On 4 March students from across the university gathered to celebrate a successful year of the Student Shapers programme, recognising the contributions students have made to improving services, spaces and initiatives across the University of Kent.
The Student Shapers programme, co-run by IT Services and Campus Services, is a flexible co-curricular initiative that empowers students to co-create and collaborate with staff on projects that enhance non-academic services and campus spaces across the University of Kent.
A Year of Co-Creation and Impact
Through this year’s Student Shapers programme we saw:
- 15+ co-creation sessions across Autumn and Spring Terms
- 210+ student attendances across sessions
- 2,100+ Employability Points earned collectively
The impact of this year’s Student Shapers has already led to quick fixes, content redesigns, procurement influence and strategic scoping following opportunities including:
- Engaging with a full-service review of the IT Services student onboarding process, with discussions alongside senior stakeholders to directly shape planned improvements for 2026
- Collaborating with the Space Planning team on the Campus Lounges review, shaping new furniture layouts, accessibility features and promotional approaches for the space
- Reviewing institutional data on campus printing and co-creating ideas with senior stakeholders to support more sustainable printing approaches across campus
- Attending briefing with external suppliers and directly contributing to the redesign of Sports Centre artwork and wayfinding
- Reviewing live design concepts alongside staff, discussing and informing the direction of planned comfort and accessibility improvements in the Library
- Working with the AI and Education Specialist to test and discuss current AI student training and guidance, directly informing the planned relaunch of the module in September 2026
- and many more…
Celebrating and looking ahead
We held our end-of programme Reward Session on 4 March, where students were recognised for their contributions and commitment to improving the university experience. Attendees enjoyed a presentation on their impact, refreshments and networking with staff and peers.
Participants completing the programme were awarded with certificates, letters of recommendation, and a set professional photos taken for personal and professional use. All participants will also recieve digital badges acknowledging their involvement, which they can showcase on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
Looking ahead, the programme will continue next year, with new projects and initiatives planned for students to contribute to.
Applications for the 2026–27 Student Shapers cohort will open in Summer 2026. Students interested in getting involved can learn more about the programme here: https://student.kent.ac.uk/life/your-uni-your-say/student-shapers
