Category Archives: Student Guide

Survivors’ Forum Friday 18 May

Silke Grygier, founder of the Not The Only One Project, will be facilitating the next Survivor Forum from 18.30-20.30 on Friday 18 May in Rutherford Ext 12.

The main aim of this format is to create a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse to come together, meet others, share experiences, and discuss the issues and themes which affect them. The experience of being in a space with other survivors, can be hugely empowering for survivors and can alleviate common feelings of shame, stigma, and isolation, and foster experiences of connection and feeling understood.

In the Survivors’ Collective, Silke has facilitated forums on themes such as ‘access to healthcare’, ‘media representation’, ‘our experience in education & the workplace’, and workshops such as ‘speaking out’, ‘connecting to our body’, as well as a ‘giving testimony session’ where survivors had the opportunity to tell their story.

Not The Only One is a project designed to reach out to university students who have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA). As a group, CSA survivors are often invisible, not only to society, but also to each other, and suffer stigma and isolation. At the same time, survivors tend to experience great difficulties especially in young adulthood, and are often left with a lack of understanding and support. Through workshops, presentations, info-stalls, support groups, open forums, and therapeutic support this project aims to raise awareness, create spaces for survivors to come together, and offer specialist support.

Further Survivor Forums will take place on the following dates:

15 June (Rutherford Ext 12)
20 July (Grimond Seminar 2)

You can find out more about Not The Only One here. You can also contact Debbie Worthington, Student EDI Officer for further information.

Dr Xiaofan Amy Li awarded travel fund

Dr Xiaofan Amy Li, Lecturer in Comparative Literature, has been awarded the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation travel fund by the European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS).

The funding will allow Amy to undertake research trips to sinological libraries within the UK. She will use this opportunity to consult scholarship on classical Chinese literature and its translation history, to complete a book manuscript she is co-authoring with colleagues at the University of Oxford.

The book is provisionally entitled Translation and Literature in East Asia: Between Visibility and Invisibility. It will ask: What specific problems do the translation and circulation of Chinese-script-based literature pose? What does translation render visible and invisible, especially if we compare various modern translations of classical Chinese literature into modern vernacular Chinese (baihua), modern Japanese, English, and French? Finally, do literary translational practices in pre-modern East Asia say something about a world literature before (rather than in) the global age?

Enjoy grass tennis at Kent Sport this summer

New grass tennis courts are now available to hire at the Pavilion thanks to the tireless work of University of Kent Groundsmen Lee Ballard and Derek Hockett. Kent Sport tennis coordinator Matthew Brears caught up with Lee and Derek to speak to them about their work.

What do you and your team do throughout the year?

Our main tasks are to maintain the sports facilities to the highest standard possible. this includes mowing the grass pitches and marking them out, and brushing the three artificial pitches we have on campus.

Derek and I really take pride in what we do and always want the people taking part in sports such as American football and now tennis to have the best experience.

How did you create these grass courts and what challenges did you face?

The biggest challenge was the time and the weather. We lost two days of work due to rain and we had a Bank Holiday. so another work day was lost. We were really excited about the challenge of setting out grass court tennis, so once we were asked we set to the job straight away.

We mowed the area with our cricket pitch mower, which hadn’t been used for three years. Our first few cuts were at 15mm so that we didn’t take the grass too short too soon. Next, we measured for three courts and over-marked them. Rolling the court took four days, but when we had finished we were happy with the end results. We have now lowered the grass cut height to 10mm and it looks great.

How are you going to maintain the good quality playing surface throughout the summer?

The biggest maintenance job will be the mowing as I think we will have to do this every other day to keep the grass to a playable height. I’m sure as we get into the summer (hopefully a hot one!) we will also have to water the courts.

Is there anything you would like to do differently in the coming years to improve on what you have achieved this year?

Hopefully this really takes off and we can have a few extra courts next year!

The only job we couldn’t do this year was scarify the courts. If we do this next year it will take out the weeds and thatch that is in the ground. Removing this should help with the bounce of the ball and make the court quality better.

Matthew Brears, Tennis Coordinator and Head Coach, said: “The work that Derek and Lee have done in such a short space of time has been exemplary and I’m grateful for their efforts over the last three weeks, and of course the work they will put in over the summer. They have shown a glimpse of what we can achieve here at the University and I’m looking forward to working with them to provide a great grass court tennis offering for years to come.”

Sean Edwards, UKC Tennis Society President, said: “The new grass courts installed by Lee and Del are a huge step forward for UKC Tennis this year and have great potential for years to come. I’d like to thank them for their efforts as the courts are incredibly flat and have a bounce that nobody expected.”

The new grass tennis courts can be booked by Kent Sport members at the Pavilion reception. For more information about tennis and other activities visit the Kent Sport website and follow @UniKentSports on social media.

Exam De-stress 2018

Examination period can be an extremely stressful time, and it is important that you are looking after yourself.

Kent Union have created a webpage as a hub for advice, support and activities to help you manage your wellbeing during your exams. Simple tips such as making sure you are taking regular breaks or giving yourself some recovery time between exams can make a huge difference. If you need to talk to someone about your exams, please contact the Advice Centre who can provide free, confidential and impartial advice.

No exams? Not a problem, these events are there for everyone!

For more information click here.

#examcalm #unwindyourmind #stampoutstress

Programme of Events

Here are a sample of the events that will be taking place. For the whole programme of events please click here (Please note that the events calendar will be updated regularly, as and when new events are organised, so keep an eye out).

Mindfulness Practice | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 May

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain. Further information.

Evening Hypnotherapy: Managing Stress | 03, 10, 17 May

This is a free one hour session of hypnotherapy for fast, safe, and permanent relief from exam stress and anxiety. Get back in control of your mind and body and be able to achieve your aims and goals in a confident and relaxed manner. No need to book – just turn up promptly at 6pm in DG01 Templeman Library (Ask at the library helpdesk if you need directions). Further information.

First Aid for Stress | 04, 15 May

First Aid for Stress is designed to reduce the risk for stress reactions in fire and rescue personnel. It recognizes quickly those individuals who are reacting to a wide range of stressors in their work and personal lives, and are in need of interventions to promote healing. Stillness helps focus. Take time out to learn a strategy to combat stress. Location: Templeman Library Chill Out Zone, D|3|15. Further information.

Juggling Workshop | 07, 14, 21, 28 May

Complete this workshop to make your own Juggling balls, learn how to use them and recieve a certificate of completion. There is a small cost for this workshop. £4 for Week 1 – making your juggling balls, £3 for each session thereafter. Further information.

Poi Workshop | 08, 15, 22, 29 May

Poi is a form of dance, where weights on the ends of tethers are swung through rhythmical patterns. Poi dance is part of Maori tradition. Complete this workshop to make your own Poi, learn how to use them and recieve a certificate of completion. The workshop will take place in Darwin Peter Brown Room, and will cost £4.50 for week 1, and £3.50 thereafter. Further information.

Guided Labyrinth Walks | 09, 16 May

What is a labyrinth? The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and an archetypal blueprint where psyche meets Spirit. It has only one path that leads from the outer edge in a circuitous way to the centre. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Unlike a maze where you lose your way, the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way. Helping us to relax by using outside spaces to reflect our creative and spacious selves. Further information.

Pets as Therapy | 11 May

As simple as it sounds, take a break from revision and head over to the Sibson building where you will be able to pet and cuddle dogs. What could better? Further information: https://kentunion.co.uk/events/id/471-pets-as-therapy

Food Foraging Walk | 5 June | Oasis Garden, Canterbury campus
12:00-13:00 and 13:00-14:00

Unwind, de-stress and discover what Nature’s Larder has to offer on a wild food foraging walk with Natural Pathways.
An affective way to de-stress is to get outdoors and let nature help you to upwind and why not learn a new skill whilst you are at it? Our natural larder is full of exciting discoveries and can be particularly abundant at this time of year. Join us for a short walk and we will take you on a brief journey into the world of foraging where you can discover the amazing wild plants that grow on campus and learn about Best Practice and how to stay safe whilst foraging.’ Free workshops with Carol Hunt and Hannah Nicholls.

Wellbeing Map | Canterbury Campus

If you’d like to spend some time out and explore your surroundings at the Canterbury campus we have updated the Wellbeing Map that highlights our indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, as well as guided walks and the wellbeing support services we have onsite. To access the map click here.

Got an event that you want to advertise? Just fill out the form here!

Learning at Work Week launches on Monday!

Our informal drop-in launch session will be running between 10:00 – 11:30 on Mon 14 May 2018 in IS Templeman DG 01 where you can come to learn more about the activities taking place and network with colleagues over some simple refreshments. No registration required.

Learning & Organisational Development have drawn together a variety of exciting activities to get involved with, both during the week ahead and over the coming months. Your opportunities to get involved are threefold;

Firstly, we have a programme of workshops kindly volunteered by staff members from across the University in a variety of subject areas they have a personal interest in.

Secondly all staff can access an interesting range of online e-learning resources throughout the week, provided by the Charity Learning Consortium. Access to these courses is limited to during LAWW week only (14 – 20 May 2018). Visit our activities calendar for more information.

Thirdly, on Thursday 17 May, we will launch our ‘Kent Experiences’ opportunities. The experiences are a chance for you to see a side of the University you are not usually involved with and link to the theme of LAWW – ‘networked for learning’. We would encourage you to review the Kent Experiences available at both Medway and Canterbury campuses and get involved with an experience that adds a new dimension to your understanding and connections across the Organisation.

Further information will be provided online, via communications directly to your schools and departments and via Twitter over the coming week.

Resilience and mental health awareness

Are you interested in resilience and mental health awareness?

If so, please feel free to attend one of our Development presentations running tomorrow.
The sessions are running 10.00-12.00 and 13.00-15.00 in Stacey Lecture Theatre 2.

No registration is needed.

Please note, this is a 2 hour lecture/presentation style session with Q&A at the end.

Activities galore with Kent Sport this summer term

All work and no play? Not with the Sport at Kent term three timetable. We’re excited to offer a variety of sports, unique fitness and dance classes, and funky one-off events to give your brain a break during exam season.

We’re also welcoming back our ever popular Stamp Out Stress (SOS) sessions as part of the fitness and dance timetable with five refreshing classes a week to help you relax. We have a dedicated timetable with activities ranging from guided bike rides to bubble football. Kent Sport Physiotherapy is offering £14 30-minute sports massages to fully work out your stress.

Inter College football Cup, Kent Amateur Football League Cup and the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup competitions continue this term.

Looking ahead to the rest of the term, there’s the Canterbury 10k on Sunday 20 May at 10.30 or several cycle rides catered to all abilities taking you to Chartham, Whitstable or Herne Bay.

Let’s Play continues to offer a wide range of activities for just £1 such as open swim sessions, table tennis, badminton, and many more. There’s also a dedicated ‘This Girl Can’ weight lifting session.

Staff can get involved with various activities throughout the week during the lunchtime hour. From netball to hockey to running, there are lots of options to active during your break.

For more information on the events mentioned above download Sport at Kent which highlights all our activities and events. Inside, find timetables for football, tennis, Let’s Play activities, fitness and dance classes, Vice-Chancellor’s Cup and Stamp Out Stress.

You can check out our online events calendar at www.kent.ac.uk/sports or pop into the Sports Centre and pick up a term three Sport at Kent activities booklet.

To keep up to date and involved, Like UniKentSports on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

European Opportunities Fair

To mark the celebration of Europe Day 2018, International Partnerships is hosting a ‘European Opportunities Fair‘ in the Gulbenkian on Wednesday 9 May. The event will run from 12.00 – 14.00 and will showcase the University’s activities in Europe, as well as raise awareness of the many opportunities available for both staff and students at our partner institutions.
There is no need to book and everyone is welcome! Join us for some live music, European-themed food and much more.

The University is also marking the occasion with a special lecture from Professor Shane Weller entitled Europe: The History of an Idea. The lecture is being held on 14 May, 18.30-19.30 in GLT1. It is free to attend and open to all. #WeAreEuropean #EuropeDay2018

Stamp Out Stress with Kent Sport

The exam season is upon us; it’s time to switch on and cram in some much needed revision over the next few weeks. During this time, it’s important to switch off, relax and have a break from revision. That’s why we’re putting on a range of activities and offers to help you beat the exam stress.

There can’t be much better for relaxing than a sports massage at the Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic, and at £14 for 30 minutes there really is no excuse. But if massages aren’t your thing, how about some relaxing bike rides through the glorious Kent countryside to seaside towns like Whitstable and Herne Bay? Or try Stamp Out Stress fitness and dance classes like BodyPump and Veraflow to help exercise the stress away.

Alternatively, why not ‘smash into one another in giant inflatable balls while kicking the football around.’ That’s bubble football. Or try a slightly more chilled out sport like mini golf. There’s also the Canterbury 10k run on Sunday 20 May.

If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, whether that’s purely for relaxing or to get in some study time, then get on over to the Chillout Zone at the Pavilion Cafe Bar. On Wednesdays you get unlimited refills of tea/coffee for just £2.

You can check out the full list of events taking place in our Sport at Kent brochure.

There’s a lot happening across the University to help beat exam stress, simply search #StampOutStress, #ExamCalm and #UnwindYourMind on social media to find events on campus.

Hire a bike this week for the summer term

Hire a bike for the term from the Cycle Hub Wednesday 9 May and Friday 11 May, 9.00-16.00.

Each bike has been security tagged and is registered to the University of Kent. They all come equipped with lights, a bell and a lock and have received a full service – they are as good as new and are ready to ride!

The cost to hire one of the recycled bikes is £30 for the term. You need to leave a security deposit of £50-£100 depending on the value of the bike you hire. This will be refunded when you return the bike in good condition. To help, we ask that you pop into the Cycle Hub and see Dr Bike at least once each term for a service.

For more information on the hiring a bike visit www.kent.ac.uk/transport/cycling/hire