From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Along with preparations for the Summer exam term and wider KentSummer activity, much of our focus is now turning to what our teaching and student experience offer will be in Autumn 2021. After so much disruption, having an attractive offer for both new and returning students that makes them feel welcome and supported is absolutely critical and, with that in mind, we have worked with staff and our Students’ Unions on a number of key principles in planning for next year. 

Our approach 

We have all had to learn and adapt so much throughout the pandemic and, while our plans are still dependent on the Government’s roadmap for coming out of lockdown, we want to open up again in the right way, while unapologetically keeping the best of what we have done differently where we know it can be of real benefit to students. Our intention is that in Autumn 2021: 

• Our campuses will be open, with student residencies occupied at normal levels and our bars, cafes and arts venues ready to be brought back to life in line with any remaining social distancing measures 
• Face-to-face teaching will be offered where we know it makes a real difference, such as seminars, lab classes or studio sessions 
• Lectures will remain online to enable as much space as possible to be available for in-person teaching 
• Remote study options will be available for the whole of the year in recognition of the diversity of our student body and the likely continued difficulties with international travel 

• Support will be in place throughout to make sure staff get continued training and that we are with our students every step of the way as they re-adapt to University life 

The last year has highlighted the breadth of quality in our teaching more than ever, with new approaches to delivery that reflect the different ways students want to learn and interact with us. This approach is intended to keep the best of this as things open up more next academic year and we work with our students to build a better future together. 

Find out more 

I appreciate this impacts on so many areas of your work, and many of you will have further questions as we all look ahead to next year. We are currently putting together more detailed information pages on this for both staff and students which will be shared as soon as possible. Alongside this, I will be hosting a staff webchat from 12.00 – 13.00 on Thursday 6 May on our plans and encourage those that can to join me then to discuss the proposals in full.