As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 Nov), it is crucial to reflect on our collective responsibility in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone. This day shines a light on a distressing reality that affects countless lives and calls us to stand in solidarity, commitment, and action against all forms of violence directed at women.

Recognising the Scope and Impact

Violence against women is an enduring and pervasive issue, taking many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to discrimination, harassment, coercive control and online abuse. Research and lived experiences tell us that these acts often go unreported and unchallenged, and they have lasting impacts on individuals and entire communities. As members of this University community, we all must not only recognise the harm that violence inflicts but also actively work to prevent it.

A Community Commitment

The University of Kent stands firmly against all forms of violence, and each of us has a part to play in fostering an environment where respect, dignity, and safety are non-negotiable. Building a truly safe and inclusive culture is a shared effort, and we can all contribute by speaking out, supporting survivors, and challenging behaviours and attitudes that enable violence. This involves listening with empathy, educating ourselves, and others, about the complexities of abuse, and being alert to signs of harm.

Men as Allies

As I have written before, the role of men in ending violence against women is critical. Men, in particular, must confront toxic norms and behaviours within our own circles, challenge harmful stereotypes, and be active allies to those affected. Silence is complicity, and we must make it clear that violence and harassment have no place in our community. Let us commit to fostering an atmosphere where all voices are heard, respected, and supported. When we engage in these efforts, we become part of the solution, contributing to a more just and equitable world.

Support Resources and Moving Forward

For those impacted by violence, I encourage you to seek support. The University offers various resources, including our Student Support and Wellbeing team, counselling services, and specialist advice. We also have trained staff available to guide those experiencing or witnessing violence. It is essential to know that you are not alone; help is available, and your safety and well-being matter deeply to us. The University of Kent has a sex-positive campaign to cultivate and strengthen a culture of consent in our community of staff and students.

On this day and every day, let us be mindful of our actions, words, and responsibilities toward each other. Together, we can make a difference by actively promoting a culture of respect, safety, and accountability. Violence against women affects us all, and it is within our power to stand against it with strength, unity, and unwavering commitment.

Let’s work together to end violence against women – here, within our University, and beyond.

Professor Richard Reece

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Find out what’s on this week, including events for Cultural Celebration Week and Disability History Month.

Monday 25 November: Finding a part-time job and Wellbeing Café

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 job.

On Monday afternoons you can join Mental Health Advisors and other students for the Wellbeing Café, a relaxed space with a focus on promoting your wellbeing and mental health through activity, for example a craft.

Tuesday 26 November: Finding a part-time job (Medway), UV games (Medway) and glass painting

Looking for a part-time job and based in Medway? Join this in-person session in Medway building to find out more about options for work and how to apply.

Head to the Hub to play UV pickle ball and table tennis – a fun way to stay active and meet new people.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join ResLife Ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi for a relaxing evening of glass panting. Using specialised glass paints and brushes, you’ll learn how to create unique designs on glassware.

Wednesday 27 November: Tree survey, DHM Speaker Panel and PGR quiz

Spend an hour in nature on the KentCOG site for a wellbeing and biodiversity tree survey. We will be mapping the trees we have, recording information about them and giving them a health check.

On Wednesday afternoon you can join the Disability History Month Speaker Panel. Kent Students’ Union and the Student Services Resource Department welcome you to a live speaker event all about access in the workplace, hosted by Chair of the Accessibility Network Gabby.

All PGR students are invited for an afternoon of fun, food, and friendly competition at the Big PGR Quiz of the Year! Jointly hosted by Kent Students’ Union and the Graduate and Researcher College, this is a great opportunity to get to know other PGR students and supervisors.

Thursday 28 November: Cultural Food Festival and film screening (Medway)

As part of Cultural Celebration Week, join us and Kent Students’ Union in Rutherford Dining Hall the Cultural Food Festival 2024. Enjoy a night of cultural celebrations with food dishes prepared by KSU student groups, who will be there to tell you more about their dishes.

**Cancelled** At Medway campus you can join a free screening of the film Rising Phoenix at The Hub, which tells the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games.

Friday 29 November: Litter pick, LGBTQ+ friendly social and cultural quiz night

The Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge is an annual national competition to see which institution can collect the most litter on campus. Join us to keep our campus clean and hedgehog friendly!

ResLife Ambassadors May and Taylor would like to invite you to join them for an LGBTQ+ friendly social. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in our safe space in the library. There will be hot drinks, biscuits, board games and Super Mario Kart.

As part of Cultural Celebration Week, join us for a fun evening testing your knowledge with this fun Cultural Quiz. Hosted by our student Global Officers, come along and join in a fun evening of cultural trivia. Test your knowledge and learn something new, with prizes up for grabs.

See all student events.

Staying in campus accommodation

Autumn Term finishes on Friday 13 December. Let us know if you’ll be staying in your campus accommodation over the winter break in Canterbury by Wednesday 11 December. If you are staying at Pier Quays, Unite Students will be in touch with you.

Don’t forget if you’re living in part-catered accommodation and want to stay on campus over the winter break, you’ll need to book vacation accommodation at least one week before you’re due to move out. Please note all meal plans come to an end for the vacation period from Saturday 14 December 2024 – Saturday 11 January 2025. Vacation accommodation is available on a self-catered basis only and you will have access to a kitchen to cook your own meals.

What’s on?

If you’re staying on campus, or you live locally, check out the winter break events page which includes festive themed events before term finishes as well as a few events happening over the winter break. There are also links to events taking place off campus in Canterbury and Medway.

On Wednesday 18 December, you can join a relaxed Christmas Crafts and Chat session in the Library Cafe where you can connect with other students staying on or near campus. Join in with some festive craft, make a tree decoration, decorate a gingerbread biscuit and find out what’s happening in the local area. Plus, those who sign up can get a free hot drink from the Library Cafe!

More information

Check out the winter break webpage for more information, support and events.

Find out what’s on this week, including events for our Careers’ International Students Week and Disability History Month.

Monday 18 November: Wellbeing Café and introduction to First Aid

Each Monday during term-time, you’re invited to join the Wellbeing Café, which is a space to connect with other students in a relaxed environment with a focus on promoting your wellbeing and mental health through activity.

Ever wondered what to do in a situation? You want to help but you’re not sure? Come along to this introduction to first aid.

Tuesday 19 November: Meet with the International Student Advisory Board, PG Talk and tie dye Crafternoon (Medway)

Are you an international student? Come and meet the International Student Advisory Board representatives in Nexus (Templeman Library). Discuss your experiences so far and feedback on what you would like to see improved or changed to make your living and studying better at Kent #YourUniYourSay

Postgrad students are invited to join the next PG Talk about the benefits of biodiversity for our health and wellbeing. The talk will explore the impact of various species, their colours, sounds, and scents on our anxiety, happiness, and stress levels.

On Tuesday afternoon you can join a tie dye Crafternoon at The Hub. Tie dye a bandana or bring your own item from home.

Wednesday 20 November: Dissertation planning, ASPIRE panel discussion, AI webinar and Postgraduate Open Event

Not sure how to plan your undergrad dissertation? Join this in-person session at Canterbury and Medway to demystify your dissertation, making it less intimidating and more approachable.

What is it really like to run your own business? Kent graduate Emay Enemokwu, founder of the streetwear brand JEHUCAL, will chair the conversation with fellow Kent alumni who are reshaping the world of sustainability, mental health, and tech. It’s a unique opportunity to gain insights from those already making a real impact in their fields. The panel discussion will be followed by networking and nibbles in the ASPIRE lab space.

Interesting in developing your critical thinking skills when using Generative AI? Our E-Learning team are hosting a series of webinars on Wednesday afternoon with lecturers from across the sector to discuss the best way to do this. Students are invited to attend so you can share your input on the topic.

Are you considering postgraduate study? Join our Postgraduate Open Event on Wednesday in Sibson to speak with staff and students and find out more about scholarships and funding. Find out how Kent can make your ambition count.

Thursday 21 November: Disability support drop-in and K Bar’s Got Talent

If you have any quick questions or inquiries about disability support, a disability advisor will be available for drop-in session on Thursday morning.

Get ready for a night of entertainment at K Bar’s Got Talent! Whether you can sing, dance, perform comedy, or showcase a unique skill, we want to see what you’ve got! This variety talent show is open to all acts – so if you’ve got a talent, we’ve got a stage for you. With prizes on offer for the best performances.

Friday 22 November: Evaluating and referencing your research and creative session

On Friday morning you can join a bite-size library webinar where the library team will introduce you to the basics of evaluating and referencing your research – useful for assignments, literature reviews, and dissertations.

Live on campus? Get creative with the ResLife Ambassadors for zine making and journal decorating in DG-01 in Templeman Library.

Saturday 23 November: Build an app bootcamp

Have you ever fancied building your own app? Join this Build an App one-day workshop in Sibson where you’ll learn how to plan and build an app in Bubble with our Tech Entrepreneur in Residence, Jon Carroll. Free lunch provided.

Sunday 24 November: Childhood games

On Sunday afternoon you can join the ResLife team for a nostalgic afternoon of childhood games including Duck Duck Goose, Musical Chairs, Hide and Seek and more. Have some fun and reminisce.

See all student events.

Opportunities and reminders

• We are currently seeing an increase in phishing attempts targeting Kent staff and student email accounts. Learn how to spot and report phishing emails.
• Complete the Travel Plan Survey for a chance to win £100 Amazon voucher.
• For an idea for a cultural event at Kent? Check out the Cultural Event Fund.

See all student opportunities.

First year international students are invited to complete the International Student Survey on behalf of a UK organisation who would like to learn more about your decision to study in the UK.

Start the survey now

The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete, and as a thank you for your participation one randomly selected student will be awarded £200 and three others £50 (x2) – £100 (x1).

Your responses will contribute to understanding about international students’ priorities when thinking about where to study, helping the UK to deliver the best experience for students like you now and in the future. Your responses are anonymous.

*This survey is being conducted by independent research agency Red Brick Research on behalf of a UK organisation. If you have any problems accessing the survey, please email laura@redbricksurveys.net

We are currently seeing an increase in phishing attempts targeting Kent staff and student email accounts.

If you see high levels of spam in your inbox, please do not open or respond to them. Report as Phishing using the “Report” button in the Outlook toolbar, or you can just delete them.

Do not respond to Teams calls from someone claiming to be from IT Support offering to help with this spam. Before accepting any offer of assistance, please contact IT and Library Support using the details below to verify the caller is actually from IS.

If you have already experienced this and been contacted via Teams to install something, please let us know as soon as possible. We operate a “no blame” culture and you will not be in trouble, we just need to verify that your account and our systems are still secure.

What we’re doing to prevent attacks

Information Services are already taking active measures to reduce the impact, but your assistance is essential to help keep your data and our services and systems safe.

Thank you

IT and Library Support
Information Services, University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ

• Nexus Self Service
• helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
• Tel: 01227 82 4888

As Accessibility Network Chair, Gabby has learned to advocate for herself and others, helping change policy to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus. Hear from Accessibility Advocate Gabby:

“My name is Gabriella Rolls, I’m 20, my pronouns are she/her and I’m in my 3^rd and final year of a BA in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. I am a full-time electric wheelchair user and live on campus with the support of PAs. When I’m not zooming to class or busy studying, you can usually find me in the Gulbenkian watching comedy or performing my own “sit down comedy”, or in the library café enjoying a coffee with friends. Outside of university, I love playing board games, watching TV, playing the disability sport boccia or hanging out with my 8 year old pug, Pixie, who is the love of my life!”

Tell us about your work on issues for students with disabilities, including your work for the Accessibility Network.

“Having been born with my disability, cerebral palsy, and later developing both scoliosis and generalised anxiety disorder, I have always known what it was like to face disability related challenges. However, it wasn’t until I was the only wheelchair user at my secondary school that I began to see the importance of advocating for my needs and improving access where I could.

This passion, and my confidence in advocacy only grew at university where I became more independent, but also joined the Accessibility Network. When I joined in 2023, I was a team member, and helped to run events and assist with campaigns, including developing a policy that was then passed in Kent Union Parliament to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus (this is now being put in place so watch this space!). I loved the role and the impact it had, both empowering me and fellow students, so when it was time to elect the committee for 24/25, it was a no brainer for me to run for Network Chair. I’m delighted to say I was elected, and I now have the pleasure of representing disabled students on campus and their concerns, both through the Network’s campaigns and through advocacy at Kent Union Parliament.

This term, my goals have been to roll out the accessibility monitoring policy, improve the way access needs are integrated by timetabling and improve the food options on campus to be both healthier and appropriate for those with dietary needs, as well as delivering a Disability History Month to remember! However, the best part of my role is listening to the concerns and ideas of those I represent and those of my committee members, who I wouldn’t be able to work without! This role has been so fulfilling that I am now looking to move into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sector when I graduate.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“The advice I would give to other students is to allow yourself to take up space and use your voice. You have a right to advocate for yourself and have a say when things can be improved, this is not an inconvenience and you are not a burden on others, nor should we stay silent through gratitude for prior improvements. Often, people are more than willing to help and want things to actively be better for others, but just need a bit of a steer of how to do this! It’s scary at first but self-advocacy is the most important and empowering skill you can learn. If you aren’t quite there yet though, remember that the network is here for you and we will amplify your voice, concerns and ideas.”

What are your plans for the next year?

“Over the next year, when not writing my dissertation (which is on the impact religion has on how disabled people view their disabilities!), I will continue to use the network as a platform for change, finishing the campaigns we have started this term and developing new ideas to make campus an even better place to be for disabled students. Overall though, my plans for next year will depend on the ideas and concerns my fellow students bring up, so please do get in touch with the network via our email accessibilitynetwork@ksu.co.uk or Instagram @ukcaccessibilitynetwork – the level of trust the disabled community here at Kent puts in me is an honour and a privilege.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.