Do you know what a student hub is? Are you wanting more social space? Do you want more options to access student support services? What do you want the student experience to be like at Kent?
These are some of the questions that we want to ask you!
The University is looking to improve the online student guide and to create a new space on campus for students.
Take the survey by 1 April and have your say
We will also be on campus in the coming weeks so look out for us and have your say!
From John Sotillo | Director of Information Services
Following the disruption to our IT services at Canterbury last week, I’m pleased to confirm that the majority of our systems are now back online across the University. The outage was the result of a detected cyber-security incident and the necessary steps we took as a precaution to manage this. For some students and staff, the recovery from the original incident will take some time and we are working closely with affected Divisions to manage this process.
What happened
Earlier in the week our security systems detected a security breach in a specific area of the Kent network. As a result, Information Services (IS) and Divisional staff took prompt action to contain the initial situation and to prevent the attack from spreading more widely across Kent services and systems. We then progressed to more significant protective actions in order to counter the threat we had identified.
What we have done
As part of measures taken, we isolated the School of Engineering domain from the rest of the University network and reset some 1,000 affected users’ passwords. A consequence of taking these necessary measures was the loss of authentication for Wi-Fi, wired network connections in student accommodation and student PCs on campus. IS worked swiftly to restore the authentication system, with most services back online within 24 hours.
We are pleased to report that services are now restored across campus, with the exception of the Jennison building, which hosts the School of Engineering domain IT infrastructure. Work to mitigate the impact on Jennison continues and will take some time.
What you can do
We have strong security procedures and protocols at Kent but we all need to remain vigilant so that we can continue to work safely and securely online. There has been a rise in cyber-attacks on UK public sector / education sector organisations in recent weeks and these attacks have been intense, persistent and disruptive.
With your help, we can reduce our risk of further attacks. Please read our latest advice and guidance about staying safe online and use our online resources to stay educated and stay alert.
We are continuing our work to ensure that University services and systems remain secure. If you experience any problems or have any issues, please contact IT & Library Support.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
You told us you wanted more social spaces on campus, so we made it happen.
We’re celebrating our new social spaces with free food and live music:
Tuesday 5 April, 13.00-14.00 – The Oasis Lounge (Rochester Building)
Food, drinks and music.
Wednesday 6 April, 13.00-14.00 – The Hook Lounge (Clocktower Building)
Food, drinks and LIVE music.
No need to book, just turn up. You’re welcome to attend one or both events.
This is a great chance to catch up with friends and celebrate your accomplishments as we come to the end of the Spring Term.
See you there!
Later today at Rochester Cathedral it will be our huge pleasure to welcome our first cohort of returning students for their in-person graduation ceremonies. Graduations are always momentous occasions, marking not just our students’ success but a significant juncture in their lives. However, this first set of ceremonies has a particular poignancy as we mark a year group that faced challenges like no other. I wanted to take this moment to reflect on what they – and we – have all gone through together over the past two years.
It’s easy to forget that university life for the ‘Class of 2020’ began like any other – the buzz around campus of new friendships being formed; bustling bars filled with excitement; the clatter and chatter of a packed lecture theatre settling down to class. What a contrast to how jarring that first lockdown was, as silence fell across our estate. The resilience, courage and commitment of those students to complete their studies while the whole world changed around them was truly humbling – as was the deeply moving way colleagues across the University pulled together in support. It was the best of our community, as so many adapted to huge personal challenges to ensure our students had the best possible experience we could provide.
This didn’t come without its difficulties, with having to cancel in-person graduation ceremonies a particular low. For that year group to then graduate online and move into a new world of work, often behind a digital desk, shows just how remarkable they are. Kent graduates are special and throughout this first set of ceremonies we will be celebrating both them and the amazing things they have gone on to – showcasing how employability runs through our work, and how graduates who are ‘Made in Kent’ leave us ready to shape tomorrow’s world.
Their success is also testament to all of you. Everyone at Kent can look at graduations and feel pride at their contribution. Maybe you sparked someone’s imagination in your tutorials or brought inspiration through your research. You may have been the first smile they saw when they came to collect their keys; a supportive word when they were in need of help; or serving them the food that reminded them of home when they really needed it. Everyone has a part to play, from when a prospective student picks up a prospectus to when they open their first Alumni Newsletter – and I hope you can all take a moment to reflect on your part in this as these wonderful ceremonies return.
I know many will be volunteering this week and next or taking part through your more ceremonial role. Wherever you are, do look out across our campuses and social media for the smiles, hugs and special family moments as they return once again and know that they are yours to share in too.
With my thanks to all of you for everything you do.
Karen
Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President
From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience
Next week we are due to have five further strike days by the University and College Union (UCU) from Monday 28 March to Friday 1 April. As with the previous strikes, this is the result of the ongoing national dispute about staff pensions and pay and working conditions. It also sits alongside the ongoing marking and assessment boycott.
I know this will be frustrating news for all of you and we are equally frustrated that this is happening again. Throughout this period of industrial action, we have continued negotiating with our local union representatives on issues we can influence here at Kent, while also campaigning for change at a national level where we are able to. The issues are important, but it is our firm view that industrial action is not the right way to go about this while discussions continue. You can read more about what we are doing to address these issues on our industrial action webpages.
Supporting you and your studies
Above everything else we regret the effect that the UCU’s action is having on all of you. I know that industrial action inevitably brings stress, frustration and uncertainty. It has been a difficult couple of years for you all, and I know that this new strike will be further unwelcome news.
While we will continue to do all that we can to reach agreement with our local UCU colleagues before the strike is due to start, our focus will remain on mitigating the likely impact on you and your studies as far as we can. While we won’t know who will or won’t be taking strike action, we will let you know wherever we can where there will be an impact on your studies.
We also often won’t know what mitigating action we will need to take around marking and assessment, or when affected marks will be available, until nearer to when the exam boards themselves take place. I understand this is frustrating but want to be clear on that so that you know what to expect.
Maintaining academic standards
I am aware of some confusion circulating about the University’s response to the marking and assessment boycott and I want to offer some reassurance about how we will be managing the award of your marks this year. It is important that I address these inaccuracies today to avoid unnecessary stress and upset for all of you through not having a fuller picture.
The ability to award your degree is a privilege to all of us at the University. It is a mark of your commitment, dedication to learning and, above all, your hard work. There are no circumstances in which we would risk the integrity and value of that award, and our decision-making over the last two years has had that point at the forefront throughout – our intention is also always that all assessment, marking and exam board processes run in the usual ways.
Managing disruption to studies
Alongside this, our University Senate is planning for situations where disruption could threaten your ability to progress or graduate. This is about protecting the essential integrity of your degree while ensuring your studies and future plans can continue without interruption. Learning objectives and necessary credits still need to be achieved and there is no intention to award degrees without the participation of relevant external examiners; we are just making sure that we have options available if (and only if) we need to adapt some of our usual marking processes to make sure no student is disadvantaged.
These would only ever be a last resort and any adjustments that were required will be notified to the Office for Students as usual, who are responsible for ensuring we maintain the strict standards all universities adhere to. We have also put similar mitigations in place on a number of occasions in the past as part of a pragmatic approach to managing disruption to studies.
Marking & Assessment Webchat
I am aware that these issues are a cause of concern for many and that the thoroughness of the potential mitigations prepared with Senate mean they can sound more alarming than they are. With that in mind, I would like to invite all of you to a Webchat via Teams this Friday at 12.45 so that I can update you directly on this and answer any questions you may have. You can sign up for this via the form and the session will also be recorded for those who can’t make it.
Do also visit our industrial action webpages for further information and make use of support available if you are feeling concerned or anxious about this, including our Student Support and Wellbeing Team, the Kent Union Advice Centre and Divisional contacts.
With my thanks for your continued patience with this,
Richard
Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience
Here’s a roundup of this week’s top events:
All week: Careers in Science and Data Week
If you’re interested in going into a career in Science or Data, these career events are for you! Events include how to tailor your CV and cover letter, how to be a successful job hunter for STEM careers, plus Data Engineering graduate pathway opportunities. See all Careers in Science and Data Week events.
Monday: Understand motivation for workplace success and Flower Planting outside the Hub
Join this online StudyPlus workshop 10.00- 11.30 to help you recognise what impacts your motivation at work and discover strategies for maintaining motivation.
Get your green thumbs on and come plant some flowers outside the Hub at Medway, 11.00-13.00.
Wednesday: JobShop Jobs Fair and Year in Data Analytics Taster Session
Looking for part-time, temporary and seasonal jobs? Head to the Jobshop Jobs Fair in Eliot 11.00-14.00 on Wednesday. Meet a range of organisations with casual vacancies for students, including many on-campus opportunities with Kent Hospitality, Kent Sport and The Gulbenkian.
Could a Year in Data Analytics be right for you? Find out at our Year in Data Analytics Data taster session in Sibson or online, 14.00-16.00. This is a specialised year which can be added to your current degree after stage 2 or stage 3 to help you stand out from the crowd in the job market
Friday: College Easter Egg Hunt and Online Module Registration deadline
Find the eggs that have been hidden around your college, bring them to the College & Community Life office in the Locke building by 16.00 on Friday to exchange them for your Easter treat. One egg in each college will get an ‘eggstra’ special prize! Find out more about the Canterbury and Medway College Easter Egg Hunt.
Undergrad students – Online Module Registration closes Friday 25 March. Make sure you have submitted your selections for your modules.
Saturday: Canterbury Varsity begins plus Food and Mood Foraging Spring Walk
Canterbury Varsity, the annual sporting event between University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, begins on Saturday. Good luck to all our Kent athletes taking part! Check out the Canterbury Varsity website for all the fixtures and how you can support #TeamKent
East Kent Mind are hosting a Food and Mood foraging Spring walk on Saturday 10.00-12.00 at our Canterbury campus. The walk starts at the Kent Community Oasis Garden near Park Wood. Explore how what we eat can change and mood and sample some of the plants you discover on the walk. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
From John Sotillo | Director of Information Services
** Updated 17.00, Friday 18 March **
Following my earlier update this morning and the regular progress reports on the IS blog, teams have been working throughout the day to get affected systems back online. Here’s where things currently stand:
Wi-Fi and networks
We have been working throughout the day to restore Eduroam across all campus buildings. This should be back up imminently – however, as we are still in the process of restoring systems, there may be further periods of disruption over the weekend as things come online, so do check back if you can’t get access. It will also remain unavailable outdoors throughout the weekend.
Student PCs
Wired connection in campus accommodation has also been coming back online throughout the day and should be fully restored shortly. In the meantime, student PCs are still available throughout the campus.
Affected buildings
The Kennedy Building should be returned to normal usage this evening; Jennison remains largely out of use for the time being. Alternative arrangements are being put in place where necessary to support those affected by this, including rescheduling timetabled events.
Deadlines and Mitigations
Given the impact this will have had on a number of students, we sent out confirmation earlier today that all deadlines for work due today have been extended to Monday 21 March. In areas most affected by the outage, Divisions have arranged separate extensions, with all students informed.
We will provide a further update on Monday morning when we should have a clearer picture following further work over the weekend.
John
John Sotillo | Director of Information Services
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Bake and Book Sale on Tuesday 15 March in Colyer-Fergusson.
As a university community we raised around £1000 for the Red Cross emergency relief fund for Ukrainian refugees.
Thanks to every who made cakes, gave books and of course to everyone who attended the event and generously donated!
The event was organised by staff members Kasia Senyszyn and Lucie Maslin, supported by fellow staff and students.
Leftover fiction and children’s books were donated to Books For Africa, another charity initiative.
If you have any further ideas about how the University community can support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, please do let us know by emailing ukraine-support@kent.ac.uk.
The University is continuing to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through a variety of initiatives. An update on the contributions from the University, staff and students is detailed below.
Council for At Risk Academics
The University has increased its contribution to the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA). CARA has reported that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is “having a devastating effect on millions of innocent people…among them, many university academics, and their families”. This increased funding will directly help the organisation to provide opportunities to more Ukrainian academics and their families.
If you know of any Ukrainian academics who may be at risk, please contact ukraine-support@kent.ac.uk and we will pass on the details to CARA. They will ensure the information will reach the relevant people as quickly as possible.
Homes for Ukraine
You may have seen that the Government has launched the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. This scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to offer refuge to an individual or family from Ukraine who are fleeing the war. To find out more, please visit the Government webpage.
Hardship Fund
If you know of any students from Ukraine, Russia or the wider region who have been impacted financially by the tragic events of the last few weeks and require financial support, please ask them to get in touch with our Financial Aid Office and see the Emergency Funding webpage.
Bake and Book Sale
Yesterday’s Bake and Book sale in the Colyer-Fergusson raised around £1,000 for the Red Cross emergency relief fund for Ukrainian refugees. Many thanks to those who made cakes, contributed books, and of course to everyone who attended and generously donated.
Kent Global Showcase
A final reminder that Kent’s forthcoming Global Showcase will take place today (16 March) from 14.30-16.00. More details can be found on our staff news story.
Please continue to let us know if you have any ideas as to how the University community can support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the wider region by emailing ukraine-support@kent.ac.uk.
Would you like to develop your Global Citizenship and make a difference to your campus community and beyond?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may wish to consider opting for GOLD5000 Global Leadership Development as a wild module next year. This module follows the University’s Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme, which provides a framework of activities for globally-minded students to develop their leadership skills, global citizenship and cultural awareness.
During the course of the module, you will be able to contribute and lead on various internationalisation activities across the university, thus making an impact and creating the student experience that you want to have while at Kent.
“The skills that you gain are applicable to almost every industry, and the atmosphere of the session exceeded my expectations. It doesn’t feel like another tiresome module that you are trudging through to get your degree, but rather a breath of fresh air that you are relieve to see on your timetable” Sorrel Wilson, 2nd year student studying GOLD5000. Read her full blog post on why she recommends GOLD5000.
If you are interested in finding out more about this module, students can attend a drop in session on any of the dates below:
Thursday 17 March at 11-11.30 (via MS Teams) Link to join here.
Monday 21 March at 11-11.45 (in-person) in Templeman Sr1
During these sessions, you can also find out more about ENLA4007 Talking Cultures, which aims to enhance intercultural awareness by exploring cultural heritage, prejudices and stereotypes.
For more information about the courses offered by International Programmes, please contact internationalprogrammes@kent.ac.uk