Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Rutherford with blossoming tree

Easter Weekend service and facility opening times

Over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April), there will be some changes to services and opening times:

  • Borrow books and study:Templeman Library at Canterbury, and Drill Hall Library at Medway will remain open over the Easter Weekend with reduced opening hours.
  • Ask Nexus: Nexus will be closed for the Easter weekend from Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April.
  • Food and drink on campus: Canterbury catering opening times will be different during the Spring Break. See Easter weekend times for catering outlets on the Canterbury campus.
  • Support: Student Support and Wellbeing reception will be closed over the Easter Weekend. You can also get in the moment support and counselling from our telephone, text and app for wellbeing support and activities 24/7 from our wellbeing partners Spectrum Life.
  • Exam preparation and study support: The Student Learning Advisory Service will be closed over the East Weekend. They will reopen at 9:00 on Tuesday 2 April. You can book face-to-face and online appointments on all areas of study support, including exam preparation.
  • Reception areas: Some receptions will be operating on different opening hours during the Easter Weekend. See reception opening hours.
  • Sport and exercise: You can still use the gym facilities with reduced hours over the Easter Weekend. Check out Kent Sport opening hours.
  • Kent Union services and outlets: See Kent Union’s services and outlets opening times.
  • Campus Shuttle: The Campus Shuttle will run a reduced service on Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April. See Campus Shuttle timetable.
  • Careers support and activity: The Careers and Employability Service will be closed over the Easter Weekend. It will reopen on Tuesday 2 April. Get in touch with Careers to book appointments and work on your career.

And of course, Campus Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We hope you enjoy the Easter Weekend!

 

 

Group of GOLD students

Go for GOLD5000

Looking for an elective module that will provide you with leadership skills and develop your Global Citizenship?  Go for GOLD5000.

GOLD5000 is a year-long 15-credit elective module open to all Year 2 undergraduate students at Kent who are eligible to take elective modules.

The module will fit around your academic studies so you can learn at a pace that works for you, choosing which times of the year to prioritize your involvement.

Find out more about elective modules.

Not eligible but still interested? Join the GOLD Programme.

GOLD students having a meal together

Why choose GOLD5000?

GOLD5000 will furnish you with a range of important global skills, adding value to your degree and providing opportunities to earn employability points.

Boost your leadership and project management skills, enhance your global citizenship credentials and improve your cultural intelligence – the ability to interact effectively with others across cultures.

You will become a Global Officer, working closely with the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning and other staff across the University to help organise, develop and support globally-minded activities throughout the year.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication and improve your cultural adaptability, giving you a competitive edge in the future global workplace!

Plus, you’ll build confidence as you develop your project management and teamwork skills. You’ll get to see your ideas come to life and create a positive impact for other students. And you’ll get to make new friends along the way!

What’s involved?

The year long GOLD5000 module is made up of several components designed to fit around your degree studies.

You must complete all five components to complete the module.

Component 1: Getting started

At the start of the module, you will identify your skillset and your goals for the year.

You will attend:

  • an autumn-term welcome session where you’ll learn about cultural intelligence (CQ) and reflect on your skills and intercultural awareness;

This will give you an excellent foundation and roadmap for achieving your skills and ambitions!

Component 2: Training workshops and conference

Your leadership and global skills development will be supported throughout the year with training workshops.

You will attend:

  • workshops held throughout the year on topics such as Talking Cultures, Sustainability, Internationalisation, Leadership in a Global Context, and Event Management
  • opportunity to attend the Student Global Leadership Conference in London

The workshops will help you build and diversify your skillset, while the conference will introduce you to industry leaders and speakers and provide you with networking opportunities.

Component 3: Internationalised student engagement

You will participate in a range of engagement and information exchange activities on campus, such as:

  • marketing and promotion projects
  • student media campaigns
  • focus groups
  • campus tours
  • other engagement activities

Taking part in a range of activities will provide you with practical experiences to add to your CV. Plus, you’ll gain the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the University of Kent wider community.

Component 4: Project and event planning

Here’s where you’ll put your learning into action!

Based on your chosen goals, you’ll be allocated events and activities to plan and deliver, such as:

  • Global Hangout events
  • WorldFest
  • Sustainability Forums
  • additional events you organise yourself as part of the programme

This is where you really get to see your skills come to life!

Your creative and practical ideas will directly inform these regular events, and you’ll gain hands-on experience of planning and delivering them.

GOLD students holding up WorldFest boards

Component 5: Summer check-in and final review session

You will attend an interactive group session, co-delivered with the Careers and Employability Service  where you’ll reflect on your progress, consider your skills and set goals for the future.

This is your opportunity to consider how far you’ve come on the Programme and map out how you’ll put your skills into practice in the wider world!

What will you get out of GOLD?

In addition to earning Employability Points, you will also receive:

  • A Certificate of Recognition
  • An open reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning
  • Practical event and project management experience

What do previous Global Officers say about the programme?

“It was enjoyable to see our work being put into practice, as a lot of university work is more theoretical and with GOLD, we had the opportunity to see the results of our work”

“I was able to improve my cultural awareness, communication skills, be more organised and learned how to plan my time more wisely.”

“I have felt more of a part of the university community. I have made many friends. I have felt my contribution positively impact other students.”

“In regard to career development, it helps me obtain project management and teamwork skills.”

How to register

You can choose to take the GOLD5000 module by registering during Online Module Registration (OMR), which will take place between Monday 18 March and Tuesday 2 April.

Queries? Contact: DeanGlobalLifeLong@kent.ac.uk

 

Jarman Jam students smiling, laughing and pointing

Kent Stars: Jarman Jam

This month’s Kent Stars are Jarman Jam, a group of Arts students who run a bi-termly creative showcase for students to share their artistic works, helping to build a fun and supportive creative community. Hear from Jarman Jam:

“We are a group of eight School of Arts students, ranging from first year to postgraduate. Our degree programmes include Drama and Theatre, Film, Comparative Literature, and History and Philosophy of Art. Together we enjoy sharing our love of the arts and having a laugh before class! We are talented dancers, painters, comedians, musicians, magicians, digital artists, and podcast producers!”

Jarman Jam sat on the stairs

Tell us about Jarman Jam and how it’s helping strengthen the community within the School of Arts.

“Jarman Jam is a student-led, bi-termly, creative showcase providing people with a space for sharing their artistic works. The events bring in a myriad of performances as we are passionate about creating space for all different types of art including film, stand up, music, poetry, fine art, sketches, monologues, fashion, podcasts, and photography.

At the end of every Jarman Jam, we encourage people to share their passions by offering an open-mic slot. We find this boosts confidence as it is a chance to perform in the spur of the moment. We also leave time for audience members and performers to network with like-minded people. This not only benefits students by helping them create connections with students across courses, but also develops stronger bonds with staff and students in the School of Arts.

Performing work that is not assessed but is still open to feedback and constructive criticism is helpful for students to generate new ideas that they can take into their coursework. By holding the events in the Jarman building, a shared space for all disciplines within the School of Arts, we hope to turn the building into a space that fosters a lively and connected community.”

Jarman Jam sat joking with each other

What advice would you give to other students? 

“We would encourage other students to put themselves out there and share their work, no matter how confident they may or may not be. Performing and showing off what you have made can be so beneficial for your self-esteem and opens yourself up for developing new ideas. We would also say that you should never be afraid to try something new! So many members of the Jarman Jam team had no idea that they could run an event, be a successful compere, or create the perfect publicity materials before we threw ourselves into it and had a go!”

What are your plans for the next year? 

“Three of our members will graduate this year and start to pursue other creative opportunities. The rest will continue their studies at the University of Kent. We also absolutely intend to run Jarman Jam again next year! Our team has a lot of great ideas, and at the end of the term we will be looking for new School of Arts students to carry on the important work we have started. We think we could really establish a culture of creative sharing at Kent!”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Students in seminar

Preparing for final year exams

Exams can take many shapes and forms, but one thing they all have in common is that they make a lot of people anxious. Fear of the unknown, poor preparation, lack of confidence in your abilities in the exam room are all causes of stress. The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) has produced guidance including SkillsBuilder videos around exams that will help you manage those anxieties.

It’s a good idea to start your revision as early as possible. Here are a few other stress-busting tips:

Eliminate the unknown: Find out about the exams you are taking, when, where and how will they take place, and what modules and topics they will cover. If you are unclear, ask your module convenor for more information. You’ll feel better for knowing, and be able to organise your revision effectively.

Plan your revision: Work out which modules and topics you need to revise most. Using a calendar or term-planner, create a revision schedule so that you revise each topic efficiently in time for the relevant exam.

Test and practise: As you revise, test yourself to see what you know and what you still need to remember. Sitting an exam is a form of performance, so rehearse, by practising answering questions under timed conditions using past papers.

SLAS can offer advice on these and many other aspects of exams – just book an appointment with one of our advisers.

There are also plenty of events to help you get exam ready. And keep an eye out for any subject specific exam guidance events from your School.

See our exams webpages for full information including FAQs, events and support.

Students serving food at Iftar dinner

Events roundup: 11-17 March

This week join the Uni Mental Health Day events, the WorldFest celebrations and start to prepare for exams.

Monday 11 March: Worldfest Global Hangout and Girls in Charge Q&A

WorldFest celebrations continue this week with a global hangout in Sibson on Monday from 14:00-17:00. Try crafts, games and food from around the World!

Come along to Woody’s for a meet-and-greet social with Girls in Charge’s Co-Director Niamh Carter on Monday evening.

Tuesday 12 March: Get help finding a part-time job and writing your dissertation, plus find out about therapy and mindfulness

Thinking about finding a part time role? Come along to this session to find out what steps you can take to secure a part-time role you can fit around your studies.

Writing your dissertation? Join this online workshop that goes through the keys steps you need to take when planning for and writing a dissertation at uni.

Unwind with mindful colouring and ask questions about therapy and mindfulness to members of our Counselling Team in DG 01, Templeman Library.

Wednesday 13 March: Language tasters, grad scheme advice and revision tips

Want to know more about what a graduate scheme is, what they involve and hints and tips on how to get one? Then don’t miss this grad scheme information event at Wednesday lunchtime.

Learn how to effectively revise at this study workshop at Canterbury and online.

As part of WorldFest you can try free language taster sessions in Spanish, French and Italian on Wednesday.

Thursday 14 March: Uni Mental Health Day

Thursday is Uni Mental Health Day (UMHD) and to mark it, there will be a free plant giveaway and therapy dogs sessions in Nexus, Templeman Library (Canterbury) and in the Oasis Lounge, Rochester Building (Medway).

There will also be a Plant Hospital pop-up on the Plaza in Canterbury, from 9:30-11:30, where you can get free plant care advice.

UMHD activities continue at the Sports Centre (Canterbury) with free exercise classes on 14 and 15 March.

Finally, get help managing exam stress and learn exam techniques at study workshops in Canterbury (in person) and online.

Friday 15 March: Iftar dinner, WorldFest Quiz and LinkendIn Drop-in

On Friday, join the International Student Voices group for a free, memorable Iftar dinner experience and a chance to have your say in how the University can improve the international student experience. Or if you’re based at Medway, you can join the Medway Islamic Society’s annual Iftar celebration event.

Get a team together and take part in our WorldFest Quiz Night run by our student Global Officers.

Develop and improve your LinkedIn profile at this careers drop-in session.

See more student events.

Reminders and opportunities

See more student opportunities.

laptop

Choose your modules for the next academic year!

From Monday 18 March to 09:00 on Tuesday 2 April 2024, Online Module Registration (OMR) is open for you to choose the undergraduate modules that you wish to study in 2024/25.

You will receive an email when OMR is open. Prior to this, you should read your Subject Requirements and view our guidance to make sure that you are fully prepared. If you are not sure which modules to choose, please speak to your Academic Adviser.

OMR is not first come first served. In order to give you the best opportunity to register for your preferred choice of module, please ensure that you have submitted your selections by 09:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

You do not need to select modules if:

  • You’re on a Year in Industry in 2024/2025
  • You’re going abroad as part of your course in 2024/2025
  • Your modules are entirely compulsory

If you are on a course that is affected by the course consultation changes, you do not have to register your modules by 2 April. We will be in touch with you once your module options are finalised so you can confirm your choices from an up-to-date list of options. Thank you for your patience in this moment of transition.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Record Administration Office:

Canterbury students – csao@kent.ac.uk
Medway students –  msao@kent.ac.uk

See Online Module Registration guide.

Two students walking through field with canterbury cathedral in background

Kent 2030: Consultation update

Next phase of consultation

As you may know, consultation closed on 7 March on proposals to cease recruitment to some subject disciplines (Anthropology; Art History; Comparative Literature; English Language and Linguistics; Health and Social Care; Journalism; Modern Languages; Music and Audio Technology; and Philosophy and Religious Studies) at the University of Kent. Counter proposals submitted by staff in those areas are now being reviewed, with recommendations then made to Executive Group colleagues to decide on the way forward, meaning that final outcomes are likely to be known towards the end of March.

If it affects you, we’ll be in touch

Once outcomes are shared in late March, we will be in touch with students who are affected to explain what this means for the future of their particular subject areas. There will then be more details to work out in terms of teach-out for any area where the final decision is to cease recruitment. We will keep affected students updated by email each step of the way as those plans are scoped out, as we have more clarity on individual student circumstances and options, and can share how we will support you through the remainder of your degree, whatever your stage and type of study.

Opportunity for all students to hear more and ask questions

We invite you to sign up for an Undergraduate Student Open Forum from  12:00-13:00 on Thursday 28 March or to sign up for an Postgraduate Student Open Forum from 14:00-15:00 on Wednesday 3 April to hear from  Richard Reece, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Education & Student Experience, and Mica Rose, Head of Student Experience. They’ll explain updates on Kent 2030 plans and what they mean for students, and invite you to ask questions. These online meeting will be recorded and shared afterwards, so don’t worry if you are not able to attend. We will continue to update information and FAQs on the Kent 2030 student webpage.

Exercise class

Free exercise classes, 14-15 March

In support of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 14 March) and Red Nose Day (Friday 15 March), Kent Sport will be offering 180 free spaces on our fitness and dance class timetable across both days to allow everyone within our community to join in exercise for free. This includes many popular classes such as Zumba and pilates, as well as our range of exciting virtual instructor-led classes from LES MILLS.

For all class descriptions, visit our Classes webpage.

To book a free class as a Plus, Pay to Play, or non-member, visit the Sports Centre reception and fill out the paper form for the class(es) you would like to join. There are 10 free spaces in each class so sign up quickly before they’re gone! If you’re a Premium Plus member, all classes are included in your membership so you can book online as usual.

If you’re not yet a Kent Sport member, you’ll need to create a free Pay to Play membership before you’ll be able to join the classes. You can create an account quickly and easily through our online booking system.

Donations for Red Nose Day can be made on the Comic Relief website.