Monthly Archives: February 2025

Kent and KSU banners at Canterbury Pride event

Events roundup: 3-9 February

Find out what’s on this week including LGBT+ History Month events, a silent disco and assignment support drop ins.

It’s also Race Equality Week, an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.

Monday 3 February: Taylor Swift PG Talk and making applications (Medway)

The next PG Talk is on the topic of ‘Look what you made me do: Tayor Swift and 21st Century Feminist Practice’, and will be given by Dr Clare Hurley, based on her book chapter ‘The Literary Taylor Swift’ and her student-led conference. The talk is open to all PG students.

Making applications to graduate schemes, job roles or postgraduate study? Come to this in-person session in Medway to discover how to create and submit engaging and targeted applications.

Tuesday 4 February: Pets as therapy (Medway), LGBT+ movie night and improving your work using tutor feedback

At The Hub in Medway, you can spend time with a Pets as Therapy dog to help you relax.

To celebrate LGBT+ History Month, join the ResLife Ambassadors for an LGBTQ+ themed movie night to watch ‘Everyone’s Talking about Jamie’.

Learn how to improve your work using tutor feedback at this Skills for Academic Success online workshop, helping you go from ‘Needs improvement’ to ‘Nailed it’.

Wednesday 5 February: Monthly seed sow, assignment drop-in service and a silent disco

Come down to Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) near Park Wood and help get the garden growing by joining our monthly seed sow activity. Plant this month’s vegetable and flower seeds in seed trays and compost to grow in the polytunnels on site.

Ever had a nagging feeling that there is something not quite right about your assignment? The Skills for Academic Success team will be available for an assignment drop-in service in the Templeman Library this term on most Wednesdays until the Easter vacation.

On Wednesday evening, if you live in on-campus accommodation, you’re invited to join the Silent Disco in Eliot College. Choose from three playlists so there’s something for everyone. Plus, the first 150 students through the door (students in accommodation only) will get a free burger! There’s also snacks, and if dancing isn’t your thing, you can just listen to the music and enjoy some Valentine’s crafts instead.

Thursday 6 February: Assignment drop-in appointments (Medway), working in fraud investigation and growth mindset workshop

The Medway Skills for Academic Success Team will be on hand for drop-in appointments – no booking is required. Drop-ins are for quick queries; for example, checking referencing or a brief appraisal of the structure/coherence of an assignment.

Interested in a career in Fraud Investigation? Are you inquisitive, open-minded and objective, with strong IT and analytical skills, and a keen eye for detail? On Thursday afternoon you can join a talk by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about different careers in fraud investigation.

Join this online Study Plus workshop to find out all about what a growth mindset is and how it can affect you in life and in work.

Friday 7 February: PGR yoga and writing retreat and LGBTQ+ friendly social

PGR students are invited to join a yoga and writing retreat on campus. The workshop consists of guided yoga sessions mixed with opportunities for you to get on with your writing.

Our ResLife Ambassadors May and Victory are hosting an LGBTQ+ friendly social. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in our safe space in Templeman Library. We will have hot drinks, biscuits, board games and colouring or have go at Super Mario Kart.

See more student events.

Opportunities

See all student opportunities.

Student sat on steps smiling holding phone

Free 5 week online mindfulness course

Are you busy living, working or studying? Do you need to take a moment to rest and recharge?

Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, Economics Lecture and Wellbeing Coordinator, is running the popular 5-week mindfulness course again this year.

There are many benefits associated with mindfulness including:

  • Reducing stress, anxiety and depression
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Improved job performance
  • Improved emotional and social skills

The course will start on Wednesday 26 February and will then run every Wednesday in March on Zoom, 15:00-16:30.  It is open to all students.

You will receive 15 employability points and a certificate after completing the course.

To register, email Adelina A.Gschwandtner@kent.ac.uk

students walking on campus

Race Equality Week (3–9 February)

Race Equality Week, (3- 9 February), offers Kent an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.

Progress to Date
Kent has made significant strides in its race equality journey, with key initiatives and milestones marking our ongoing commitment. Notable achievements included the launch of our Challenging Racism Strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing and dismantling systemic racism within the university and a precursor to our work on the Race Equality Charter. Additionally, Kent’s recent attainment of the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award in October 2024 is a significant recognition of our efforts and a testament to the dedication of our staff and students in this area.

Role of the BAME Staff Network
The BAME Staff Network has played a crucial role in shaping Kent’s race equality efforts. Through its leadership, the Network has consistently challenged the institution to improve its support for racially minoritised staff. Their advocacy and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that race equality remains a top priority within Kent’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project
Equally important has been the Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project, which has amplified the voices of racially minoritised students across the university. This project has provided a vital platform for students to share their experiences, ensuring that their concerns are heard and acted upon. The insights garnered from this initiative have helped inform the development of policies and practices that better support students from racially minoritised backgrounds.

The 2025–2030 EDI Strategy Consultation
Kent is currently consulting with staff and students on its 2025–2030 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. This ongoing consultation is crucial in shaping the university’s long-term approach to race equality. By embedding race equality into the core of our EDI work, Kent is establishing a sustainable framework for continuous improvement, ensuring that progress is not just made but built upon year after year.

Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group
In alignment with the REC Action Plan, Kent will convene its Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group for its inaugural meeting on 7 February. This group will oversee and scrutinise the implementation of the REC Action Plan, holding the institution accountable and driving forward the race equality agenda. Through this group, we aim to ensure that our commitments are not only fulfilled but continually advanced in a meaningful and impactful way.

Race Equality Week is an opportunity to reflect on the work done and the work still to be done. Kent remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, and the initiatives outlined above are just some of the steps we are taking on our journey towards full race equality. As we continue to build on this progress, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the voices of racially minoritised staff and students are heard, valued, and acted upon.