Monthly Archives: October 2023

#KNOWLEDGESHIFT

Blog by Dr Yetunde Kolajo

Welcome to Week 1 of BHM 2023!

I firmly believe in the value of continuous learning. As Albert Einstein once said, when you cease to learn, you cease to grow – I say “When you stop learning, you cease to exist.” This timeless message remains relevant today, as a lack of ongoing education can inhibit personal growth and progress. It is important that our society does not become devoid of understanding. Without ongoing learning, one’s potential for improvement and development is limited, particularly within the realm of higher education. I find Robert Kiyosaki’s emphasis on the importance of fully experiencing life rather than simply existing to be especially poignant. In order to truly live life to its fullest potential, it is essential to keep learning and growing. For higher education students and institutions alike, it is crucial to continually engage in the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and skills. Embracing a continuous growth mindset is imperative for change and success.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACTS:

  • Black History Month was first proposed in 1915, 50 years after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished US slavery
  • In America, the month is celebrated in February.
  • Black History Month was created to improve the public’s study of African-American history
  • In 1976, the celebration was extended from a week to a month. v The UK started celebrating Black History Month in October 1987. (source: champions)

Hair holds significant cultural value in African communities, particularly for black girls and women. It is a defining aspect of their identity and a powerful symbol of beauty and pride. BHM 2023 is an opportune moment for our community to delve deeper into the unique and exquisite qualities of Beautiful Black Curly Kinky Hair.

According to Selkridge-Carty ‘s 2021 blog post, the elimination of European beauty standards for black women and girls would effectively end the fashion oppression of black hair.

As we celebrate 2023 Black History Month, we have a unique opportunity to expand our collective knowledge and understanding of this important event. Recently, I watched a thought-provoking TED Talk by Mena Fombo from the ‘No. You cannot touch my hair!’ campaign.

This campaign is a great example and can provide valuable insights into this year’s Black History Month theme, which is focused on recognising and honoring the significant contributions of Black women and girls to various movements throughout history – The theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’.

Let’s support and embrace the #WEMATTER movement for BHM 2023 by focusing on increasing awareness and knowledge.

Check out this 14-minute video celebrating Black Women and Girls

#KNOWLEDGESHIFT

Group of students holding their GOLD programme certificates

Apply now to become a Global Officer (closed)

Apply for the GOLD Programme. Applications are now open!

Are you looking to add value to your degree, develop your leadership skills and gain practical experience that stands out to future global employers? Look no further than the Global Officers’ Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme!

Join other like-minded students to make a positive impact on campus and enhance your global skills. As a Global Officer, you’ll work closely with the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning and other university staff to organize, develop and support globally-minded activities throughout the year.

But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what previous Global Officers have to say about their experience:

“The GOLD Programme was one of the best things that happened to me at University. I can only encourage participation in this splendid and unique opportunity! Personally, I would have never forgiven myself for missing out on it had I known about it and not applied!”

What does the course involve?

The course is made up of five compulsory components.

Component 1: Getting started

  • Identify your skillset and set your goals for the year
  • Attend a welcome session to learn about cultural intelligence (CQ) and build your intercultural awareness
  • Participate in a spring-term Curriculum Internationalisation workshop

Component 2: Training workshops

Choose and attend a minimum of two out of five workshops covering intercultural awareness, sustainability, internationalisation, leadership in a global context, and event management.

Component 3: Internationalized student engagement

Engage in various projects and activities on campus, such as marketing and promotion projects, student media campaigns, campus tours and focus groups.

Component 4: Project and event planning

Collaborate with a team of Global Officers to plan and deliver regular events and activities based on your personal goals and interests, such as Global Hangouts, WorldFest events and Sustainability Forums.

Component 5: Reflection and Employability Skills Assessment

Reflect on your progress and set future goals during an interactive group session.

“Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.”

Benefits of the GOLD Programme

By participating in the GOLD Programme, you’ll earn Employability Points, receive a certificate of recognition, obtain a personal reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning, gain practical event management and leadership experience, and expand your network with like-minded individuals.

PLUS, you can record your international skills development in the Kent Global Passport!

“The GOLD Programme was a highlight of my time at Kent. The team leading the programme listened to all of our ideas and supported us throughout the year. I developed many transferable skills, gave back to the student community, and made many new friends.”

Information sessions

You’re welcome to join us at one of our information session to find out more and ask any questions:

Canterbury Campus

  • Wednesday 4 October 16:00-17:30 in Sibson LT2
  • Wednesday 11 October 14:00-15:30 in Sibson LT2

Medway Campus

  • Tuesday 10 October 13:30-14:30, in Medway Building Room 1-22  (following the Medway Services for Student Showcase).

How do I apply?

If you are a committed, enthusiastic, reliable, organised and professional undergraduate interested in developing your global skills, head to the GOLD website and fill out the online application form.

Why not apply today? Applications are open from now until 9:00 on 11 October 2023.

Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.

Don’t miss out on this unique chance to become a global leader! Apply now and start your GOLD journey today!

GOLD Programme logo

cartoon traffic lights: green = go for it; yellow = check; red = no is no

Consent. Get It. Full Stop – Our sex-positive campaign at Kent

Consent. Get It. Full Stop. is our sex-positive campaign to cultivate and strengthen a culture of consent in our community of staff and students. Everyone should be able to explore their sexuality with confidence, and we know that consent is key and necessary for all sexual activity. Getting consent might at first seem tricky so, we have created a consent webpage where you can learn about what consent is and read some tips on how to ensure you have it, and how you can give it clearly to your partner(s). 

You can also watch this 3 minute YouTube video to learn more about #ConsentGetIt. 

What if I’ve had an experience where consent wasn’t given? 

If you have experienced sexual assault or harassment, expert support is available here at Kent. We have separate links available for students and staff: 

Additionally you can use our online reporting tool, Report + Support, to report an incident to the University. Further guidance on what to expect when reporting, including a 3 minute video, is available on our Report + Support webpage.

Follow #ConsentGetIt on Instagram to stay up-to-date on progress and initiatives!

 

ARtwork by Abolore - women in colourful headwraps

Celebrating Black History Month

Every October, Black History Month is celebrated across the world, to explore the rich culture, origins, histories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities and their diaspora.

This year the theme is Saluting Our Sisters, and we have a range of events at our Canterbury and Medway campuses including exhibitions, inspirational speakers, film nights and crafts.

What’s on this month

Together with Kent Union, we’ve got lots planned including:

See all Black History Month events.

Colourful artwork by Abolore Sobayo

Ẹwà: Beauty Exhibition in Keynes, Oct – Dec

Nigerian born artist Abolore Sobayo explores the beauty of sisterhood among Yoruba women through their culture of helping each other. Join the launch event on 4 October.

Living Black at Kent booklet front cover

Living Black at Kent booklet for our Black community

With recommendations from our Black students and staff, the booklet highlights local services and businesses to help our Black students find their feet here at Kent. See Living Black at Kent booklet.

Three students sat laughing together on steps in Westgate Gardens

Events roundup: 2-8 October

We hope you’re starting to settle or settle back into university life as we get into the Autumn Term.

Black History Month has begun, so look out for lots of events throughout the month including exhibitions, inspirational speakers, film nights and crafts!

Monday 2 October: Making the most of your lectures and seminars and decorating notebooks

Find out how to get the most of your lectures (Canterbury) including how to prepare and note taking. This session is taking place in person, or online on request. This is followed by a workshop aiming to help you make the most of seminars so you can perform at your best.

Channel your artistic flair and decorate your academic notebooks and folders in the Venue.

Tuesday 3 October: Making the most of your lectures and seminars (Medway) and how to get a Grad Scheme

Confused about Graduate Schemes? Join this online session all about Grad Schemes to find out what they are and tips on how you can get one.

Find out how to get the most of your lectures (Medway) including how to prepare and note taking. This session is taking place in person, or online on request. This is followed by a workshop aiming to help you make the most of seminars so you can perform at your best.

Wednesday 4 October: Black History Month launch event, Kent Police drop-in clinic (Medway), Study Abroad info session and GOLD programme taster

On Wednesday Kent Police are holding a drop-in clinic at the Drill Hall Library. It’s an opportunity to speak to your local police to ask any questions you may have.

Are you a globally minded undergraduate at Kent? This Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme taster session will explain the benefits of the programme, activities you might take part in, and details of how to apply.

If you’re a stage 2 student and your course includes a Year Abroad or you are interested in adding one, please come along to an information session with the Study Abroad Team.

Join us for our Black History Month launch event on Wednesday evening – the grand opening of the Ẹwà: Beauty exhibition by Nigerian born, Lagos and Rochester based artist Abolore Sobayo. Ẹwà explores the beauty of sisterhood among the Yoruba women through their culture of helping each other. The launch features a talk from the artist, a drinks and nibbles reception with Nigerian food and head wrap demonstrations. The free exhibition is taking place in Keynes and will be open from October – December.

Thursday 5 October: Relaxation sessions (Medway) and what skills employers are looking for

Enjoy a relaxation session in the Hub, Medway, with either a 15-minute massage or a gel manicure.

Find out what skills employers are looking for and how you can develop them while at uni. This session from our Career and Employability Team will be delivered in Keynes, Canterbury, and online.

Friday 6 October: Canterbury Cathedral trip and Black History Month film showing (Medway)

Kent Union are running a free trip to Canterbury Cathedral. You will walk as a group down to town and explore the cathedral’s intricate architecture. Just remember your KentOne card as Kent students get free entry to the Cathedral!

On Friday evening you can watch a film as part of Black History Month celebrations in the Mezzanine at The Hub, Medway.

See more student events.

Student opportunities

See more student opportunities.