Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Industrial action strike days: how to prepare

Upcoming industrial action

Despite constructive and continued negotiations throughout today, some staff who are University and College Union (UCU) members will be going on strike next week from Monday 24 March until Friday 28 March.

This will lead to some classes being cancelled, although not all staff are UCU members so the impact will be different in different areas. We are sorry if this affects you and we will do all we can to minimise the impact on your studies.

We have put some key links and info below to help you prepare – keep an eye on your inbox for any further updates on what this may mean in your area.

Online Module Registration will open as usual on 24 March and exam timetables will also be shared next week as planned.

What to expect on strike days

Some of your classes may be cancelled; union members don’t have to tell us if they are taking strike action so we won’t always know in advance.
If your teaching session is cancelled because of strike action, it will have no impact on your attendance record. Sessions where no attendance is recorded are not included in your overall attendance percentage.
You might see UCU members picketing on campus; these are peaceful protests which will be stewarded by the Union.
Other services may be affected but we’ll work to make sure all essential support services are running as usual. Our libraries and catering outlets will also be open as usual.

How to prepare for strike days

The impact of industrial action can be hard to predict and is likely to be different in different areas. It’s best to plan ahead as far as you can and get in touch if you’re not sure about anything:

Talk to your lecturer – to find out if they are taking part in strike days. Not all staff will be on strike and many classes will go ahead as scheduled so it is best to ask in advance so you can plan around it.
Keep receipts – if you arrive at a lecture or seminar to find it has been cancelled, keep a record of the direct costs you incurred so we can reimburse you.
Still submit work – if you have a deadline on a strike day. You still need to submit work unless advised differently by your School or lecturer.
Meet with your lecturer after strikes – for support and advice on how to catch up with missed work.
Ask for help if you need it – see our support webpage for who to contact if you have questions or concerns about industrial action.

How to prepare for a strike day.

KSU’s SpeakUp! tool: Use KSU’s academic reporting tool ‘SpeakUp!’ to record any missed teaching and to let us know if you have incurred any direct costs as a result of this.

Free Destination Success Bootcamp, 16-18 May

Destination Success Bootcamp is is a 3-day intensive training programme with the purpose of helping you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities. This programme is suitable to those across all years, including recent graduates.

This programme will be delivered face to face on the Canterbury Campus:

Friday 16 May,12:00-16:00
Saturday 17 May, 10:00-16:00
Sunday 18 May, 10:00-16:00

The programme will focus on:

Understanding you – This module aids self-reflection so you can better understand how you work, this will include completing a personality profile, exploring your personal values, your strengths and development areas, imposter syndrome and the power of positivity, finishing with looking at what you want to get out of life.

Navigating you – This module with focus on how to nurture and build good relationships, focusing on team dynamics, exploring learning styles and rules of teamwork, having challenging conversations and how to communicate in the workplace.

Universal Life Hacks – This final module will give you a toolbox of ideas to hit the ground running, including decision making, planning, prioritising and delegating, mapping your skills and looking at whether you would employ yourself.

Find out more information including the joining instructions and to book your place.

If you have any queries, please email studyplus@kent.ac.uk

New portal for printing dissertations, leaflets and more

We are pleased to announce that we have a new printing portal. If you want to get materials printed such as a dissertation or thesis, leaflets or bound documents, you can now do this easily through our new online printing portal PaperCutMF.

To use the online print submission portal

Ensure you are connected to the University of Kent VPN.
Locate the GlobalProtect VPN icon in the taskbar.
Click the icon using your mouse or trackpad.
Press Connect.
Open your web browser and go to https://myprint.kent.ac.uk/job-ticketing/customer/rooms/1

Helpful info

See the Papercut User Guide for students.
The cost for printing will be taken from your usual print credit account.
You will then be able to pick up your printed item(s) from Templeman Library reception.
If you have any queries, please contact ODSSalesSupport@apogeecorp.com

For day-to-day printing needs, please continue to use the student printers on campus.

Are you graduating this July? You can book Bed and Breakfast accommodation on campus

Are you graduating in July?

Take the extra stress out of your day and book accommodation at the University of Kent for you, your family, and friends.

This July we have a range of Bed and Breakfast and self-catered accommodation options available to book for our graduates and their loved ones. If you are graduating between 21 and 25 July 2025 then this could be the perfect solution for you.

Save the long drive until the next day and spend the night reminiscing and celebrating your special day. Book before 1 May and use the code LAUNCH25 to receive a discounted rate on the accommodation. Find out more and book.

International Student Advisory Board priorities for 2025

Your International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) continue to advocate for international students, enhancing your student experience and ensuring that your voice continues to be heard.

Following a successful recruitment round in November, new and existing members held drop in sessions and attended The Big Fair in January to listen to international students and bring forward any concerns they had. These discussions then informed the priorities our members have chosen to focus on this year.

Here’s a summary of what those priorities are (in no particular order), and an update on actions going on right now:

Accommodation and Cost of Living – concerns were raised over the transparency of costs with regards to on campus accommodation, and associated cost of living pressures. Board members are planning to discuss this with the Accommodation team to raise issues and help facilitate better understanding of needs and requirements.
Buddy Schemes – issues around the need for a buddy scheme have been a recurring issue at ISAB, so members are now currently researching existing schemes and surveying students to find out if there is an appetite for such a scheme and will put together a proposal based on your views on what the ideal Buddy Scheme would be. You can have your say by completing this quick survey.
Healthcare and Nursing Services – understanding how healthcare in the UK works and in particular accessing our services has led to the development of producing an explainer video.
Pre-arrival / Welcome Support – members continue to help enhance the university’s pre-arrival and welcome information for international students. They have contributed to the development of a new course, Navigating UK Study which new international students can take the week before Welcome Week to help with their transition. Members are now working on the production of a welcome booklet/guide written by students for students, to help with the transition to living in the UK, focusing on an array of practical things that really matter.
Visas and Immigration – a complex topic, but members are working with Kent Students’ Union to link up more with their Advice Service, exploring what they are able to do, and see where the gaps are in what is being identified as missing. A helpful guide is in draft to help students navigate this complex area.

How can you have your say?

All students are welcome to submit topics to ISAB for discussion, or to raise any concerns about how we can help to improve the student experience for international students. Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 20 March, and if you have any areas of concern, you can email these to DeanGlobalLifelong@kent.ac.uk

We have our survey open for you to have your say about Buddy Schemes here at Kent. It is a topic that often comes up as something that can help to support our new students both before they arrive and when they begin their studies. Is this something you would have liked to have, or did you participate in a Buddy Scheme? If you did, then we would love to hear from you. Complete the Buddy Scheme Survey before the end of March.

Find out more about ISAB.

Support around Government PIP announcement

From the Student Support and Wellbeing Team at Kent

Following the government announcement made yesterday on the proposals being put together for PIP and benefits we understand that the media coverage and reporting has caused upset to those in our community who receive this or have a relative that is in receipt of it.

In Student Support and Wellbeing we believe in offering full support, understanding and compassion to those that live day to day with disabilities and this includes mental health conditions and those that support loved ones. Whilst debate around support is welcome it is really important that the views and experiences of those who live with a disability or long-term health condition are given prominence, ensuring respect is shown to all and that decisions are not taken based on either limited understanding or unhelpful stereotypes.

At this stage these are proposals and any changes that come in to place will not be until next year and we have more to learn to understand what is being proposed and how this will impact those in receipt.

Regardless of what is said I want to reassure our students that at Kent we listen to students who are struggling and, in some instances, need extra support. You are important, you matter, and you are a valued part of our community. If the recent media coverage has caused distress do remember you can reach out to your SSW Adviser or speak to the Advice Centre at Kent Union. If you are dealing difficult or intrusive thoughts following these announcements you can also speak to a counsellor at Spectrum Life or call 111 and press option 2. Please do not struggle, there are people here and in other organisations that can help support you.

We will look at what support we offer around this going forward but for now we want to send this message to you in solidarity and to acknowledge what will be a difficult time ahead

Need help with your eVisa or UKVI account? Get them checked before you travel!

Kent Students’ Union (KSU) Advice Service is holding a free drop-in eVisa surgery for students between 14:00 – 16:00 on Wednesday 26 March at Nexus in the Templeman Library.

Come along with your passport, BRP (if you have one) and have your UKVI account login details available, so that they can check for any errors or missing documents.

KSU Advisers are trained to give immigration advice to Kent students, so can also answer questions about your eVisa. See the KSU Advice Service website to learn more.

Why are they doing this?

The Home Office has replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with eVisas. If you hold a BRP that expired on 31 December 2024 and your UK visa is valid beyond this date, you may still be able to use your expired BRP to travel to the UK until 1 June 2025, but you should also set up a UKVI account.

You also need to link your eVisa and passport to your account. If you don’t do this, you are likely to face delays when you travel.

Follow the instructions on this Home Office page to create a UKVI account now, if you don’t have one already.

What if I already have a UKVI account and an eVisa ?

If you already have an eVisa and have added your current passport to your UKVI account, you do not need to do anything else, but you are welcome to come to the surgery to make sure that everything is OK with your eVisa and account.

If necessary, you should update your UKVI account with your latest contact details and any passport which you intend to travel with.

Further information

Further information, including details of the eVisa support available from the UKVI, can be found at  www.gov.uk/evisa.

Kent Sport Student Activity Survey

Let us know how we can shape our services to help you to be active

We all know that there are many physical and mental benefits to leading an active lifestyle. We also know that for some, there are barriers that can prevent us from being active.

Kent Sport is keen to understand the barriers to exercise for students on campus, and how we can improve our service to allow more of our audience to get active.

So, whether you’ve never used the sports and fitness facilities on campus before or you’re a regular user, we want to hear from you!

The Kent Sport Student Activity survey is online, and accessible for desktop, tablet, and mobile users. The survey should take between 10-15 minutes to complete.

By filling out the online survey, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £250 KentOne card credit*.

Complete the survey online

*One prize of £250 KentOne card credit available, for use in catering outlets on campus. One entry per person. No cash alternative. The prize draw winner will be contacted during the week of 14 April 2025.

Events roundup: 17 – 23 March

Find out what’s on this week including the Spring Careers Fair and the start of Canterbury Varsity.

Update: Read more on a new proposal for how support and admin teams will work together at Kent going forward.

Monday 17 March: Prep for Spring Careers Fair and St Patrick’s Day activities

Prepare for the Spring Careers Fair by attending this online session about unlocking opportunities and strategies for success at the Careers Fair.

Monday is also St Patrick’s Day! At Medway, you can join in with some fun St Patrick’s Day themed games and challenges. In Canterbury, there’s a special St Patrick’s Day Karaoke Night at K-Bar.

Elevate slow conference is returning to Gulbenkian from 17 March to 11 April. This innovative programme of events celebrates the many artists and companies working in accessible, inclusive and disabled-led arts practice across Kent and Medway. Book now.

Tuesday 18 March: Spring Careers Fair, Women’s Business Market and Easter Egg Hunt (Medway)

One of the biggest student events of the year, don’t miss the Spring Careers Fair in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall. Meet with a wide range of employers and organisations and explore graduate opportunities.

There’s a Women’s Business Market in the Plaza, organised by Kent Students’ Union, highlighting women-owned businesses.

You can also join an Easter Egg Hunt at Medway campus. Explore hidden spots, solve clues and collect colourful eggs filled with sweet treats and surprises.

Wednesday 19 March: ASPIRE Business Start-Up Pitching final and market, Spring Wreath Workshop

On Wednesday our student entrepreneurs compete to win in the ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey pitching finals. You can also look around the ASPIRE Start-Up Market, where you can shop inspiring student and graduate start-up businesses in Sibson Atrium.

For students who live on campus, you can join a ResLife Spring Wreath Workshop, where you will craft a wreath from natural materials such as twigs, flower heads and seed pods.

Thursday 20 March: CV and shortlisting exercise (Medway), managing exam stress and clothes swap

Who would you hire? Join this in-person session at Medway for a CV and application shortlisting exercise, to help you know what employers are looking for.

If the thought of upcoming exams is stressful, considering joining a Skills for Academic Success online workshop around exam techniques and managing stress. There’s also lots more exam revision and technique events coming up.

Our student Global Officers, with Kent Students’ Union Advice Service, are hosting a clothes swap on Thursday 20 March in The Venue.

Friday 21 March: Gulbenkian costume sale and Emp Points drop in

The Employability Points team will be in Keynes Atrium on Friday morning to talk through how the Employability scheme works and how you can apply for rewards this summer.

The Gulbenkian Arts Centre are selling a lot of their costumes to keep them out of landfill and to raise donations towards their work with children and young people. Head to Colyer-Fergusson Hall on Friday afternoon, or over the weekend, to take a look.

Saturday 22 March: Canterbury Varsity begins and how to measure stars

Canterbury Varsity begins this weekend! It’s a week of sport competition between Kent and Canterbury Christ Church, run by the students’ unions, which aims to promote friendship, pride and passion through the celebration of sport. Go Team Kent!

Want to get more into the Varsity spirit? Come along to DG-01 on Saturday afternoon to make posters with friends to cheer on Team Kent.

Ever wondered how far away the stars are? Join this open lecture on Saturday evening to earn about the parallax method, which is the only direct way to measure stellar distances.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Are you a postgraduate student? Fill in your postgraduate survey by 9 May for chance to win £250! We will email you a personalised survey link when the surveys open on Monday 17 March 2025. So, keep an eye on your Kent email account.

See more student opportunities.

Make sure your fees are paid so you can graduate

As you come closer to finishing your undergraduate degree, we want to make sure there are no obstacles in the way of you graduating.

If you have a debt to the University, you may still be formally invited to a graduation ceremony, but it is important that you take note of the deadline for clearing debts as this will impact if you are able to attend.

Debt payment deadline

If you are graduating in July 2025, then you must have cleared your debt by Wednesday 4 June.

Type of outstanding payment

Ancillary – If your outstanding balance is an ancillary debt (i.e. not related to payment of university tuition fees), failure to pay the balance by the deadline means the University reserves the right to revoke your invitation to attend the degree ceremony. An ancillary debt usually relates to accommodation fees but can also be for smaller fees such as room damage fees.

If unpaid, you will be given the option to graduate in absentia or defer your attendance until the next available ceremony.

Tuition – If your outstanding balance is a tuition fee debt, failure to meet the deadline will mean your results will be withheld and you will be excluded from graduating. You will only be able to graduate once you have cleared your tuition fee debt. Please note, resit fees also come under tuition fee debt.

You can check whether you have any outstanding payments by getting in touch with the Income Office.