-living support webpage includes information about Campus Pantry, our £3 meal deal in Rutherford Dining Hall and our range of emergency financial support options.

Our financial help and advice webpage also includes tips on budgeting, getting a part-time job and who to contact for further support. Plus, we offer a range of emergency financial support options.

You can also speak to Kent Union’s Advice Service about any extra support or advice you might need.

Might you benefit from contact with Student Support and Wellbeing?

If you have a disability, chronic condition, mental health condition, specific learning difficulty or autism, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing to see how they can help you make the most of your university journey – you can access services at any time during your studies.

We have a team of expert staff who can help you face the challenges of studying, socialising and living independently, whatever else you might be going through, whether it’s something you’re experiencing for the first time at university or something you have dealt with for a while.

There is also a free confidential counselling service which offers you a safe space to address issues concerning you and can help get thoughts, feelings, behaviour and perspective on life back in balance again.

Support with your studies

Our Student Learning and Advisory Service (SLAS) can help you to develop your studying skills – everything from perfecting your essay writing to learning how to reference properly.

Don’t forget your School and Division is also there to help you with your studies and offer a range of study support.

College and Community Life

The friendly Colleges and Community Life Team can help you connect with other students in your College community through activities and initiatives, working with your College Committee and Residential Life Assistants. They can offer advice and refer you to other specialist services.

Kent Union

Kent Union is your Students’ Union. From money worries to housing issues, academic problems to visa support, Kent Union’s Student Advice Service is available to help through their free, impartial and confidential advice service.

You can also get in touch with your Kent Union full-time officers who are each responsible for specific areas within the Union.

Health services

Kent has its own NHS general practice on campus called the University Medical Centre, with an independent pharmacy next to it.

Our University Nursing Service provide advice for minor illnesses/injuries and contraception, and is staffed 24 hours a day during term time by registered nurses. Check out this Visual Guide: Finding Health Support and Emergency Services at University

Vice-Chancellor’s Cup – highlights and upcoming events

The Vice Chancellor’s Cup is off to a flying start with 14 events scheduled throughout the year.

Staff teams recently completed in a series of team events to claim their spot on the leader board.

With ‘It’s a Knock-out’ taking place first, teams were set four timed challenges to complete, scoring points in each round.

Challenges included blindfolded games, agility courses and communication skills. Liquorice All Sports took the top spot, closely followed by LeJendSS and Living La Vida Mocha.

The second VC Cup event ran over two lunches in December, with a host of teams competing in a Volleyball tournament. Teams gave it their all, with CEMS dominating the competition with just two players!

Following these events, the top 4 teams are:

1^st place – Liquorice All Sports (35pt)

2^nd Place – Marlowe’s Marauders (34pt)

3^rd place – Campus Sporting Exploits (34pt)

4^th place – Living La Vida Mocha (30pt)

Find out more about the VC Cup, read the event highlights, check out the leader board and view our upcoming events online.

Turn your hand at Tennis

Ready to dust off your racquet, or just looking to take up a new sport, the tennis centre has you covered!

Tennis is also a great way to get fit, meet new people and improve your physical and mental health!

There are a couple of ways you can get involved. For those of you who feel semi confident to just have a go, use your Kent Sport membership or take out a free Pay to Play membership if you’ve not yet signed up. This enables you to book a court through the online portal whenever you fancy a game. Student Pay to Play sessions are just £4.50 and if you’re a Premium Plus member, it’s completely free! You can check out all our membership options on our website.

Alternatively, if you would like a little more input, book a place on one of our LTA group coaching sessions for just £10 per session. Develop your tennis skills with our fully qualified LTA coaches. Nick Skelton is an LTA Level 5 Coach and leads the team of LTA-qualified coaches at Kent Sport. Sessions run over one hour and are the perfect place to meet new people and enhance your technique.

To find out more about these sessions, read our latest blog!

Turn your hand at Tennis

Ready to dust off your racquet, or just looking to take up a new sport, the tennis centre has you covered!

Kent Sport is home to one of the largest indoor tennis centres in Kent, boasting four, full-size acrylic tennis courts, suitable for all levels of tennis from competitive to recreational, alongside high-quality, professional LTA coaching. Based at The Pavilion, our Tennis and Events Arena is open to Kent Sport members throughout the year. Tennis is a great way to meet new people and improve your physical and mental health!

There are a couple of ways you can get involved. For those of you who feel semi confident to just have a go, take out a free Pay to Play membership with Kent Sport. This enables you to book a court through the online portal whenever you fancy a game. Staff Pay to Play sessions are just £5.50! Kent Sport also offers Premium Plus, Premium, and Plus membership packages, all offering different levels of membership access. You can check these out on our website.

To find out more about these sessions, read our latest blog!

The Santander Universities Scholars Programme is now open

The Santander Universities Scholars Programme is a new flagship initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for students who are most likely to face challenges when attending higher education.

The initiative provides funding to support them through to graduation, alongside training opportunities to develop their potential and help them build brighter futures.

The programme will support 100 full-time current undergraduate students, due to graduate in 2025, throughout the duration of their studies. They will receive £30k of funding over three academic years, a series of employability training and development sessions and a dedicated mentor to guide them through the programme.

This flagship, multi-million-pound scholars programme, was developed in collaboration with our partner universities, including the University of Kent, and is aimed at providing more structured and holistic higher education support that is ongoing, combats a range of challenges and is not just a stamp in time.

Am I eligible?
In order to be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be aged 18 or older.
Applicants must be current full-time undergraduate students at the University of Kent, completing their undergraduate course in 2025. Any degree discipline is welcome.
Applicants must qualify as a Home Fee Status student.
Applicants must not be receiving more than £1,500 per year in external sponsorship
for their degree, for example, from other sources such as industry bodies/employers
(University Core Bursaries and Government grants do not affect your eligibility).
Applicants must self-identify as part of at least one of the following under-represented
groups (guidance has been taken from the Office for Students’ existing list of underrepresented groups).– Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income
or low socioeconomic status.
– Black, Asian and minority ethic students.
– Mature students.
– Disabled students.
– Care experienced students.
– Carers.
– Students estranged from their families.
– Students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
– Refugees.
– Students from military families.

Apply now:

Applications are now open and will close at 23:00 on 31 of January 2023.

Apply and learn more about the Santander Universities Scholars Programme >

Watch the video to find out more:

Power has been restored on our Canterbury Campus

Update: 04/01/22 at 12.50

Following the earlier power cut, we are pleased to confirm that power and internet access has been restored to the whole of the Canterbury campus and the Templeman Library has now reopened. Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

We have been made aware of a power cut temporarily affecting some of the buildings on our Canterbury campus. We currently believe the buildings with no power are Rutherford, Rutherford Annexe, Templeman and Tyler Court. Due to the power issue, the internet is also currently down in Darwin and the Postgraduate Study space in the Senate building. This is part of a wider outage affecting Canterbury and work is underway to address the issue.

In the meantime, if needed, staff should move to another building temporarily to work where they can.

Templeman library is closed for the time being and alternative study spaces are being highlighted. Here’s a full list of places to study on campus.

Given the localised power issues, we recommend you save work regularly throughout the day wherever you are working in case they are short-term outages as power is restored.

We will provide a further update shortly.