Hello fellow students and welcome to my blog space on the Kent Union web site. This web presence allows me, as a Part-Time Officer, to reach out to mature students at the
Contact me at unionmature@kent.ac.uk should you have any questions - I am happy to meet up with you too (at a convenient time). You can also see me at society events, which I regularly attend and at every Union Council meeting in the
Hoping you have a successful and fun year,
Shaun
Achievements for 2007/08
1. Kent Union policy, regarding the definition of a mature student, has been brought in line with NUS Mature Student Campaign policy. As of Union Council 18th October 2007.
Current events (as of 29th October 2007)
1. Recently been elected to two university committees as a representative of Union Council - Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities.
2. Continue to support the Postgrad & Mature Student Society, especially committee members. The society has over fifty paid members so we can look forward to holding subsidised events in the future.
3. Maintain links with other Mature Student Officers from across the HE/FE sector. This is a network for exchanging ideas about how best to fight for the rights of mature students.
4. To support students with children or those with caring responsibilities in the light of there being no ‘Students With Dependents Officer’ in the union. Kent Union is taking on the management of the nursery (opposite Keynes) this term.
Future initiatives
1. To compile a survey for mature students to investigate what services they want from their student union/university to enhance their educational and social experiences at
2. With the nursery coming under Kent Union management I feel my portfolio is best placed to represent those students with children. Over the coming months I will investigate what representative role those students require.
3. Look into 'Guarantor' status (with reference to HMO contracts in Canterbury district). I think it ridiculous that someone who has been been financially independent for several years has to seek their parents signature's in order to complete an off-campus housing contract.
3. Attend Mature Students Conference 2008.
4. Anything you tell me!
The following articles/links may be of interest to you:
NUS Mature Students Campaign
The NUS Mature Students Campaign is one of NUS’ youngest campaigns. The campaign exists to defend and extend the right of mature students in both Further and Higher Education, and to tackle the barriers and stigmas that mature students face in education.
Web site: http://www.officeronline.co.uk/welfare/articles/273020.aspx
Equality Challenge Unit
Equality Challenge Unit supports the higher education sector in its mission to realise the potential of all staff and students whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age, to the benefit of those individuals, higher education institutions and society.
Web site: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/
Access – Aim Higher
You are classed as a mature student if you are over 21 when you start your course, and there is no upper age limit. Mature students come from all backgrounds and life experiences, often having worked or brought up children, or sometimes both, in the years before they go into HE. It’s impossible to generalise about a ‘typical’ mature student because there’s no such thing!
Web site: http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/courses/getting_back_into_education/mature_students.cfm
Finance – UNIAID
To help students cope with the financial barriers to Higher Education. The students’ charity.
Web site: http://www.uniaid.org.uk/about.htm
Postgraduate and Mature Student Society
The Postgrad & Mature Students Society aim to create an environment in which students from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds can mix. Whilst having fun is our priority, the network we create can also be an important source of support for our members. Membership is just £3 and you can find us on the Kent Union website as well.
Web site: www.kentpostgrads.com
Facebook (Kent Uni network): http://unikent.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4936604955
