Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Covid-19 Hardship Fund – apply now

The Government has launched a new scheme to support current students who have experienced hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. £70m in additional funding is being provided to English universities of which Kent has been allocated £588,000.

The Covid-19 Hardship Fund can be used to support any current students who have incurred unexpected costs due to Covid-19. This could be due to a loss of income, childcare costs, travel or rent.

Phase 1 of the Covid-19 Hardship Fund is now open and current students can apply for a £500 individual award to help their finances. There is a simple application process outlined on the Covid-19 Hardship funding webpage. When applying you’ll be asked a series of questions to make sure you are eligible and asked to include your bank details. If your application is successful, your award will be transferred directly to your bank account.

Applications will close on 16 March 2021, or earlier if the full £588,000 has been awarded.

Please remember that if you have suffered financial hardship this academic year due to coronavirus, there is lots of support available through our range of Emergency Hardship Funds.

Please contact our Financial Aid team or Kent Union’s Advice Service (Canterbury) or GKSU’s Advice Centre (Medway) for more information on what fund may be suitable for you.

Take the Expect Respect Module

Here at Kent, we want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, we have taken proactive steps to ensure you are well informed and know about the support available.

The Expect Respect module is a compulsory module for all registered students at the University of Kent, regardless of what you are studying or whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

The Expect Respect module outlines the behaviours we expect of you whilst you are with us as well as what you can expect from both the University and your Students’ Union. The module will dig deep into issues of racism, bias, sexual harassment and consent; it will challenge you to think about your own behaviour, the way you interact with others and the impact this could have on someone else’s experience.

This module will demonstrate how to report any incidents to the University so that you, or any student affected, can access the right support. It will also make you aware of the wide range of different support services available to you depending on your needs.

You can find the Expect Respect module on Moodle (code DP6636) – you should be automatically enrolled but if you have any issues please get in contact with Auzimuth Jackson at A.Jackson-502@kent.ac.uk.

What’s on this week: NEW weekly emails to help you through the pandemic

This is the first in a series of weekly email updates to help you make the most of the brilliant services still on offer at Kent.

It is a challenging time for everyone. We understand that you need key support information from us in a quick and clear way and so we have introduced these short, no-frills email updates to help you through lockdown and beyond.

Whether you are studying from home, or on campus, there are still loads of great virtual events happening and ways to connect with other students and staff.

At this difficult time we also want to make sure you are aware of all our support services, from our free mental health support to one-to-one chats with careers advisers.

Virtual events for you to try this week:

Answering job application questions on Wednesday 10 February, 10.00-11.00
Tuition fees and student finance – Student WebChat on Wednesday 10 February, 13.00-14.00
Finding friends and coping with loneliness at university on Wednesday 10 February, 14.00-15.30
Writing up your dissertation online session on Thursday 11 February, 13.00-13.15
Zoom chat with the Residential Life Assistants on Sunday 14 February, 14.00-15.00

Browse all events

Support services for you:

Keep an eye on:

Let us know what you think of these updates by emailing communications@kent.ac.uk

Covid-19 student update – 5 February 2021

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

I hope you are well and enjoying your Term 2 studies despite the current challenges.

The latest Government briefing outlines that universities should continue to provide online teaching for most study programmes until at least 8 March 2021 and that you should not return to campus unless for a specific reason. If you have any questions about what this means for your teaching, do please speak with your module convener or academic school/department.

No detriment

Many of you have raised questions concerning your progression during this academic year. I understand this is a concerning time and want to reassure you that the University is focused on this very important area of work.

This year, we will be using a range of different academic mitigation methods to ensure no student is disadvantaged by the pandemic. We have already implemented many changes to our teaching and student support and have now published information on how we will be continuing to do this throughout the year in our No detriment measures for 2021.

Student support

I understand this is a difficult year however must stress how important it is that you remain committed to your studies. There is a wealth of help and support available to ensure you continue to develop academically and achieve the learning outcomes you need to progress and graduate.

Our new Head of Colleges, Jacqui Double, has written a brief introduction to the support available from your College and Community Life team no matter where you may be living at present.

We have a number of emergency funding options to help any student in financial need and instructions on how to apply are online. Please contact our Financial Aid team, Kent Union or GKSU if you at all unsure whether or not you are eligible or which option might be best for you. They will be happy to help you.

Covid-19 testing for students in term-time accommodation

To those students who are living on-campus or accessing University facilities under the Government’s exemptions, I must urge you get tested for Covid-19. You should have two tests 3-5 days apart on your return to your term time address or self-isolate for ten days. After that you should be regularly tested twice a week. Please book your tests now and get tested at our on campus testing sites at both Canterbury and Medway. This is a vital part of the Government’s strategy to combat the virus.

Web chat

The next Student WebChat is on tuition fees and student finance and will take place on Wednesday 10 February 13.00-14.00. The booking form is now available online.

New weekly updates

From this Monday, 8 February, we’ll be sending you a new brief weekly update of the main student events of the week, top tips and quick links to key support services and information informed by the feedback we receive from you and the questions raised at our WebChats.

We will continue updating our website as often as we can. Please do continue to email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk with any urgent enquiries and we will respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued dedication to your studies.

With best wishes,

Richard

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

Creating a great CV for placements and internships

If you are applying for summer internships or placements, one of the first things you need to do is update your CV! Creating a stand-out CV is crucial when getting through the initial stage of the recruitment process. You want to make sure your CV is concise, accurate and targeted. Look at a few of our key points below, to guide you when updating your CV.

Accuracy. Ensure your CV is accurate and consistent, in content, grammar and spelling. If your CV is littered with errors, it could cost you an interview!
Concise. A UK CV should be no more than two A4 pages in length.
Tailored. Make sure you target your CV to the specific job you are applying to. Review the job specification and take note of any key skills or values they are looking for, evidencing these, where possible. Directly align specific achievements on your CV with the specific challenges of the role, to make it easy to see why you would be a good candidate.
Include your degree. Your degree should be at the top of your Education section, even if this has not been completed yet. If your degree is related to the role, you could detail relevant modules, key projects and practical skills gained. Remember to include your grades too!
Highlight any relevant experience. In your work experience section include your most relevant experience first. You could use an impact heading to distinguish relevant and non-relevant experience e.g., Finance Experience.
Include non-relevant work too! Employers want to know about your range of work experiences, and how you have developed your soft skills. Transferable skills such as teamwork and communication can be easily demonstrated through bar or retail work. However, if you have lots of experience, don’t feel you have to include everything, just the most recent.
Professional development section. If you have attended any insight days, completed additional courses, a virtual internship or took part in industry competitions, which are relevant to the role, you could highlight these here.
Positions of responsibility section. If you have held a key role outside of your studies, such as involvement within a society (e.g., President or Events Officer) or a volunteering role – include these! They are great examples of extra-curricular activities, which can show some valuable skills including, leadership and collaborative working.
Use positive language and action verbs. Try using words like organised, delivered, implemented, and exceeded to start your sentences, rather than pro-nouns.
Quantify your statements. Use facts, figures, and percentages, to give impact and build credibility to your statements. For example, ‘Reviewed 30 – 40 articles, per month’.

If you would like your CV reviewed, the Careers and Employability Service offer daily Quick Advice appointments, which are bookable online. Additionally, attend one of our ‘Creating a great CV’ workshops for more advice or visit our CV webpage for templates and further information.

Creating a great CV

If you are looking to gain some work experience this term (including virtually), the first thing you need to do is create your CV! Creating a stand-out CV is crucial when getting through the initial stage of the recruitment process. You want to make sure your CV is concise, accurate and targeted. Look at a few of our key points below, to guide you when writing your CV.

Accuracy. Ensure your CV is accurate and consistent, in content, grammar and spelling. If your CV is littered with errors, it could cost you an interview!
Easy to read. Use a clear and simple layout, avoid using tables and keep the font size to 10 – 12pt.
Concise. A UK CV should be no more than two A4 pages in length. For a part-time job, 1 page is sufficient.
Contact information. For a UK CV, you only need to include your name, contact telephone number and email address. Your photo, date of birth and nationality are not required.
Include your degree. Your degree should be at the top of your Education section, even if this hasn’t been completed yet. If your degree is related to the job, you could detail any relevant modules, key projects and practical skills gained. Remember to include your grades too!
Tailored. Make sure you target your CV to the specific job you are applying to. Review the job specification and take note of any key skills or values they are looking for, evidencing these, where possible. Directly align specific achievements on your CV with the specific challenges of the role, to make it easy to see why you would be a good candidate.
Highlight any relevant experience. In your work experience section, include your most relevant experience first, if applicable. If you have completed some work shadowing or an internship already, remember to update your CV with these experiences. You could use an impact heading to distinguish relevant and non-relevant experience e.g. Customer Service Experience.
Include non-relevant work too! Employers want to know about your range of work experiences, and how you have developed your soft skills. Transferable skills such as teamwork and communication can be easily demonstrated through bar or retail work.
Positions of responsibility section. If you have held a key role outside of your studies, such as involvement within a society (e.g., President or Events Officer) or a volunteering role – include these! They are great examples of extra-curricular activities, which can show some valuable skills including, leadership and collaborative working.
Talk about your interests. Showing interests can demonstrate your character and personal qualities, and it is a great opportunity to evidence softer skills. Just make sure the interests you include are specific and unique, rather than general ones e.g., socialising, reading etc.
Use positive language and action verbs. Try using words like organised, delivered, implemented, and exceeded, to start your sentences, rather than pro-nouns.

Creating a great graduate CV

If you are starting to apply for graduate jobs, one of the first things you need to do is update your CV! Creating a stand-out CV is crucial when getting through the initial stage of the recruitment process. You want to make sure your CV is concise, accurate and targeted. Look at a few of our key points below, to guide you when updating your CV.

Accuracy. Ensure your CV is accurate and consistent, in content, grammar and spelling. If your CV is littered with errors, it could cost you an interview!
Concise. A UK CV should be no more than two A4 pages in length. However, if you are applying for work outside of the UK, check the country’s own requirements, as CV formats differ from country to country.
Tailored. Make sure you target your CV to the specific job you are applying to. Review the job specification and take note of any key skills or values they are looking for, evidencing these, where possible. Directly align specific achievements on your CV with the specific challenges of the role, to make it easy to see why you would be a good candidate.
Include your degree. Your degree should be at the top of your Education section, which includes your predicted or awarded grade. If your degree is related to the job, you could detail relevant modules, key projects, your dissertation title, and practical skills gained.
Highlight any relevant experience. In your work experience section include your most relevant experience first. If you have undertaken a placement or internship whilst at university, remember to update your CV with these experiences. You could use an impact heading to distinguish relevant and non-relevant experience e.g., Marketing Experience.
Include non-relevant work too! Employers want to know about your range of work experiences, and how you have developed your soft skills. Transferable skills such as teamwork and communication can be easily demonstrated through bar or retail work. However, if you have lots of experience, don’t feel you have to include everything, just include the most recent.
Professional development section. If you have attended any insight days, completed additional courses, a virtual internship or took part in industry competitions, which are relevant to the role, you could highlight these here.
Positions of responsibility section. If you have held a key role outside of your studies, such as involvement within a society (e.g., President or Events Officer) or a volunteering role – include these! They are great examples of extra-curricular activities, which can show some valuable skills including, leadership and collaborative working.
Use positive language and action verbs. Try using words like organised, delivered, implemented, and exceeded, to start your sentences, rather than pro-nouns.
Quantify your statements. Use facts, figures, and percentages, to give impact and build credibility to your statements. For example, ‘Reviewed 30 – 40 articles, per month’.

Beyond declaring a climate emergency discussion, 2 February

Beyond declaring a climate emergency: An honest update from the School of Anthropology and Conservation.

Join Sustainability Coordinator Emily Mason and School of Anthropology and Conservation Sustainability lead Dr Charlie Gardner for an update on the University’s sustainability culture change project FutureProof. Find out how the School of Anthropology and Conservation have progressed beyond their declaration of climate emergency into action.

This will be an honest and open discussion on the successes of the project along with the challenges and barriers that we are still seeking solutions to. This session is open to all, especially those who may wish to enact similar activities within their schools and departments, along with those who may also be able to provide ideas on ways to move forward.

This will be an interesting and galvanising virtual event for anyone who is wanting to enact positive sustainability change across the University.

Takes place Tuesday 2 February, 11.00-12.00 on Microsoft Teams. For more information, and joining instructions please contact sustainability@kent.ac.uk.

Examinations 2021 – religious observance requests

Deadline 2021: Friday 5 February 2021

The University will make every effort to avoid timetabling examinations or assessments on religious days or festivals for those students whose commitment to the observance of their faith would otherwise cause them to miss the examination or assessment. However, we are able to consider the needs of students only if their requirement for particular religious observance is mandatory. It is not possible to take account of casual preferences or of social or domestic reasons.

How to make a request

The main exam period will take place between Monday 10 May and Friday 18 June 2021 and includes Saturdays.

Students wishing to observe a religious commitment on a particular day during the published examination periods should notify the Examinations Office by emailing exams@kent.ac.uk before Friday 5 February 2021, when exam scheduling work begins. The following information must be included:

Name and student number
Details of the observance
The date on which it will be undertaken
Proof of religious observance requirements e.g. a letter on headed paper from your place of worship

If students fail to contact the Examinations Office by the deadline, the University cannot accept responsibility if students are timetabled for an examination at a time when their religious requirements overlap with the date of an exam.

Please note the University may not always be able to accommodate requests. Where a request change has not been possible, students can submit a mitigating circumstances request.

See the Central Student Administration website for more information.

Canterbury Unibuses suspended in service reduction

As part of their service reduction, Stagecoach have temporarily suspended operating the Unibuses to and from Canterbury campus.

This means that the Number 4 bus will be the only bus serving the Canterbury campus at this time, every 30 minutes.

See Stagecoach service updates webpage to learn more about changes to their services during the pandemic.