Category Archives: Uncategorized

Scenic walks in Canterbury

Kent Union has published a guide to some of Canterbury’s most scenic routes for you to explore with a friend.

From local walks a stone throw away from the campus to scenic routes near the City Centre and a footpath that takes you through to Chartham – you are spoilt for choice.

There is also Marlowe’s Canterbury Walk. The aim of this walk is for you and one friend to explore the life of Christopher Marlowe, who is Britain’s best known playwright. The route takes you on a journey around the heart of Canterbury, visiting places he would have known, and offering an insight into his life.

Download the guide to find a route that suits you.

Photo credits: Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Update on Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions

From Alison Ross-Green | Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

As you will know, the Government has placed Kent in Tier 4 which means that all of those living in the county are subject to tightened Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the guidance, all those who are working at home should continue to do so. If your agreed way of working is on campus, please continue to come into work as usual as those who work in universities are classified as essential workers. We suggest that you carry your Kent One card (or equivalent University ID) with you as you travel to and from work.

The health and wellbeing of our staff and students continues to be at the forefront of our decision-making and we continue to follow government and public health advice. At present, there is no indication that being in a regional Tier 4 means we have to restrict the services we are currently offering on campus, but we are seeking further advice on this from our local public health team. We will update you as soon as we have a response.

The regional tiers will be reviewed by the Government on 30 December 2020, and we will further update you shortly after that date as well. Existing Government guidelines indicate that plans for a staggered return to campus after the Christmas vacation will remain in place along with the offer of asymptomatic testing for staff and students on both Canterbury and Medway campuses from 4 January 2021.

Meanwhile, we are aware that some of you who are working on campus may experience delays and disruption to your normal road journey to work due the closure of the Port of Dover, which has led to increased traffic on some key roads.

We are bringing forward the implementation of the Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy to cover this situation. Under this policy, you will be expected to attend work in the normal way during any period of disruption and make all reasonable efforts to identify alternative travel routes. If agreed by your line manager, the University will consider claims for reasonable additional expenses if you have to use public transport instead of your normal road journey. If you are unable to get to work, please notify your line manager as soon as possible.

Once again, I thank you for your continued support at this challenging time,

Best wishes,

Alison Ross-Green | Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Tier 4 restrictions – student update

As you will know, the Government has placed Kent in Tier 4 which means that all of those living in the county are subject to tightened COVID-19 restrictions.

I am writing to let you know that, if you have not yet travelled home for Christmas, we have now had Government confirmation that you are still able to do so. This is the case whatever tier your family home is in.

Once you are home, you will be counted as part of your family household.

You will also be aware that additional travel restrictions are in place for those seeking to travel to and from the UK. If you are planning to travel outside of the UK, please check whether your plans will be affected by this.

If your plans have to change and you are not able to travel home, please be assured that we will be here to support you over the vacation period. We will also update the Student Coronavirus webpages later today with more information about Tier 4 restrictions and what they mean for those of us living in affected areas.

The Government will be reviewing the current situation on 30 December and we will update you shortly after.

Existing government guidelines indicate that plans for a staggered return to campus after the Christmas vacation can remain in place along with the offer of asymptomatic testing for students and staff on both Canterbury and Medway campuses from 4 January 2021.

Whether you are at home for the vacation or remaining at your term-time address, we are here for you. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Thank you for working together to keep our University community safe.

Asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I want to let you know about asymptomatic Covid-19 testing arrangements for the New Year. Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are not displaying symptoms of Covid-19. Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure for staff and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

For appointments at Canterbury please book via the University’s booking system. Tests are available from 5 January 2021.
For appointments at Medway please book your appointment via the Medway Council website. Tests are available now and you may book up to 7 days in advance so bookings for next term can be made in the New Year.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others before you are tested and until you have received your second test result.

In accordance with Government guidelines, we are recommending to students that they are tested before they attend their first face-to-face teaching session. To facilitate this, students are being provided with a recommended arrival and testing window.

We know this will not be convenient for all and we will support them whatever their travel arrangements and intended arrival date back to University.

Postgraduate students may of course return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever required. However, if possible, they should be tested before accessing laboratories.

If you have any problems with the University’s Asymptomatic Testing booking system, please email AsymptomaticBookings@kent.ac.uk.

For other questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email StaffWellbeing@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

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

Canterbury asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I am emailing to let you know that the booking system is now open for you to reserve appointments at our Asymptomatic Testing Site (ATS) on the Canterbury campus in the New Year.

Tests will be available between 5 January and 7 February 2021. Please note you should only book your testing appointments once you have reviewed your Spring timetable which is now available.

Please note – if your term address is nearer the Medway campus, you should consider arranging your tests at Medway instead.

What is asymptomatic testing?

Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are asymptomatic i.e. not displaying symptoms of Covid-19. The ATS provides Lateral Flow Tests which are different to the tests offered by NHS Local Testing Sites.

Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

When should I be tested in the New Year?

The Government is advising that all students be tested before their face-to-face teaching begins in the New Year. Your timetable will indicate when your first face-to-face teaching session is. Please remember you should ideally be tested twice within 3-5 days before you attend. If you have not been tested in the first few weeks of term, please do so in the week beginning 1 February 2021 as the testing site will close at the end of that week.

If it is available, you are also advised to have a test local to your home address, prior to travelling.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others between your arrival and receiving your second test result.

Students arriving from overseas who wish to be tested at Canterbury and Medway are allowed to do so, but must first follow the relevant government guidance in full. Our testing programme is not a permitted alternative to completing the full 10-day period of self-isolation if arriving from a non-exempt country and cannot be used to reduce that period of self-isolation under the Government’s Test and Release Scheme.

When should I return to campus?

To help you comply with Government guidelines, we have set out the following suggested arrival and testing windows based on when your first face-to-face teaching is taking place.

First face-to-face teaching session	Recommended arrival window and testing
w/c 18 January	9-15 January
w/c 25 January	16-22 January
w/c 1 February	23-29 January
Anytime after 8 February	30 January–7 February*

*Please note – two tests are recommended 3-5 days apart and the last testing day is the 7 February.

These dates are designed to help you follow the Government recommendations. We know this will not be convenient for all of you and some of you may have already made other travel plans. We will support you whatever your travel arrangements and intended arrival date back to University.

If you are a postgraduate student, you may return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever you need to. However, if possible, you should be tested before accessing laboratories.

When will my teaching start in the new year?

Teaching begins on 18 January 2021 for all study programmes apart from KMMS. You should engage with all teaching sessions from this date. Your face-to-face teaching will be reintroduced over the first few weeks of term as shown on your timetable.

If you have any problems with the Asymptomatic Testing booking system, please email AsymptomaticBookings@kent.ac.uk.

For other questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

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

Medway asymptomatic testing and spring return update

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

I want to let you know that you will be able to book appointments for asymptomatic testing in the New Year via the Medway Council website.

You should only book your testing appointments for 2021 once you have reviewed your Spring timetable which is now available. You can book your tests up to 7 days in advance, so you will need to book your appointments in the New Year.

Please be assured that, by arrangement with the local Health Protection Team, you may use the Medway Council booking site despite the content suggesting it is not open for students. Further information about the testing process and what you need to take with you on the day is available on our Medway asymptomatic testing webpages.

Please note – if your term address is nearer the Canterbury campus, you should consider arranging your tests at Canterbury instead.

What is asymptomatic testing?

Asymptomatic testing is specifically designed for people who are asymptomatic ie not displaying symptoms of Covid-19.

Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you should follow our Isolate Test and Inform procedure and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus website.

When should I be tested in the new year?

The Government is advising that all students be tested before their face-to-face teaching begins in the new year. Your timetable will indicate when your first face-to-face teaching session is. Please remember you should ideally be tested twice within 3-5 days before you attend.

If it is available, you are also advised to have a test local to your home address, prior to travelling.

Please note you should avoid close contact with others between your arrival and receiving your second test result.

When should I return to campus?

To help you comply with Government guidelines, we have set out the following suggested arrival and testing windows based on when your first face-to-face teaching is taking place.

First face-to-face teaching session	Recommended arrival window and testing
w/c 18 January	9-15 January
w/c 25 January	16-22 January
w/c 1 February	23-29 January
Anytime after 8 February	30 January-7 February

If you are a postgraduate student, you may return to campus to use specialist facilities whenever you need to. However, if possible, you should be tested before accessing laboratories.

When will my teaching start in the new year?

If you have any questions about Covid-19 related health, welfare and support issues please check our Coronavirus webpages or email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes

Richard

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

Covid-19 update – 17 December 2020

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

Testing across this term

As we approach the end of the Autumn term, I’d like to share with you our achievements in testing our students and staff for Covid-19. Our asymptomatic testing facilities opened on 30 November and closed on 15 December 2020. During this period, an incredibly 4155 tests have been carried out from 5197 booked appointments. This equates to a 79% attendance rate. I am pleased to say that the number of positive cases through our testing facilities has been incredibly low, with only 16 positives identified.

We are currently busy planning our asymptomatic testing programme for the Spring term. This will open on 5 January 2021 on the Canterbury campus for students and staff. I am pleased to say that the booking system is now available should you wish to make appointments to be tested at Canterbury. For staff based at Medway, testing is available through Medway Council and you may book up to 7 days in advance.

Tier 3 restrictions

Following the Government’s announcement on 15 December 2020, Kent and Medway are still within the Tier 3 Covid level. This unfortunately means that restrictions are still in place as we move into Christmas. We can however look forward to some respite over the festive period and I do hope you take the opportunity for some much-needed relaxation time with your family and loved ones.

With my best wishes for the festive season,

Richard

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

Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy

The University has been working to put plans in place to ensure the University remains operationally viable in the event of a no-deal Brexit. As part of this work, we have a policy to support managers and staff in the event that staff working on campus experience difficulties in getting on to campus due to increased congestion and delays on the roads across Kent after 31 December.

Under the Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy, if you are a member of staff whose agreed way of working is on campus, you are expected to attend work in the normal way during any period of disruption and make all reasonable efforts to identify practical travel routes during a period of travel disruption.

If agreed by your line manager, the University will consider claims for reasonable additional expenses if you have to use public transport instead of your normal road journey in order to get to work. Staff who are unable to get into work must let their line manager know as soon as possible.

Staff (including timesheet paid staff) who are not able to attend for work due to the travel disruption and who are unable to work from home will have their normal pay maintained for the first day of travel disruption provided this has been agreed in advance with line managers. After this, you will be expected to either take annual leave or TOIL.

Further details about the Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy are available here.

Information to support your travel plans is available on our Transport webpages.

Look after your wellbeing this Christmas

Article from Brenda Brunsdon, Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team Manager:

Change is a constant in life and sometimes, we need to mentally reframe, or redecide our approach to something to be able to accept the change it brings.

One of the major traits of resilient people is how they cope with change and they usually do it by reframing how they see the situation that has developed.

Take Christmas. Once solely a religious festival, in many ways it now represents a family-centric mid-winter fest, with lots of opportunity to party alongside any praise and thanks related to the coming of salvation.

Christmas though is not a season of joy for everyone. If you are one of those people dreading Christmas, for whatever the reason, remember that the University Employee Assistance Programme is staffed to take your call at any time, day or night. The telephone number is 0808 168 2143 and it doesn’t cost you anything to call.

Our relationship with Christmas changes over time. When we are children Christmas means mystery, anticipation and excitement. Teenage years bring the angst of not knowing whether to be a child or a grown up. We then mature into young adults without responsibilities, partying through Christmas; then young parents with children and the cycle begins again. All our family losses are marked at Christmas, the person not at the family get-togethers, the card that doesn’t arrive for 2 years running. They are balanced by the joys of new members of the family, especially children. Our relationship with Christmas shows we can cope with change and have the skill to psychologically reframe as we go through life.

The essence of Christmas is hope. The Christmas Story is that the Child is born, the wait is over; when He grows, He will usher in a time of love, kindness, and forgiveness for all. This year, we really need hope back in our lives. And the glimmers of hope are there on the horizon, with the roll out of the Covid 19 vaccine.

I wish everyone who reads this a peaceful, restful and happy Christmas Holiday period. I hope that those who have been touched by sadness and loss over the past 12 months can start to heal and move forward. 2021 is very near and, hopefully, it’s going to bring solutions to the problems of 2020.

‘What is Resilience? Defining Resilience’: by Emma Ogilvie on resiliencetraining.co.uk
‘Reframe Unhelpful Thoughts’: YouTube video by Every Mind Matters
‘The Importance of Hope; How to be more Hopeful’: by Paul Thomas on selfhelpforlife.com, article and video Information on the Employee Assistance Programme on OH website

Kent in Action – University support during Covid-19

The first episode in a new series revealing how University of Kent staff and students have responded to the coronavirus pandemic will soon be airing on KMTV.

‘Coronavirus: Kent in Action’ focuses on the diverse work being carried out in fields such as medicine, business and media (to name a few), not only to combat the virus but also to provide a much-needed lift in people’s spirits.

Teaching and student life has been significantly disrupted, but the series shows how the University community has been hard at work tackling the greatest public health crisis in living memory. In Episode One, we see everything from bioscientists who’ve been working to understand the make up of the disease, to the musical Marsh family whose lockdown-themed rendition of the Les Misérables tune ‘One Day More’ went viral.

Series producer Cameron Tucker wants the series to be a celebration of what happens when people come together. ‘It was really important to everyone involved that we demonstrated the sheer breadth of activity that has been going on. These are stories from a supremely talented group of people who, in their own unique ways, are helping us through these unprecedented times. They are tales which deserve to be told,’ he said ahead of the first episode.

There’s even embroidery featured. Professor Jennie Batchelor, behind the Crafting through Covid project, in the programme says: ‘One of the wonderful things about needlework and other forms of craft is it feels like you’re putting something together when it feels like the sands are shifting from under your feet. It’s very much in the spirit of [The Lady’s] Magazine,” the 18 and 19th century publication which Professor Batchelor is an internationally recognised authority on.

Regular KMTV collaborator Betty Woessner, Research Excellence Manager at the University, is keen for this work to be shared with the wider public. ‘Whether it’s been medical advancements or perhaps having a laugh at a topical take on the current situation, everyone has been influenced in some way or another by what has been going on at Kent throughout the pandemic. These films are an opportunity to acknowledge that impact,’ she said.

The production of more than 4,000 face shields by a team of university technicians is one of many examples cited by Carole Barron, Director of KIE at Kent, and co-commissioner on Episode One, in demonstrating a vibrant research and innovation community: ‘Staff and students from across disciplines have come together through their ingenuity and enterprise, and I hope viewers will be inspired by the achievements showcased in the films.’

Coronavirus: Kent in Action premieres on Friday 18 December at 19.30 on KMTV (Freeview Channel 7, Virgin 159 and online at kmtv.co.uk).

You can also watch Episode One now on YouTube.

Picture shows: Pilgrims Hospice staff wearing face shields provided by University technicians.