Monthly Archives: October 2023

Join the University Community Choir

Do you enjoy singing? Join our friendly University Community Choir! The choir is made up of students and staff at Kent.

It’s free to join, there are no auditions and there’s no need to be able to read music.

Come along to meet others or bring a friend.

Upcoming dates for Autumn Term

The University Community Choir meet every Wednesday during term-time, 13:00-14:00. See dates below for the location:

18 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
25 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer Fergusson Hall
1 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
8 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
15 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
22 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
29 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
6 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
13 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3

To find out more, email Mita mm595@kent.ac.uk.

#KNOWLEDGESHIFT 2

#KNOWLEDGESHIFT by Dr Yetunde Kalajo

African Talking Drum

Drums are symbolic representations of African culture, particularly in West Africa.

The Yorùbá drumming tradition is characterised by its unique style that differs from the European approach to drumming (Finnegan, 2012; Iroko). It is considered more than just music, as it is a highly cultured means of communication. This traditional form of drumming plays an important role in conveying messages, emotions, and even history within the Yorùbá community (Iroko 2023: Speaking Without Voice). The African Talking Drums were developed and used by forested cultures for long-distance communication and religious ceremonies. This hourglass-shaped instrument can be precisely controlled in tone and articulation, but its sound can only be heard in close proximity such as in a gathering or marketplace. It is mainly used during ceremonial occasions, including dance, rituals, storytelling, and communication of important information (Akinbo, 2021; Britannica)

In West Africa, especially in Nigeria and Senegal, the talking drums have become a popular instrument in music genres like Jùjú and Mbalax in the 20th century. West African ethnic groups have different variations of the talking drum (Akpabot, 1975; Motta, 2020; demfirecreation).

Tama (Wolof of Senegal)
Dondo (Akan of central Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire)
Doodo (Songhai and Zarma of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger)
Gan gan, Dun Dun (Yoruba of Nigeria and eastern Benin)
Lunna (Dagomba of northern Ghana; Mossi of Burkina Faso)
Kalangu (Hausa of northern Nigeria, Niger, northern Ghana, Benin and Cameroon)

The African talking drums are not exclusively played by men, but the extent of gender involvement can vary depending on the specific cultural context and tradition within Africa. In many African societies, both men and women can play talking drums. However, there may be cultural norms or traditions that influence who typically plays them. For example, in some West African cultures, talking drums are often played by male drummers, while women may have different roles in the musical or social context. In other regions, men and women may participate in drumming activities without significant gender-based restrictions.

Also, the drums themselves can be referred to as male and female drums as a result of the sound they produce. Some scholars believe that a drum’s distinguishing characteristic might be associated with its high or low pitches, but rather with its “bigness” and “littleness” of sound. “Bigness” referred to a loud and forceful timbre, while “littleness” referred to a soft and gentle timbre. Drums that produced a loud, penetrating sound were classified as male, while drums that produced a gentler sound were classified as female (Carrington, 1971).

The African Talking Drums have gained immense popularity and recognition worldwide due to their captivating effect. You will see the African Talking Drums in various musical performances, orchestras, and even in the Award-winning soundtrack of the movie Black Panther. Their unique sound and traditional significance have made them a sensation and a significant part of the global music scene.

Last series was about Black Hair and I hope this week’s #KNOWLEDGESHIFT on Talking Drums you have found intriguing and informative. See you in Week 3

Have your say and you could win £200! WhatUni reviews

We’re really excited to take part in this year’s WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA).

The WUSCAS are compiled from the reviews which students like you leave on WhatUni, and rank institutions according to the things that students really care about – student support, campus facilities, lecturers and teaching quality, and so on.

WhatUni is the UK’s largest source of independent, real, honest student reviews – reviews which have a number of benefits:

They give students like you a really important voice and platform to share your views
They help prospective students make crucial decisions on what and where to study
They allow us to find out what you really think, so we can make improvements to our offering.
They could win you a £200 voucher as part of the weekly draw for taking part.

We’d really love you to participate in the review collection and give University of Kent a review! It will only take a few minutes of your time.

Review Kent now

Campus Shuttle updates: increased capacity and journeys

Following student feedback, we are pleased to announce that we are increasing the capacity of the Campus Shuttle between Medway and Canterbury and adding some more journeys into the timetable.

The new timetable will come into effect on Monday 16 October and will be available on the Campus Shuttle webpages shortly.

Capacity

The 34-seater coach will be replaced by a 53-seater coach for some peak travel times:

07:35, 16:15 and 18:15 service from Canterbury and
09:00 and 17:15 service from Medway

New services

We are introducing new evening services to support social activities and Kent Union events on Wednesdays.

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:

21:30 service from Canterbury
22:00 service from Medway

Wednesday

21:30, 23:59 service from Canterbury
22:00, 01:00 service from Medway

About the Campus Shuttle

The Campus Shuttle is a free coach service between Canterbury and Medway, exclusive for University of Kent students and staff.

13 October update: Campus Shuttle bookings

The majority of existing Campus Shuttle bookings have been transferred over to the new timetable announced yesterday, but due to a technical issue some of the bookings have not. Please check your bookings list and if you’re missing a booking, you’ll need to rebook. We apologise for the inconvenience.

How to be an Active Bystander

Becoming an active bystander is a powerful way to contribute to the creation of safer and more inclusive spaces within the university community, you can do this through following the 5Ds of bystander intervention.

Distraction:

Distraction can be a powerful tool to defuse a tense situation or redirect its focus. By diverting attention away from the harasser and towards the victim, you can help create a safer space for the individual experiencing harassment.

For example:

Pretend you know the person being harassed and act excited to have “randomly” run into them.
Pretend to be lost and ask the person being harassed to give you directions.
Tell them they have an important call.
Tell them that you need to speak with them urgently.

“Accidentally” spill or drop something or cause a commotion to shift the attention away from the harassment.

Delegation:

Delegation involves seeking assistance from a third party to intervene in a harassment situation. This individual can be someone in a position of authority or anyone else who can provide help.

Here are some steps to effectively delegate:

Identify someone in a position of authority, and ask them to intervene.
Involve a friend who can offer support or use distraction techniques to communicate with the person being harassed while you seek help.

When delegating someone to help you, be clear in conveying what you are witnessing and how you would like them to assist.

In situations that require immediate attention, consider calling emergency services (e.g., 999). However, where possible consult with the person being targeted to ensure their comfort and safety before involving the police.

Delayed Action:

Sometimes, it may not be possible to intervene immediately due to various factors, such as personal safety concerns or the intensity of the situation. However, you can still make a difference by checking in on the person who has experienced harassment.

Here are some examples of how you can Delay:

After the situation has passed, approach the person who was targeted and ask if they are okay. Let them know that you witnessed what happened and acknowledge that it was not acceptable.
Inquire if there is any way you can offer support to them.
Offer to accompany them to their intended destination or sit with them for a while, providing a sense of security.
Inform them about available resources, such as reporting platforms like reportandsupport.kent.ac.uk. This platform allows them to document their experience and seek additional assistance if needed from the university.

Document:

Documentation involves either recording or taking notes on an instance of harassment. This can provide crucial evidence and support for the person who has been targeted. However, it is crucial to approach this step with care and respect for everyone involved.

Follow these guidelines when documenting an incident:

Assess the situation to determine if someone else is already providing assistance to the person being harassed. If not, consider using one of the previous steps first.
If it is safe to do so, you may choose to record the incident. However, always prioritise your safety and the safety of those involved.
Always obtain consent from the person who experienced harassment before sharing or posting any recordings. Respect their wishes and privacy.

Direct Action:

Direct action involves directly confronting the harasser and addressing the negative behaviour. While this approach requires careful consideration of your own safety and the situation, it can be impactful in challenging the harasser’s actions.

Firstly, before you decide to response, it is crucial to assess the situation by considering the following factors:

Ensure your own physical safety.
Assess whether the person being harassed is in a physically safe position.
Evaluate the likelihood of the situation escalating further.
Observe any indications or cues that suggest whether the person being harassed desires someone to speak up.

If you can ensure all of these factors, you might choose a direct response.

Here are the recommended steps for direct intervention:

One important aspect of direct intervention is to keep it brief and concise. It’s essential to resist the temptation to engage in dialogue, debate, or arguments, as these can potentially escalate the situation. If the person who is harassing responds to your direct intervention, shift your focus towards providing support to the person who has been harmed, rather than engaging further with the individual causing harm.

Summary

Embracing the role of an active bystander entails a dedication to fostering safer spaces and offering support to individuals who encounter harassment. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can play an essential role in promoting positive change and ensuring the well-being of those around you.

If you want to report an incident of sexual misconduct, discrimination, hate incidents, harassment, physical or verbal harm and/or abuse, bullying, stalking, domestic abuse, or spiking, you can do so anonymously or you can provide your name to access support on the Report + Support website.

Text adapted from Bystander Intervention Training (RightToBe.org).

Gender Affirmation Fund opens 16 Oct

At Kent we want all our students to be able to live, work and study to the fullest of their abilities, and we want to ensure that we are removing as many barriers to that success as possible.

We recognise that transgender, non-binary and gender-neutral individuals face additional mental health pressures that are directly related to their gender identity. Many of these additional stresses are directly caused by the potential misalignment between how an individual presents in terms of clothing and appearance, and their own identity. This stress can have a direct impact upon an individual’s ability to work, study and engage in their academic commitments. A significant barrier causing this misalignment is the cost of having to purchase additional items to reduce gender dysphoria.

As part of our commitment to supporting students with their mental health, we have created the Gender Affirmation Fund. This fund is available to students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be used to help support students with the costs of gender affirming items such as binders, clothing, packers, makeup, hair extensions, pouches, Stand To Pee devices, gendered religious headwear or clothing and minor cosmetic procedures such as ear piercing or for managing body hair to help individuals feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

Applications open at 9:00 on Monday 16 October and the fund is available to any student who identifies as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be accessed once in your academic career. The only eligibility criteria is that you must be a registered student enrolled on any University of Kent academic programme.

Students who benefitted from the fund in the past described it as ‘a great resource for trans and non-binary students who struggle with multiple challenges’, ‘easy and non-judgemental to use’, and ‘made them feel seen’.

Please note that the fund is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

Find out more about the fund and apply.

Coping with distressing events

You may be feeling disturbed by things in the news, or worried about the safety of loved ones. In difficult and distressing times, it’s important for us to support one another. Find out how to look after your wellbeing and where to go for support if you need it.

Understanding our feelings

It’s normal to have different reactions to a traumatic event. Some of us may have intense feelings, especially if we were close to the incident or have connections. It’s essential to acknowledge our emotions, and also to remember that recovery will come in time. But of course it’s okay to take time and seek support if needed.

We also appreciate the strength of feeling generated in both staff and students across the university by recent events. We strive to be an organisation where all individuals feel welcome and supported and take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination on campus. If you experience any discrimination, please use our Report + Support tool so that we can quickly connect you with appropriate support within the University.

Coping strategies – taking care of ourselves

Let’s check in with ourselves and others. How are you feeling right now? Wellbeing and Coping is a helpful resource for coping techniques. If you’re overwhelmed, try some quick 30-second strategies mentioned there.

Self-care is essential during challenging times. Prioritise spending time with friends and loved ones who bring you comfort. Stick to your routines, get enough sleep, eat healthily, and stay hydrated. Engage in physical activities and try to get outside, preferably in nature or a nearby park. Be mindful of your social media usage and avoid getting caught up in negative news. By taking care of ourselves, we can better support each other.

Communicating and Reaching Out

If you’re struggling, it’s okay if you don’t feel like talking about things right away. However, if you need someone to listen, know that there are people who care and are here for you. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or the Student Welfare team at Kent, who will advise you on how we can support you at this difficult time.

24/7 support services

For support at any time of day or night, check out the Emergency Support page with details on online and telephone support available for Kent students, including our support partners:

Spectrum Life can offer you online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals.
You can access free, 24/7 online mental health and wellbeing support via Togetherall.

You can also find out about local and remote organisations using the self-help resource list from Student Support and Wellbeing.

Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits.

Here are some things you can do to retain some balance:

Connect with friends and family members.
Go for a walk in the fresh air.
Listen to a podcast.
Listen to some soothing or inspiring music.
Write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
Go to the gym.
Grab a coffee with a friend.
Connecting with nature can be very soothing, there are some lovely walks on campus or along the river Stour.
Have you caught the bus to Whitstable yet, why not have a walk along the beach?
Try to have a regular sleep pattern.
Try to eat healthily which will help when you are feeling emotionally depleted.
Listen to some guided meditations as these can really help as a distraction from racing thoughts.

Highlighting acts of support

In times like these, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of how our community comes together. Let’s recognise the people who have helped and supported others.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza: Support for students

The recent shocking attacks in Israel and Gaza and the appalling loss of life in the region are of great concern to all of us. Our thoughts first and foremost are with our Israeli and Palestinian students and staff with family or direct ties to the area, along with all those affected by the escalating conflict.

As an independent University, we do not align ourselves with the policies or actions of any nation or state. However, we strongly condemn any acts of terrorism or hatred of any kind and join with voices across the globe united in a desire for lasting peace. We are making contact with students and partner institutions with links to the region to make them aware of resources and support on offer to them.

Advice and Support

If you are worried about the ongoing situation in the Middle East then please get in touch with our Student Welfare teams who will advise you on how we can support you at this difficult time. You can also check out our blogpost on coping with distressing events, which outlines support for Kent students, and some advice on ways to manage the intense feelings which can come with hearing about traumatic events.

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running support sessions for students 13:00-14:00 on 16 October, 23 October and 30 October. These are drop-in sessions taking place upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

The UK Foreign Office also has advice on what to do if you have friends or family who are travelling to the region at the moment, along with guidance on who to contact if you need advice or support overseas.

Events roundup: 9-15 October

Our two-week Employability Festival, EmpFest, begins this week! Look out for a ton of events including workshops and guest speakers with industry experts.

Don’t forget to enrol or re-register by Monday 16 October! It’s important that you enrol (new students) or re-register (returning students) by 10:00 on 16 October. This is to let us know you will definitely be studying with us this academic year.

Monday 9 October: EmpFest events

There’s plenty of employability related events on Monday including an online session on how to ace psychometric tests, how the Employability Points Scheme works and an in-person introduction to the Global Skills Award for PGT students.

Tuesday 10 October: World Mental Health Day and STAR Network bake sale

Tuesday is World Mental Health Day, a day that aims to help open up conversations around mental health and highlight ways we can improve our wellbeing. At Canterbury, you can pick up a free house plant outside the library (first come first served), meet two adorable therapy dogs, pick up some fiction at the book swap and listen to a free lunchtime calming piano concert.

At Medway, head to the Oasis Lounge in Rochester Building between 10:00-13:00 for the Medway Services for Students Showcase. At the showcase you will find free refreshments and representatives from Student Support and Wellbeing, as well as many other support teams and services. There’s also a Global Hangout event in Rochester Building where you can meet new friends and take part in creative activities. A therapy dog will also be in the Hub from 12:00-14:00 for cuddles! See all World Mental Health Day activities.

The Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Network are holding a bake sale on Tuesday at 13:00 on the Plaza outside Coop. Find out about the work they are doing and how you can get involved.

Wednesday 11 October: Services for Students Showcase, Inspirational Speaker (Medway) and Business Start-up Journey launch

Join us in Darwin Conference suite on Wednesday at any point between 11:00-15:00 for the Canterbury Services for Students Showcase to find out how you can make the most of all the fantastic services available to you, including Student Support and Wellbeing, Kent Sport, the Gulbenkian and many more. There will also be free refreshments provided.

At Medway, as part of Black History Month, you can listen to this inspirational speaker event hosted by the African Caribbean Society (ACS) with writer and poet Nubia Writer and rapper and storyteller Alim Kamara. They will be discussing themes in black identity, womanhood and diaspora.

Are you considering starting your own business? Join ASPIRE for the launch of this year’s Business Start-Up Journey to find out about the programme and hear from five amazing business founders and their start-up stories. Buffet lunch provided.

Thursday 12 October: Free headshots and find out about Year In Programmes

Do you need a professional headshot for LinkedIn? Photographer Matt Cook is offering free headshots in Keynes on Thursday 10:00-16:00 (drop-in session).

Are you interested in adding a year in a subject to your degree? The Year In programme includes a Year In Computing, Data Analytics, a Language, TV and Broadcasting, and Management. Find out more about the Year In programme at this online session.

Friday 13 October: Study or work abroad and volunteering at Kent Community Oasis Garden

Learn about exciting opportunities to study/work abroad during your degree, whether for an academic year or over the summer. Going abroad is a great way to develop new skills and enhance your CV.

Get outside and volunteer at the Kent Community Oasis Garden (near Park Wood). You don’t need to be an expert and you can come along for as little or as a long as you like.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Apply now for the Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme, deadline is 9:00 on Wednesday 11 October.
Register with Santander’s Scholarship programme and you could win £1,000. 10 Kent students will win £1,000 for simply registering online with Santander’s Scholarship programme.

See more student opportunities.

Enhance Your Academic Skills with Upcoming Workshops

Are you looking to improve your academic skills and make your studying life easier and more productive? Maybe you’re curious about using Assistive Technology apps to study smarter but not sure which to try or how to go about it…

Student Support and Wellbeing, in partnership with SLAS (Student Learning Advisory Service) are offering a series of informative and engaging workshops to help you achieve just that. From time management and wellbeing to creative note-taking and mind mapping for assignments, these workshops are designed to empower you with the tools and techniques you need to succeed. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events to upskill you this term, all taking place between 2-3pm on the Canterbury campus:

1. Time Management and Wellbeing on 18 Oct

2-3pm in Keynes Seminar Room 6

Are you struggling to balance your academic commitments and personal life? Join us on October 18th for a workshop on Time Management and Wellbeing. In this session, you’ll learn effective strategies to manage your time efficiently while maintaining your overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your productivity and reduce stress.

2. Creative Note-taking on 8 Nov

2-3pm in Keynes Seminar Room 6

Taking notes is a crucial part of the learning process, but traditional note-taking methods may not work for everyone. On November 1st, attend our Creative Note-taking workshop to discover innovative techniques and assistive software skills that will make your note-taking more engaging and effective. This workshop will help you capture information in a way that suits your learning style.

3. Mind Maps for assignments on 29 Nov

Are you tired of writing lengthy outlines for your assignments? Join us on November 29th for the Mind Maps for Assignments workshop. Learn how to create visually appealing and organized mind maps that can serve as a powerful tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and improving your assignment planning process. This workshop will help you take your assignments to the next level.

To register for these workshops and secure your free place, click on the provided link above, and you’ll be emailed a confirmation of your place and the workshop location. If you have any access needs, or questions about the workshops, get in touch with us at DigitalAccess@kent.ac.uk.

Look out for more on accessible information and assistive technology on Instagram @UniKentSSW, #InclusiveKent.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your academic skills and succeed in your studies. We look forward to seeing you there!