We are currently seeing an increase in phishing attempts targeting Kent staff and student email accounts.

If you see high levels of spam in your inbox, please do not open or respond to them. Report as Phishing using the “Report” button in the Outlook toolbar, or you can just delete them.

Do not respond to Teams calls from someone claiming to be from IT Support offering to help with this spam. Before accepting any offer of assistance, please contact IT and Library Support using the details below to verify the caller is actually from IS.

If you have already experienced this and been contacted via Teams to install something, please let us know as soon as possible. We operate a “no blame” culture and you will not be in trouble, we just need to verify that your account and our systems are still secure.

What we’re doing to prevent attacks

Information Services are already taking active measures to reduce the impact, but your assistance is essential to help keep your data and our services and systems safe.

Thank you

IT and Library Support
Information Services, University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ

• Nexus Self Service
• helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
• Tel: 01227 82 4888

As Accessibility Network Chair, Gabby has learned to advocate for herself and others, helping change policy to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus. Hear from Accessibility Advocate Gabby:

“My name is Gabriella Rolls, I’m 20, my pronouns are she/her and I’m in my 3^rd and final year of a BA in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. I am a full-time electric wheelchair user and live on campus with the support of PAs. When I’m not zooming to class or busy studying, you can usually find me in the Gulbenkian watching comedy or performing my own “sit down comedy”, or in the library café enjoying a coffee with friends. Outside of university, I love playing board games, watching TV, playing the disability sport boccia or hanging out with my 8 year old pug, Pixie, who is the love of my life!”

Tell us about your work on issues for students with disabilities, including your work for the Accessibility Network.

“Having been born with my disability, cerebral palsy, and later developing both scoliosis and generalised anxiety disorder, I have always known what it was like to face disability related challenges. However, it wasn’t until I was the only wheelchair user at my secondary school that I began to see the importance of advocating for my needs and improving access where I could.

This passion, and my confidence in advocacy only grew at university where I became more independent, but also joined the Accessibility Network. When I joined in 2023, I was a team member, and helped to run events and assist with campaigns, including developing a policy that was then passed in Kent Union Parliament to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus (this is now being put in place so watch this space!). I loved the role and the impact it had, both empowering me and fellow students, so when it was time to elect the committee for 24/25, it was a no brainer for me to run for Network Chair. I’m delighted to say I was elected, and I now have the pleasure of representing disabled students on campus and their concerns, both through the Network’s campaigns and through advocacy at Kent Union Parliament.

This term, my goals have been to roll out the accessibility monitoring policy, improve the way access needs are integrated by timetabling and improve the food options on campus to be both healthier and appropriate for those with dietary needs, as well as delivering a Disability History Month to remember! However, the best part of my role is listening to the concerns and ideas of those I represent and those of my committee members, who I wouldn’t be able to work without! This role has been so fulfilling that I am now looking to move into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sector when I graduate.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“The advice I would give to other students is to allow yourself to take up space and use your voice. You have a right to advocate for yourself and have a say when things can be improved, this is not an inconvenience and you are not a burden on others, nor should we stay silent through gratitude for prior improvements. Often, people are more than willing to help and want things to actively be better for others, but just need a bit of a steer of how to do this! It’s scary at first but self-advocacy is the most important and empowering skill you can learn. If you aren’t quite there yet though, remember that the network is here for you and we will amplify your voice, concerns and ideas.”

What are your plans for the next year?

“Over the next year, when not writing my dissertation (which is on the impact religion has on how disabled people view their disabilities!), I will continue to use the network as a platform for change, finishing the campaigns we have started this term and developing new ideas to make campus an even better place to be for disabled students. Overall though, my plans for next year will depend on the ideas and concerns my fellow students bring up, so please do get in touch with the network via our email accessibilitynetwork@ksu.co.uk or Instagram @ukcaccessibilitynetwork – the level of trust the disabled community here at Kent puts in me is an honour and a privilege.”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Kent took home the “Benefitting Society” Award at the Green Gown Awards last night in recognition of our work as the world’s first Right to Food University.

The Right to Food civic mission sees Kent, in partnership with the Food Foundation, use our academic experts, catering and sustainability teams to bring about change in the food system as well as working with our students, staff and wider local community to tackle food inequality and insecurity.

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise outstanding and exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken in the post-16 education sector across the UK and Ireland – with 133 projects from 83 institutions shortlisted this year. This award recognises the powerful and innovative ways that education institutions are realising their purpose in society to benefit the lives of individuals, communities and wider society.

Singling out Kent in this category, the judges said that the Right to Food is: ‘A very well thought out and planned programme, addressing a critical societal issue at present. The judges felt that this stood out as being innovative and having a significant benefit to society. Right to Food standard has developed as a blueprint for other universities. Students can benefit in a variety of ways by engaging on the project. This is something we could all do and should all be doing.’

As well as leading the way, we will support other universities in their commitment to the Right to Food by sharing the knowledge and expertise gained and rolling out a blueprint so that other institutions can embark on their own Right to Food journey.

On winning the award, Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President said: ‘We are extremely proud to win this award and excited that our Right to Food project has been recognised in this way. The University of Kent works as a community, collaborating with partners for positive change and our mission on Right to Food is integral to our ethos, woven through pedagogy and civic work. This award will accelerate the impact on the creation of healthier, more environmentally sustainable, and democratically accountable societies.’

Professor Iain Wilkinson, Right to Food Lead, said: ‘The Right to Food work at Kent is key in supporting our role in ensuring the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the county and the region, as well as wider society. It challenges and inspires us to create a world where everyone has the right to healthy and affordable food. This award recognises what we have done so far and helps pave the way for the next steps.’

As well as leading the way, we will support other universities in their commitment to the Right to Food by sharing the knowledge and expertise gained and rolling out a blueprint so that other institutions can embark on their own Right to Food journey.

Find out more about what the Right to Food is, what we’ve achieved so far and how you can get involved. 

Find out what’s on this week including careers events, the start of Disability History Month and an opportunity to ask your questions to the Vice-Chancellor. 

Monday 11 November: Time management essentials and games afternoon (Medway) 

Feeling disorganised? Join this online Study Plus workshop on time management essentials. Learn how to identify and prioritise your most important tasks, time management techniques and more.  

At Medway campus there’s a games afternoon you can join at The Hub.  

Tuesday 12 November: Careers events, fresh fruit giveaway and negotiation skills for PGT students 

Good negotiation skills are important in both your work life and home life. PGT students are invited to join this two-hour workshop where you can explore effective negotiation techniques and theory through a series of practical exercises.  

As part of the University’s Right to Food initiative, on Tuesday you can pick up some fresh fruit for free from Templeman Library! And while you’re there you can check out the new Right to Food exhibition which sheds a light on key issues related to food justice, health and sustainability.

Find out more about our mentoring scheme which connects you with a Career Mentor from our global alumni community. Learn about the benefits of mentoring, choosing the right mentor and making the most out of the mentoring relationship.  

At Medway campus you can join a session about utilising LinkedIn for the application process, including job searching, commercial awareness and interview preparation.  

Wednesday 13 November: Advanced essay writing skills, free lunchtime concert and Vice-Chancellor’s Question Time 

Improve your essay writing skills with an advanced essay writing skills workshop from the Skills for Academic Success Team. This workshop will include techniques to help you make the effective transition from beginner to advance essay writer. The workshop is taking place at both Canterbury and Medway campuses.  

Enjoy a free lunchtime concert from Cellist William Jack in the Colyer-Fergusson on Wednesday. William is best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, with a passion for breaking boundaries between genres and cultures. 

Do you have a question for the Vice-Chancellor? This is your opportunity to put questions to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Georgina Randlsey de Moura in the Gulbenkian Cinema. Your Kent Students’ Union president Lulu Collins will ask your questions. You can submit a question in advance.  

Thursday 14 November: Help with CVs and cover letters (Medway), Employability Points and comedy open mic night (Medway) 

Get help with CVs and cover letters at this session in Medway. Critique an example CV and cover letter and reflect on your individual next steps for updating your CV and cover letter.  

Come and meet your EP team who will explain what the Employability Points scheme is and how it benefits you during your studies at Kent. Find out more about how the scheme works, claiming Employability Points and when you will be able to apply for rewards.  

On Thursday evening at The Deep End you can join the LGBTQ+ Society and Debate Society for comedy open mic night!  

Friday 15 November: confidence for speaking and presenting, writing a PG personal statement and creative ResLife events 

For many people speaking in meetings, in public and in 1:1s can be one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of work. But it’s also one of the most necessary. This building confidence for speaking and presenting in the workplace online session gets the attendees talking, with practical exercises and tips on how to structure how to speak to build teams and get things done. 

If you are considering postgrad study, join this online session about how to write a postgraduate personal statement. Explore differences between a PG and UG application, look at examples of application requirements and find out top tips for how to structure your personal statement.  

If you live on campus and want to get creative, try one of the ResLife events including friendship bracelet making, a nail tech night or a calligraphy session.   

See all student events. 

Opportunities and reminders 

• International students – have you got your eVisa yet? Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are due to expire at the end of 2024.  
• 10 Kent students will win £1,000 each with the Brighter Futures Grants from Santander. You don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved.  
• ASPIRE has secured free stalls at Discovery Park Christmas Market. If you have a product that would make the perfect gift, get in touch and book a stall.  
• Have your say on Kent Students’ Union with the opportunity to win amazing prizes by completing their survey. The survey closes at 10:00 on Friday 15 November 2024. 

See all student opportunities.