Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Events roundup: 30 October – 5 November

Find out what’s on this week, including some fun Halloween events and opportunities to try something new.

Monday 30 October: Israel and Gaza support drop-in and study support

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a drop-in session taking place from 13:00-14:00 on Monday, upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

Improve your study skills with events on Monday including general essay writing, Canterbury, time management for PGT students in Drill Hall Library, Medway, and a workshop on good academic practice – acknowledging your sources, Canterbury. See more Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) workshops.

Tuesday 31 October: Halloween activities and Kent Police drop-in

Happy Halloween! On Tuesday afternoon you can have some fun pumpkin carving in the Venue, and if you live on campus, you can join a Halloween quiz and movie at the Gulbenkian with the ResLife Ambassadors.

At Medway campus, you can team up and test your wits in a mobile escape room. Plus, in the evening there’s a Halloween party at the Deep End with the Music Society.

On Tuesday mornings during term-time, Kent Police are running a drop-in clinic in Locke Building on Canterbury campus. You can chat to them about crime prevention and safety or any general enquiries you may have.

Wednesday 1 November: Kent Police drop-in (Medway) and try something new

Kent Police are running a drop-in clinic in the Drill Hall Library, Medway, 10:00-12:00. You can chat to them about crime prevention and safety or any general enquiries you may have.

As there’s no scheduled teaching on Wednesday afternoons, use this as an opportunity to gain skills or find new passions and meet new people. This Wednesday you can try out the University Community Choir, join the research café and discover diverse routes into a PhD, volunteer at the Kent Community Oasis Garden or go along to the ASPIRE Business Start-Up Journey event around how to spot a gap in the market.

Thursday 2 November: Maths workshops

Brush up on your maths skills with these in-person maths and stats workshops on Thursday afternoon.

Friday 3 November: Global Hangout

On Friday you can go along to the November Global Hangout where we will be celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. Learn more about how it is celebrated and have a go at the interactive quiz to test your knowledge. There will also be hot chocolate and other bonfire-inspired snacks available for you to treat yourself to, while making new friends.

Saturday 4 November: Ponies and swimming

Meet some friendly ponies in Chilham with the ResLife ambassadors. You will be shown the basics of pony care including giving them a brush and a treat.

Enjoy swimming? Kent Union has hired a local swimming pool in Canterbury between 12:00-13:00 on Saturday just for Kent students!

See more student events.

Support reminder

Need some extra support? As we cross the halfway point of the Autumn term, it’s a good idea to make use of services available to you.

Nexus (in Templeman Library and online) can help with any query, signposting you in the right direction. Nexus is now open later and at weekends.
Divisional support teams are there to help you with matters specific to your course including changing modules/groups, support and adjustments and any questions about your studies.
Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) offer study skills, writing, maths, assignment and revision support to all students, from foundation to PhD.
Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) can help with mental health, disability, autism and specific learning differences (SpLDs, including ADHD and dyslexia), and accessibility.
Careers and Employability Service provides advice, workshops and tools to prepare you for employment and further study.
Welfare and Community Life provides friendly, informal advice and can support you with disputes in your accommodation, as well as refer to a range of other specific services.
Kent Union’s Advice Service offers free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues.

See all student support.

Take part in Canterbury Safer Streets survey

From Canterbury Christ Church University.

As part of a government funded Safer Streets project, Canterbury Christ Church University is conducting research with students in Kent and Medway.

The research aims to gain a better understanding of the experiences of students in relation to spiking, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual misconduct. The insights gained from this study will enable us to be better able to tackle such incidences within our communities and ensure that we are building a safer environment for all.

We are keen to ensure that we authentically capture the voices of all students and as such, we encourage everyone from all backgrounds (men, women, non-binary, ethnically diverse/minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals with a disability) to share their experiences and thoughts.

Please note that some questions within this survey will include sensitive information and ask personal questions about your experiences in relation to spiking, stalking, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence. If you find these distressing, we would prefer that you do not continue with the survey and you can exit the survey at any point. Also, remember you can use your university’s online Report and Support Tool to connect with the Student Support and Wellbeing Team if you need emotional support or guidance on any harassment or sexual misconduct you have witnessed or experienced.

The survey is anonymous, and your responses will be confidential. As a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw to win Love2Shop (or similar) vouchers (20x £30).

If you would like to obtain further information related to the survey or how your personal data is processed for this project please contact saferstreets@canterbury.ac.uk.

Thank you for playing your part in this important research.

Take part in the Student Safer Streets survey

Apply to be on our International Student Advisory Board

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience?

The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) launched in January 2023 and is in collaboration with Kent Union to ensure that the needs and voices of our international students are heard.

The purpose of this Board will be:

To inform the inclusivity and accessibility of university-wide services and policies at both the University and Kent Union, for the benefit of all international students at the University of Kent
To provide feedback mechanisms to allow international students to actively contribute towards campaigns, awareness raising and submit suggestions for policy change
To support internationally focused activities and events such as, Welcome and Arrivals, Worldfest and International Education Week.

We are looking for up to 20 individuals to join and work alongside our existing Board members. Whether you have been at Kent for a while or have just joined us this September, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to represent and make a difference to your student experience while at Kent.

To apply:

– You must be a current international student at the University of Kent
– You must have enthusiasm and commitment to improving the international student experience
– You must be available to attend all the meeting dates advertised

For more information, to hear from Eunice, a previous ISAB member on why you should join the Board and to apply, please see our webpage. Deadline for applications is 30 October.

Nexus support: now open later and at weekends

Nexus staff can help with any query, signposting you in the right direction. You can ask Nexus for help with accommodation, wellbeing, course queries and admin, KentOne card issues, support and much more.

We have extended the Nexus opening hours. During term-time, you can now access Nexus 9:00-21:00 on weekdays, and 12:00-18:00 on weekends!

Nexus is located in Templeman Library D Block, on the ground floor. Go in the Main Entrance, through the turnstiles, and take the first right. See the map for directions (view PDF map).

Can’t make it onto the Canterbury campus? Log in via Nexus online to find out who to ask about your problem.

#KNOWLEDGESHIFT 4

Black Female Professors in Higher Education

Welcome to Week 4 of BHM 2023!

Black Female Professors in Higher Education University of Kent Black Female Professor, Diamond Ashiagbor

As of December 1st, 2020, there were 224,530 academic staff members employed in UK higher education institutions, excluding atypical staff. Among the 22,855 professors, 6,510 (28%) were women, consistent with the previous year. Of the total academic staff, 17% were EU nationals, while 15% were non-UK nationals from non-EU countries. The majority of academic staff were White (89%), with 7% being Asian.

In terms of Black representation, only 160 professors (1%) were Black, out of which 61 were Black women. As we commemorate Black History – ‘saluting our sisters’, it is crucial to address the underrepresentation of Blacks in academia, particularly Black women, and the resulting barriers to career advancement and professorship. The empirical evidence highlights the urgency in today’s world, to go beyond headlines, surface-level, and endless discussions and actively push for accelerating the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and other domains, with reference to quantitative metrics and qualitative narratives.

Category	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20	2020/21
Source of basic salary
Wholly general financed by the provider	158,375	163,010	169,790	174,265	174,940
All other sources of finance	48,495	48,970	47,275	49,260	49,590
Academic employment function
Teaching only	56,130	61,050	66,355	72,540	72,970
Teaching and research	100,165	100,120	98,600	98,085	98,630
Research only	49,085	49,515	50,855	51,510	51,375
Neither teaching nor research	1,490	1,290	1,255	1,390	1,555
Contract level
Professor	20,550	20,940	21,520	22,810	22,855
Other senior academic	6,050	6,175	6,185	6,115	6,220
Other contract level	180,270	184,860	189,360	194,600	195,455
Terms of employment
Open-ended/permanent	137,025	141,035	144,315	148,945	151,920
Fixed-term contract	69,850	70,945	72,750	74,580	72,610
Total	206,870	211,980	217,065	223,525	224,530

Source: www.hesa.ac.uk

As universities experience an increasingly diverse student body, it becomes essential to have a teaching academics that reflects this diversity. Creating a diverse staff is crucial for promoting inclusivity and creating a student-centered educational environment. This entails not only increasing the representation of Black female professors, but also other ethnic minorities. Representation is important. When students of color see lecturers who resemble them with shared experiences, a sense of belonging and acceptance on campus is fostered. Consequently, this can positively impact Student Success and overall retention.

Black professors have a significant and positive impact on higher education. They bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for all students. Black professors also serve as role models and mentors to Black students, helping them to succeed academically and professionally. Black professors in higher education can have a significant and multifaceted impact on the academic community, students, and the broader society. Here are some specific areas of the impact of Black professors in higher education:

Diverse Perspectives | Institutional Change

They contribute to a more diverse and inclusive curriculum. Black professors are more likely to teach courses on race, ethnicity, and social justice, which are essential for all students to learn about.

Representation and Diversity| Mentorship | Student Success

They also bring their own unique cultural perspectives to their teaching, which can help students develop a better understanding of the world around them. They improve academic outcomes for Black students. Research has shown that Black students who have Black professors are more likely to graduate from university and earn higher grades. This is likely due to a number of factors, including increased role modelling, mentoring, and cultural understanding.

Inspiring All Students| Role Models| Social Justice and Equity

They create a more welcoming and inclusive campus climate. Black professors can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus climate for all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity. They can do this by serving as role models, mentors, and advocates for Black students, and by working to create a more equitable and just campus community.

Research and Scholarship | Global Perspective | Community Engagement

In addition to these specific impacts, Black professors also play a vital role in advancing knowledge and scholarship. They conduct research on a wide range of topics, including race, ethnicity, social justice, and the Black diaspora. Their work helps to expand our understanding of the world and to promote social change.

While Black professors make significant impacts and many positive contributions to higher education, it is important to note that there are still challenges and disparities in representation and support for the larger Black community. These include issues such as underrepresentation, pay gaps, and barriers to career advancement. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in academia require urgent action.

Black female lecturers are crucial to the academic success of all students in higher education. I’m optimistic! Look at that smile and pure joy on the face of one of our Kent students who graduated this July. I believe she is on her way to greatness, perhaps another Black female professor in the making…

I hope this #KNOWLEDGESHIFT about BHM 2023 has inspired you in some way and enhanced your understanding of Black culture and its people. The blog series has explored various topics such as Black hair, African talking drums, Black cuisine, and Black female professors in higher education. I invite you to make room for one another, every culture, and ethnicity – there are galaxies yet to be explored. It’s the Human Race, not colour race. Thank you!

You can now log in directly to The Hub website

Kent students can now login directly to The Hub website! You can login using your usual Kent account, which saves you needing another account to access the Hub website.

You need to log in to buy memberships to clubs and societies, sign up for activities, and buy tickets.

To login in to The Hub website with your university account, it’s very simple:

1. Visit thehubmedway.co.uk/login
2. In the section with the University of Kent logo, press the button labelled Login with your Kent University Username:

3. You’ll be taken to a page on the University of Kent system to verify your account and show you what data we collect.
4. Confirm, and then you’ll be logged in.

You’ll only need to verify your account once, and you can have your data erased at any time by contacting sucompliance@gre.ac.uk.

If you already have a Guest Account with us, email us at thehubmedway@gre.ac.uk to transfer any purchases (e.g., memberships) to your University login.

About The Hub
Greenwich Students’ Union runs the Hub on behalf of Kent Union and Christ Church Students’ Union. To see Greenwich Students’ Union Privacy information, visit greenwichsu.co.uk/privacy.

Events roundup: 16-22 October

Black History Month (BHM) and EmpFest events continue this week. Don’t miss the annual Careers Fair on Tuesday!

Monday 16 October: Israel Gaza conflict support drop-in and yoga

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the Israel Gaza conflict from 13:00-14:00 on Monday. This is a drop-in session taking place upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

At the Hub, Medway, you can join a free lunchtime yoga session as part of Medway Move. Or try out social badminton in the evening. All skill levels welcome.

Tuesday 17 October: Careers Fair and BHM student-led events

The Careers Fair is back to being face-to-face this year. Open to all Kent students, the Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet employers and discover potential career paths. Drop into the Careers Fair between 10:00-15:00 in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall, Canterbury campus.

On Tuesday there are a couple of student-led events for Black History Month. Firstly, the African Caribbean Society (ACS) and Kent Cheer are holding an Afrobeats and Brunch event in Woody’s, with authentic African and Caribbean inspired dishes and cocktails on offer.

Later, the Music Society and ACS at Medway are collaborating to bring you a night of Black Artists throughout the decades at The Deep End.

Wednesday 18 October: LinkedIn headshots (Medway), Empowering Tomorrow AI conference and Black History Month inspirational talk

Need a professional headshot for LinkedIn? Photographer Matt Cook is offering free headshots on the Medway campus between 10:00-16:00 in Gillingham Building.

On Wednesday afternoon you’re invited to the ‘Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Creativity through Generative AI’ Conference hosted by Kent Business School and Amazon Web Services. The event is taking place in Sibson and includes talks, panel discussions and networking drinks. Plus, you get a free bag of Amazon swag. Find out more and book your free place.

As part of Black History Month, come along to History with a Flex, an inspirational talk with Pauline Campbell in Chipperfield Lecture Theatre, Canterbury. Pauline is a British writer and senior lawyer raised in London after her parents crossed thousands of miles to live in Britain, leaving the warm shores of the Caribbean behind. She is currently the legal adviser to the Windrush Reach Project. West Indian food and refreshments will be provided.

Struggling to fit everything in and finding it stressful? Assistive technology could be a game changer for you! Come along on Wednesday to a demo and discussion of assistive technology apps such as Brain Hand, Spectrum Life and Togetherall, which can help you manage your time and improve your wellbeing. Book online for this practical workshop on the Canterbury campus, and bring a phone or tablet or laptop which you might use to access this software in future.

Thursday 19 October: EmpFest events and Poverty, Policy and the Right to Food open lecture

EmpFest events continue all week. On Thursday, you can join an online session on how to find a part-time job and if you’re in your final year, come along to the CV/LinkedIn drop-in session in Keynes for Finalists to help you secure that all important first role once you graduate.

On Thursday evening you’re invited to our Annual Civic Lecture on Poverty, Policy and the Right to Food. Speakers include Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation and Professor Jan Pahl and Martin Vye, authors of the report on ‘Poverty in Canterbury Today’. They will explore how we can move to creating a food system that delivers access to healthy, sustainable and affordable food for all. After the presentations there will be time for questions and discussion about policies to reduce poverty. Refreshments will be provided.

Friday 20 October: Managing stress workshop

Want to know how to manage stress when you have a heavy workload? This 90-minute online workshop looks at what stress is and explores some of the benefits as well as the negative impacts of stress. Most importantly this workshop will provide you with practical tools you can implement to manage stress.

Saturday 21 October: Nature walk to Blean Woods

Join the ResLife Ambassadors for a nature ramble in beautiful nearby Blean woods. The walk will take about an hour and a half and there are animals to see along the way including alpacas, sheep, goats and horses. Meet new friends as you walk along the tranquil woodland tracks and have a chat with our ambassadors and let them how you’re doing and what activities you would like them to organise.

Sunday 22 October: Board games, puzzles and colouring

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of board games, puzzles and colouring with the ResLife Ambassadors in Keynes. They have a wide range of board games available for you to play.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Have your say in the WhatUni reviews and you could win a £200 voucher.
Shape wellbeing at Kent – register your interest in our Wellbeing Student Advisory Board 23/24.
Our Gender Affirmation Fund opens Monday 16 October.
Consider joining the University Community Choir who meet each Wednesday lunchtime. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music.
Sign up for the free Destination Success Bootcamp, 17-19 November. It’s a 3-day intensive training programme to help you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities.

See more student opportunities.

Free Destination Success Bootcamp, 17-19 November

Our Careers and Employability Service are running the ‘Destination Success Bootcamp‘ 17-19 November. This 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 17 November 12:00-16:00, Saturday 18 November 12:00-18:00 and Sunday 19 November 12:00-18:00. Each day will start at 12:00, allowing time for those traveling from Medway. You need to attend every day in order to gain a place on the programme.

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 and book your place.

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

Join the University Community Choir

Do you enjoy singing? Join our friendly University Community Choir! The choir is made up of students and staff at Kent.

It’s free to join, there are no auditions and there’s no need to be able to read music.

Come along to meet others or bring a friend.

Upcoming dates for Autumn Term

The University Community Choir meet every Wednesday during term-time, 13:00-14:00. See dates below for the location:

18 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
25 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer Fergusson Hall
1 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
8 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
15 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
22 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
29 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
6 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
13 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3

To find out more, email Mita mm595@kent.ac.uk.

Campus Shuttle updates: increased capacity and journeys

Following student feedback, we are pleased to announce that we are increasing the capacity of the Campus Shuttle between Medway and Canterbury and adding some more journeys into the timetable.

The new timetable will come into effect on Monday 16 October and will be available on the Campus Shuttle webpages shortly.

Capacity

The 34-seater coach will be replaced by a 53-seater coach for some peak travel times:

07:35, 16:15 and 18:15 service from Canterbury and
09:00 and 17:15 service from Medway

New services

We are introducing new evening services to support social activities and Kent Union events on Wednesdays.

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:

21:30 service from Canterbury
22:00 service from Medway

Wednesday

21:30, 23:59 service from Canterbury
22:00, 01:00 service from Medway

About the Campus Shuttle

The Campus Shuttle is a free coach service between Canterbury and Medway, exclusive for University of Kent students and staff.

13 October update: Campus Shuttle bookings

The majority of existing Campus Shuttle bookings have been transferred over to the new timetable announced yesterday, but due to a technical issue some of the bookings have not. Please check your bookings list and if you’re missing a booking, you’ll need to rebook. We apologise for the inconvenience.