Restorative Justice Clinic – resolving student conflicts

Conflicts are a natural part of university life, but they don’t have to be disruptive or damaging. Our free service offers a constructive approach to resolving conflicts involving students.

What is the Restorative Justice Clinic?

The Restorative Justice Clinic is a student-led service which deals with minor conflicts and harms involving students. The Clinic helps students to find a mutually agreed, positive solution. The service is free, confidential and professional. The Director is Dr. Giuseppe Maglione, an international expert and practitioner in the field.

How can I access it?

Any student can freely access the Restorative Justice Clinic directly by emailing rjclinic@kent.ac.uk. Alternatively they can be referred by relevant student services.

Benefits

Ask any unanswered questions in a safe space
Get the chance to speak and be heard
Explain the impact that the conflict had on their life
Encourage future positive behaviour and find a solution

Services

There are two types of Restorative Justice, direct and indirect.

Direct Restorative Justice would involve a meeting between the people involved in the conflict. A trained facilitator and the Clinic Director would be present in the room at all times.

Indirect Restorative Justice means that the dialogue takes place through letters, videos etc.

What types of conflicts can be referred to the Restorative Justice Service?

Any conflict involving students, including roommate disputes, academic disagreements, interpersonal conflicts, and more.

Find out more about the Restorative Justice Clinic.

Free sanitary products available on campus

15.9% of Kent students bought less sanitary products over the past 12 months because they were worried about money, according to the 2023-4 Cost of Living survey results.

Period products are not a luxury, and we want to make it easier for you to access them. Find out where you can pick them up for free on campus:

Canterbury campus

Thanks to the ResLife team and Kents’ Students Union, you can now find free sanitary products in the following locations on campus:

Mandela Student Centre – pick up individual pads or tampons
Campus laundry facilities in each College – pick up individual pads or tampons

The Cost of Living Taskforce are looking at ways we can increase the number of free sanitary products available to students.

Medway campus

At Medway, you can pick up free sanitary products from the following location:

Bathrooms in the Deep End, The Hub – pick up individual pads or tampons

See more cost-of-living initiatives and support.

Kent Stars: Airport Helper Heroes

This month’s Kent Stars are our wonderful student helpers who gave up their time over Arrivals Weekend so they could welcome our new international students at Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Working with the Global and Lifelong Learning team, they welcomed 250 students and helped them and their luggage onto 13 coaches and 8 taxis to get to our campuses! Hear from one of our student helpers, Thomas:

“My name is Thomas, a 4^th year Politics and International Relations student who has just recently finished my Year Abroad in Tokyo. I am really interested in international politics and contemporary history and have been since I was young, therefore, I am really glad to have chosen this course at Kent.”

Tell us about your experience welcoming new students at the airport over Arrivals Weekend.

“Welcoming international students has always been something that I wanted to do for a long time given I am also an international student myself. I can completely understand the mixed emotions new students might have when they first arrive in the UK, the excitement of being in a fresh environment, but also the worries or fear of not getting used to it. Therefore, the role we played during the Arrivals Weekend was very important. We were the first people the students would have talked to, and we did our best to make sure they were as comfortable as they could possibly be.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to all the international students would be a quote that I hold very dear to myself, ‘don’t be afraid to fail, you can’t always win, but don’t be afraid to make the decision’. The key message here is that you have to be openminded and brave, be ready to try new things, explore everything around you as much as possible because while you are still hesitating, time will fly by silently and cruelly.”

What are your plans for the next year?

“I am graduating next summer, so I am fully aware time is not necessarily on my side. Ideally, I would like to find myself a job in London or anywhere in the UK and stay in this country for a few more years. I might go to study another language if I have time, because I always believe language is the carrier and key of a culture, being able to speak and understand another language would open a new door in life for you to explore a whole new world.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Events roundup: 21-27 October

Find out what’s on this week including study support, crafts and Black History Month events.

Monday 21 October: Emotional support group and essay planning help

On Monday there is the War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group in Keynes Red Room. This is a weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help anyone affected by ongoing conflict around the world.

Get help with considering an essay question and planning an essay, taking place in-person at Canterbury and Medway campuses.

Tuesday 22 October: Crafts and thriving as an introvert

At Medway, you can join a Black History Month themed Crafternoon, exploring crafts that honour the contributions of Black artists and makers.

Are you an introvert? You can join an online session about thriving in the workplace as an introvert. From the interview stage onwards, owning and playing to your natural strengths as an introvert will have you standing out for the right reasons.

For students who live on campus, join the ResLife team for some air dry clay crafting and create decorations for your room, for example cute fridge magnets.

Wednesday 23 October: PG Talk, using AI and creepy crawlies (Medway)

If you’re a postgrad student, join the PG Talk: Climate Change and You, an in-person talk exploring how our planet’s climate is changing and what you can do to help.

Unsure how you can legitimately use artificial intelligence (AI) in your studies? Find out at this AI webinar, which will explore some of the fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by AI software applications.

Experience creepy crawlies at The Hub, in Medway on Wednesday afternoon. Discover insects, spiders and other little creatures and learn about the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

Thursday 24 October: Guest speaker and Dancing Queen

As part of Black History Month, guest speaker Bryn Price, Director of Safer Kent will give an online talk about their personal journey, why change is needed and how you can lead change.

Each Thursday night is Dancing Queen at K-Bar, the DJ night designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community, and those who just want to dance the night away to cheesy pop and dance floor classics.

Friday 25 October: Gardening, graduate schemes (Medway) and feeling homesick

Get involved at the Kent Community Oasis Garden on Friday for one of their open volunteering sessions (Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00-14:00). It’s a collection of students, staff and community members working to create a sustainability hub centred around growing food.

Unsure about grad schemes? Join this in-person session at Medway to find out more about what a graduate scheme is, what they involved and hints and tips to get one.

Feeling a bit lost, lonely or homesick? Drop in and visit the Student Welfare and Community Life team. Stop by to chat with a friendly Welfare Officer, meet new people, or just hang out.

Saturday 26 October: R&B Throwback Brunch and brat halloween

Woody’s are holding themed brunches each month and for October it’s a R&B Throwback Brunch in celebration of Black History Month. Get ready for a lively afternoon of rum punch, street food, dancing and R&B throwbacks.

Brat summer might be dead, but brat halloween is here at the Venue!

Sunday 27 October: Halloween arts and crafts

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join your ResLife Ambassadors for some Halloween arts and crafts. There will be pumpkins to carve and decorations you can make.

See all student events.

Opportunities

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience? Apply to be on our International Student Advisory Board by 29 October.
Santander is giving away 10 lots of £1,000 for University of Kent students. Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants Programme.
Join a Kent Students’ Union focus group and earn £20 cash for an hour of your time!

See all student opportunities.

Join a KSU focus group and earn £20 cash for an hour of your time!

Kent Students’ Union (KSU) want to speak to 300 students about their future and how they work with the university.

Join one of their focus groups and earn £20 cash for 1 hour of your time!

Held in The Venue, you’ll be allocated to a group and asked some questions by friendly KSU staff on what you think about the KSU brand, strategy and how they work to represent you to the university. There are no right or wrong answers, this is all about your opinions!

There will be snacks and drinks available as well, and at the end of the session we’ll give you £20 cash for your time!

Sign up today and help make a better students’ union 🙂

Kent research to uncover and address issues in refugee employability

Refugee integration is a pressing issue in the UK, and one of the most critical aspects of this process is employment. Despite various support systems, there remains a significant gap in employment rates between refugees and the general population. According to recent figures from the Home Office, refugees are 20% less likely to be employed compared to the wider UK population.

Maximising Refugee Employability in the Southeast

To address this, my current research focuses on understanding the role of local councils in improving refugee employability in the Southeast. I aim to uncover the on-the-ground realities faced by local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who are directly involved in supporting refugees. My goal is to identify not only the challenges and barriers that hinder refugee employment, but also to highlight successful strategies that can be shared across the region.

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic at Kent Business School during a Business Soundbite event, where the audience asked thought-provoking questions that reinforced the importance of this work. However, to truly make an impact, I need your help.

Do you have contacts? Can you help?

I’m currently seeking insights from local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who have experience working on refugee employability issues in the Southeast. If you or someone you know fits this description, I would love to hear from you. A short interview could provide valuable insights that will not only contribute to my research, but could also help inform broader strategies for supporting refugee employment.

Your input is crucial. By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can help create a clearer picture of how local councils can better serve refugees in their communities. Together, we can work towards closing the employment gap and ensuring that refugees are not just surviving but thriving in the UK.

Email me at jjwm@kent.ac.uk – your insights could contribute to making a real difference to the lives of refugees seeking to rebuild their careers in a new country.

Joel Montgomery, Lecturer in Management at Kent Business School

Events roundup: 14-20 October

EmpFest continues with a load of opportunities to meet with different employers including at the popular Autumn Careers Fair on Thursday. Browse all EmpFest events.

Find out what’s on this week:

Monday 14 October: Emotional support group, securing a part-time job (Medway) and Speed Friending (Medway)

Are you based at Medway and looking for a part-time job? Join this in-person session to find out what steps you need to take to secure a part-time role.

There’s also a Speed Friending event at Medway in The Hub on Monday afternoon. It’s fast-paced opportunity to meet new people and make new connections in a relaxed setting.

Tuesday 15 October: ADHD Social Running Group, LinkedIn photography (Medway) and opportunities to go abroad

On Tuesday mornings, you can join an ADHD Social Running Group for students who have either been diagnosed with or waiting for assessment for ADHD. It’s a relaxed and sociable session and all abilities are welcome.

As part of EmpFest, Matt Cook Photography is back but this time at our Medway campus. Get a free professional headshot taken to level up your LinkedIn profile.

Interested in going abroad this summer? Come and meet Kent’s Go Abroad team and find out about exciting opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad next summer, and the funding available to help get you there!

Wednesday 16 October: Gear up to Grow Up, board games (Medway) and Vision and Voices

Aimed primarily at neurodivergent students, Gear up to Grow Up is a small group session where you can learn about the garden, sustainable food systems and have a go at growing food to cook and eat.

Enjoy an afternoon of board games at The Hub, Medway. Games, snacks and drinks will be provided.

Join us on Wednesday evening for Vision and Voices, a special Black History Month event with guest speakers and a showcase of talent from Kent students. This event aims to provide Black students and staff with a platform to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history, culture, and identity.

Thursday 17 October: Autumn Careers Fair, first in family launch event and yoga and writing retreat for PGR students

Open to all students, the Autumn Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet with a load of employers and organisations. You can scout out opportunities for placements and internships, as well as exploring different sectors and potential graduate roles. The Autumn Careers Fair takes place in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall between 10:30-15:00 with a calm admission between 10:00-10:30.

Are you the first in your family to go to university? See what additional support is on offer to you at our social event on 17 Oct.

Postgraduate research students are invited to join a Yoga and Writing Retreat on campus, which is a guided yoga session mixed with opportunities for you to get on with your writing.

Friday 18 October: Writing your CV and overcoming imposter syndrome

Medway students – join this essential workshop around CVs and Cover Letters with practical information, hints and tips to create applications with impact.

There are also online sessions around writing creative CVs and legal CVs.

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Join this online workshop to demystify the truth behind imposter syndrome and tackle feelings of self-doubt and anxiety by learning practical tools and techniques so you can understand, communicate and celebrate your abilities.

Saturday 19 October: Ideas Hack and pick your own pumpkin

As part of the ASPIRE programme, you can join the Ideas Hack where you will explore the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration for new business ideas. Plus enjoy a free lunch as you collaborate to find sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Get ready for Halloween by joining the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to a local farm to pick your own pumpkin!

See all student events.

Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants Programme

Once again, Santander is giving away 10 lots of £1,000 for University of Kent students.

All students can enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students.

The grant, with its no-strings-attached approach, aims to provide financial freedom and gives you the flexibility to use the funds where they’re needed most. Whether it’s investing in textbooks, upgrading your study space, or covering living expenses, the choice is yours.

The Brighter Futures Grants programme is not just a grant, it’s an investment in your academic journey, providing you with the tools you need to do well.

Entering is quick and easy:

If you haven’t already, register for Santander Open Academy – a free online
learning platform
Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. From the menu you need to select ‘University of Kent’.
Get your entries submitted by 23:00 on 5 December 2024.

Whether you win or not, you’ll still have access to browse the Santander Open Academy website for free, on-demand learning content that can help support you in your studies.

Apply today before 5 December 2024

The Walker Construction Trust supports University of Kent Sanctuary Fund with a gift of £3,000

Article by Anna Pollard

Steve Walker, Chairman of Walker Construction, and Caroline Walker visited the Canterbury Campus today to present a cheque to Samantha Scott, Philanthropy Manager and one of our talented Sanctuary Scholars, whose identity needs to remain anonymous.

The University of Kent is working to be a safe and welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers. The gift from The Walker Construction Trust will help ensure we can provide our Sanctuary Scholars with the equipment and furnishing items they need when they arrive at university, often alone and without basic belongings.

Our Sanctuary Scholarships provide a fee waiver and limited maintenance grant to up to five students each year, aimed at helping those seeking asylum in the UK to progress with their higher education. The Sanctuary Fund aims to help provide a level of maintenance closer to that received by most other students through Student Finance, to ensure Sanctuary Scholars can live well while they study.

The University of Kent’s Sanctuary Scholarships form part of a wider programme of work towards becoming a University of Sanctuary. Through academic research, public engagement and collaborations with partners, we use our platform to advocate for safety and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.

One of our Sanctuary Scholars said, “I had lost hope. My Sanctuary Scholarship has given me hope. Now I can see a future where I can use my education and experience to help make the world a better place for everyone. The University of Kent has given me a home where I can feel safe. This support from The Walker Construction Trust will help students like me, who have been forced to leave behind their studies, homes, families and friends. We are so thankful for this generosity.”

Steve Walker added, “We have been completely blown away by meeting some of the Sanctuary Scholars studying at the University of Kent. Their stories of strength and perseverance, despite horrors and challenges that we can’t even imagine, are astounding. I am honoured, on behalf of The Walker Construction Trust, to contribute to the Sanctuary Scholars being able to complete their studies. Their plans for the future are remarkable and I have no doubt their mark on our community and our world will be very positive.”

On behalf of the University of Kent and our Sanctuary Scholars, we thank The Walker Construction Trust for their generosity.

Successful launch of Business Start-Up Journey 2024

Two alumni entrepreneurs shared the highs and lows of founding their own businesses at the launch of the Business Start-Up Journey 2024 in Canterbury.

Speaking to a lecture theatre packed with students, Alex Ford, founder of fintech company Claro Wealth, and Nadia Simpson, founder of From Amora, a social media-based fragrance and beauty brand talked candidly about their entrepreneurial journeys.

Nadia Simpson, KBS alumna, shared valuable insights on running a successful e-commerce business with an impressive social media presence.

She said:

“I started my hair and wellness brand at the University of Kent in 2018, during my first year. It began as an idea to create natural hair care products that didn’t contain the toxins often found in commercial products.

Since then, I’ve started other businesses, but currently, I’m focusing on From Amora, which specialises in creating cruelty-free and alcohol-free perfume oils. My future plan is to merge my two businesses.

The advice I give to everyone is to never give up! Consistency is your best friend. You may not see results at first, and you may fail initially, but it’s up to you to get up and stay consistent!”

Alumni speakers Alex Ford and Nadia Simpson.

Alex, who studied computing and business at University of Kent, said:

“It was incredibly hard to get the business off the ground. We were challenging the traditional financial advice industry. As a start-up should, we were on a mission to disrupt the market. It meant long days, weeks, and months, with many pivots and changes, all in the hope that it would pay off in the end.

The best part of running your own business is working with amazing people on a project you’re passionate about. These people share the mission and are driven to achieve it, something you don’t always experience in a job.

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: just go for it! I didn’t start my entrepreneurial journey straight out of uni, and I wish I had.”

After the keynote speeches, the audience quizzed the alumni founders touching on everything from the risks of starting up a business, to funding and finance. Afterwards there was the chance to network.

The event marked the start of the University’s flagship entrepreneurship support programme, the 15-week Business Start-Up Journey, which is run by the ASPIRE team.

Offering a step-by-step guide to starting a business, it inspires students with the knowledge and skills required to become successful entrepreneurs through interactive workshops and classes, delivered by ASPIRE’s entrepreneurs-in-residence and external experts.

The programme concludes with a pitching competition, where participants can win £1,000 in funding.

To join the Business Start-Up Journey or find out more about ASPIRE and how we support entrepreneurs and start-up, email ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk.