** Update – KentVision maintenance work is now completed and the system has reopened**
The KentVision system will be unavailable from 7:30 until 10:30 on Tuesday 8 October 2024 due to essential maintenance.
Please make a note of your timetable, including timings and locations, ahead of this KentVision outage.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is carried out.
Should you have any concerns or queries please contact helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
Featuring Coco, the charming therapy dog, ‘Pause for Paws’ in Templeman Library is back at 3.30pm in Nexus (Block D, Ground Floor). Running nearly every Wednesday during term time, this weekly initiative is one of our favourite ways to bring joy, relaxation and sense of wellbeing to students and staff at Kent.
So take a break from your hectic schedules and visit Templeman Library to say hello to Coco. He is a certified Pets as Therapy dog, very friendly, calm and loves being fussed over! It’s an opportunity to boost mental wellbeing, alleviate stress and recharge amidst your daily commitments.
As the ‘Heart of Campus’ we believe in embracing a spirit of discovery and providing an enriching environment beyond the conventional expectations of a library. At the Templeman Library you always get more than you expect. Library & IT events page.
Criminals will target students looking to make quick-wins with available cash through cryptocurrency or schemes with a promise of high return investment. They are usually easily targeted through social media and online where many investment schemes operate.
Students looking for job opportunities can be targeted by fraudulent adverts aimed at stealing personal information or money. Students might be asked for an upfront payment for a fake consultation or extra help finding a job, but the fraudster does not deliver.
Rental fraudsters often target students looking for university accommodation. Fraudsters ask students to pay fees in advance without seeing a property first, and as a result they lose money as well as somewhere to live.
Often fraudsters will create fake websites or replicate legitimate online stores to trick customers into providing their personal and financial information for a purchase that isn’t real. This can lead to those details being used for criminal activity.
Fraudsters will use opportunities, like highly in-demand events, to target students by selling fake tickets. Students looking for cheap deals for freshers’ events can also be targets.
What can you do to protect yourself from fraud?
Here is some guidance to help students and others protect themselves online, whilst starting the new the school or university year.
How to report suspicious emails and texts
For more tips on student safety: actionfraud.police.uk/studentsafety
If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
The Careers and Employability Service are running the ‘Destination Success Bootcamp‘. This is an exciting, 3-day intensive training programme with the purpose of helping you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities. This programme is suitable to those across all years, including recent graduates.
This programme will be delivered face to face on the Canterbury Campus (Friday 8 November 12L00-16:00, Saturday 9 November 10:00-16:00 and Sunday 10 November 10:00- 16:00).
The programme will focus on:
Find out more and book your place.
If you have any queries, please email studyplus@kent.ac.uk
Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits.
Distressing events around the world, such as the recent escalation in cross-border attacks in Lebanon, Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza, can have a big effect on our mental health. It is absolutely natural to feel anxious and frightened, and to feel that events are out of our control. You may be feeling disturbed by the images you have seen on the news. You may be feeling worried about the safety of loved ones. If you have lived through similar events yourself, the current crisis may be bringing up some very traumatic memories.
Staff in Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are here to support you during these unsettling times and are running ‘War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Drop-ins’ in Keynes College (in the Red Room) every Monday from 12:00-13:00.
SSW have also put together the following tips and advice:
Try to be intentional in how you are consuming news, avoid long ‘scrolling through’ sessions
Make time for people, activities and actions that are positive for your wellbeing
What helps will be different for each person, but here are a few ideas;
Focus as much as you can on hope
Amidst all the horrors of war, there are also reports of wonderful acts of courage, bravery and compassion. The majority of people are committed to peace, with global efforts to support victims of war reflecting this.
Student Support and Wellbeing – professional support at university
Did you know that Kent has a professional support service of over 100 specialist staff? We’re here to support you with mental health, disabilities, and neurodiversity such as specific learning difficulties or autism, through 1:1 support as well as peer support groups and events. Here’s a video of top mental health tips from our mental health team. To book an appointment with the team email kentSSW@kent.ac.uk or if you are at Medway MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk
Emergency support
If you feel you need urgent support from our team from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00, please phone on 01227 826573 for the Canterbury campus or 01634 888474 for Medway or email KentSSW@kent.ac.uk or MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk and ask for urgent mental health support.
Out of hours support from Spectrum Life and other providers
Feel like you really need to talk to someone but the Student Support offices are closed? Check out the Emergency Support page with details on online and telephone support available round the clock, such as our partners Spectrum Life, who you can call in the evenings and at weekends on 0800 0318227 and pressing option 1. Spectrum also has an amazing online app that is available for free for all University of Kent students. See instructions on how to access the app and you can do guided mediation or use the online virtual exercise groups.
We are proud to announce that the University has achieved its Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award from Advance HE – a major milestone in our work to identify and address the barriers facing our racially minoritised students and staff.
The Race Equality Charter provides an externally recognised framework to help universities improve the representation, progression and success of racially minoritised people in higher education.
To reach this point the University’s REC Self-Assessment Team have been actively listening to and engaging with our racially minoritised students and staff about what it is like for them to work and study at Kent. There has also been the analysis of a large amount of data and benchmarking. This work has highlighted areas for urgent, future and continuous improvement and it has led to recognition and reinforcement for a number of outcomes and initiatives to improve race and intersectional equality across the University. These include our:
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and President said: ‘This award is an important reflection of the collective progress made to improve the culture, experience and outcomes for our racially minoritised students and staff. I would like to thank everyone who has made it possible through their commitment to anti racism and determination to help reduce racial inequalities and ensure that Kent is a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. There is much more to do but this achievement is an indication that we are heading in the right direction.’
Kent is hosting this year’s Living Black at University Commission conference on 8 October, the theme of which is ‘Engaging With Equity’. Conference delegates will have access to practical university case studies on actions taken as a result of Living Black at University and the Commission, including a Black student panel, hosted by Student Minds.
Further information on our Bronze Award and the work we are doing to challenge racism can be found on our Challenging Racism webpages. If you would like to get involved please contact equalityanddiversity@kent.ac.uk.
Black History Month national theme – Reclaiming Narratives
October can only mean one thing. Black History Month is once again being celebrated at Kent across all our sites. This year, the national theme is Reclaiming Narratives and this has never felt more pertinent. This theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of the stories that define Black culture, Black contributions, and Black identity. It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK and here at Kent to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of Black heritage. For far too long, Black histories have been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of Black experiences.
Black History Month is an opportunity for us as an organisation to celebrate and recognise the myriad of ways in which Black people have contributed to the arts, science, culture, history and technology of Britain and the wider world. It allows us to shine a spotlight on those achievements, and also provides a platform for staff and students to discuss and reflect on their own experiences. It is organised by a team of people that include the BAME Staff and Student Networks and representatives.
Events to look out for include the Vision and Voices student showcase featuring a panel discussion on the topic of Reclaiming Narratives, the Nigerian Independence Day party in the Venue, an Afrobeats Brunch, the Woody’s BHM Quiz, an exhibition in Keynes featuring the work of Abolore Sobayo on the life and works of Professor Wole Soyinka and inspired by his significant literary works, quotes, book cover designs and his beliefs in Yoruba mythology, guest speaker Andrew Morris, film screenings and more, including a wealth of online resources.
You can find out about everything that is on offer on the Black History Month webpages
At Kent, we are committed to ensuring that all our students and staff, including our Black students and staff, have the best experience possible whilst they are with us. It is important for us not to limit this celebration to just one month a year. That is why we have #Black365; a series of events and activities that take place throughout the year that continue the legacy of Black History Month. This BHM we are launching our Caribbean Creations series, and are asking staff and students to get in contact with us to showcase their Caribbean heritage inspirations and heroes. These can be individuals from the worlds of politics, food, literature, academia, sport, music, art, science or even your friends and family who have inspired you. Please send us a short piece (written or filmed) and a picture describing who they are and why they are a hero to you by the end of the month. All entries will be showcased as part of the #Black365 campaign after Christmas. Entries and queries should be sent to Becky Lamyman on StudentEDI@kent.ac.uk.
This year we are delighted to announce that we have achieved Race Equality Charter Bronze status. This achievement acknowledges the work and labour that our staff and students have undertaken over recent years to make Kent a place that strives to be anti-racist, advances equality of opportunity, is committed to a decolonised curriculum and advocates for students and staff from racially minoritised backgrounds. The award is just the start of the journey; now the real work towards the realisation of our 5-year Race Equality Charter action plan begins. You can find out more about this work on our Challenging Racism webpages.
Black History Month can be a time of celebration, but also highlights injustices, past and present. The increased awareness of racism during Black History Month can be challenging. Use our online reporting tool ‘Report and Support’ to be part of a culture shift and get the support you need.
We really hope you explore and enjoy all the different events and activities that have been organised by staff and students for staff and students. We are always seeking to improve though, so if you have any ideas for the future, or feedback, please do get in contact with us on StudentEDI@kent.ac.uk
#BHM24
This week sees the start of Black History Month with events including a coffee morning, inspirational speaker talk, art exhibition and film nights. See all Black History Month events.
Plus, there’s lots more happening this week including sessions to improve your skills, meet others and challenge yourself to try something new.
Do you need to brush up on your basic IT skills? Join this Skills for Academic Success Team’s webinar about using the Windows Operating System including formatting Word documents and saving files in different formats.
Live in on-campus accommodation? On Monday evening you can join ResLife Ambassadors Himadri and Elyse for board games, puzzles and card games in DG-01 in Templeman Library.
Thinking about finding a part-time job? This in-person session in Keynes will cover different options for part-time work, what might be best for you and steps you need to take to apply for roles.
The Graduate and Researcher College are running a time management and habits in-person session for postgraduate researchers including topics such as prioritisation and procrastination.
As part of Black History Month, Andrew Morris, activist and founder of the New Wave Trust joins us for the first in our series of talks on the topic of social justice. Andrew will share his unique and personal perspective on Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPPs) and discuss the wider issues that surround the current justice system in the UK.
The first event of the ResLife Cup is here with an inflatable assault course, hungry hippos, gladiators and much more. Score points for your accommodation (or just for fun if you live off campus) and enjoy trying out some exciting new activities with friends.
Interested in starting your own business? Join the Business Start-Up Journey Launch event on Wednesday afternoon to find out more about the University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme and hear from two Kent alumni as they share their inspiring stories of starting their own businesses. The Business Start-Up Journey is run by ASPIRE, the University dedicated space to support student entrepreneurs.
Open to all students, the Global Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) programme is a year-long course designed to develop your leadership skills, global citizenship and cultural intelligence. Come along to the GOLD programme information session in Ingram to find out more. There is an additional info session at Medway next week.
The Skills for Academic Success team are running a webinar all about participating in seminars. Learn key tips on how to make the most from your seminars, what to expect and how you can perform at your best within the seminar format.
At Medway, you can give Social Badminton or Social Cricket a go for free at Waterfront UTC which is just down the road from Pier Quays accommodation.
Postponed from last week, the Pop ‘n’ Soul Choir is launching on Thursday evening. Open to all without audition and there’s no need to read music. Just come along!
If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join a farm visit and afternoon tea for just £5. Meet and brush friendly horses and enjoy a tasty afternoon tea in a local village.
Each Wednesday and Friday, you’re welcome to go along to the Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) located near Park Wood. KentCOG is a collection of students, staff and community members working to create a sustainability hub centred around growing food.
Following the success of the previous student-led markets, Kent Students’ Union is looking to organise another Black Student Market this Black History Month (BHM)!
In celebration of BHM, we eagerly anticipate the participation of a diverse array of student businesses, all led by Black students, who will showcase their products at the University of Kent. Hundreds of staff and students are invited to join us at the Plaza on our Canterbury campus to support and purchase from these Black-led ventures.
For further details, the event will take place between 12:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday, 29 October. Businesses are encouraged to set up between 11:00 and 12:00, and dismantle their stalls at 15:00.
If you’re a Black student entrepreneur and interested in securing a stall to showcase and sell your products, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Stall spaces are limited and filling up fast, so please ensure your spot by registering your interest on the online form.
Closing date for registration of interest: 1 October 2024
Applications for the Wellbeing Student Advisory Board are now open.
The Advisory Board’s purpose is to help guide Kent Students’ Union and the University of Kent in improving our approach to student wellbeing and ensuring our work is impactful and accessible to all students. This will involve discussing current and future plans and offering suggestions based on the board’s shared expertise and experiences. Topics discussed at meetings will include mental health, safety initiatives, the cost of living crisis, sense of community and belonging, as well as anything else that is important to you. You will help shape student wellbeing at Kent.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for 12 students on undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, from a range of courses and years to create a diverse and inclusive panel. Any student who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Kent can apply to be part of the panel.
No prior experience is required to be a member. All you need is to be passionate about student welfare and helping all students to love their time at Kent.
What to expect
A two-hour meeting will occur three times in the academic year with additional opportunities to get involved in projects and campaigns. Invitations for these meetings will be sent once membership to the board is confirmed.
Students based on the Canterbury campus will receive £20 KentOne credit (or an Amazon £20 Voucher) in exchange for their active participation in the two-hour WSAB meeting. Students who are not based on the Canterbury Campus will be compensated for their time at the same rate through an alternative method. Students will also be able to earn Employability Points throughout the academic year.
How to apply
To apply, please submit either a maximum of a 500-word response or a 2-minute-long video telling us a bit more about you, what skills and experiences you feel you would bring to the role and why you would like to get involved.
The deadline to submit your application is midday on 23 October 2024
If you have any questions please email Teslimat Bello (Vice-President Welfare and Community) at Kent Students’ Union, t.bello-650@kent.ac.uk