Make a difference! Join our Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel

 Are you passionate about equality of opportunity in higher education? Do you want to ensure that the student voice is at the heart of decisions shaping your university experience? Then the Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel (WPSAP) is the opportunity for you #YourUniYourSay

Applications to become a Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel member open on Monday 29 September and close on Thursday 9 October – don’t miss your chance to apply! Interviews will take place the week commencing 13 October. 

Who can apply? 

Any current student can apply (UG or PG). We are particularly keen to have representation from students who identify with one of the following characteristics:  

  • Mature students (aged 21 or over on starting a current undergraduate degree) 
  • Students from a global majority background (Black, Asian & minority ethnic) 
  • Students currently studying at the Medway campus 
  • Students that are male 
  • Students who are the first in their family to go to university (not including siblings) 
  • Students who are young carers 
  • Students studying without the support of their family 
  • Care leavers or care experienced students 
  • Students who are unaccompanied asylum seekers or refugees 
  • Students from the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater communities 
  • Students who are part of a military family 
  • Students in receipt of the Kent Financial Support Package  
  • Students from POLAR or TUNDRA Quintiles 1 or 2 (check your postcode). 

What to expect? 

We will invite successful applicants for a short, informal, interview on the week commencing 13 October. 

Successful candidates will then be invited to attend a training session on the  21 October. The training session will be recorded, so don’t worry if you cannot make it! 

 The WPSAP will meet at least once per term. Meetings are held on the Canterbury Campus (with the option of attending virtually if required) and usually last 2 hours.

2025/26 WPSAP meetings: 

  • 28 October 10:00 – 12:00 
  • 20 Jan 10:00 – 12:00  
  • 28 April 10:00 – 12:00  

Students are remunerated for their time by way of a £10 gift voucher for every hour of attendance at meetings and are eligible for 20 Employability Points throughout the academic year for their involvement on the WPSAP.

Why Apply? 

This is your chance to make a real difference to the student experience at Kent while building skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. For further information and to apply, please visit: Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel – Schools and Colleges – University of Kent