Inclusion calendar 2020/21
Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion at Kingston University
We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive learning and working environment where we can celebrate our individual diversity and feel confident to challenge inequality. This calendar can be used to raise your own awareness of equality and inclusion and to help plan events and initiatives in an inclusive way.
The special dates and events have been chosen to represent the diversity of our community and is not an exhaustive list. We have highlighted festivals for which students and staff might reasonably ask for adjustments to their work or study in order to meet their religious obligations. Please note that many religious holy days begin at sundown on the day before the date given, especially if they are Jewish or Islamic. Students and staff from faith groups whose holy days are not included here may still be able to apply for adjustments.
Links to My Kingston and StaffSpace are internal and available for students and staff only.
Contact us at equality@kingston.ac.uk if you have any feedback – we are continually working to improve the information we provide.
May 2021
Celebrate cultural diversity
At Kingston University, we believe that the greater number of perspectives we have, the better equipped we'll be to come up with the most innovative ways of teaching and learning, research, ideas and solutions. In honour of UNESCO's Cultural Diversity Day, each May we celebrate our diverse community, share stories and lived experiences.
This year we are focusing on themes such as belonging and how Covid has changed cultural activities and celebrations over the last year.
We would love everyone to get involved, so why not 'do one thing' for cultural diversity this month and join the conversation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Do one thing this month
Be inspired by these powerful short TED Talks on "The danger of a single story" (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) or "The power of diversity within yourself" (Rebecca Hwang).
Fall in love with a new flavour and explore a different cuisine today or listen to a mix of music from different parts of the world.
June 2021
Celebrate Pride
Pride Month takes place every June as that it is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969. At Kingston, queer or not, all are welcome to celebrate and reflect together during Pride Month.
We welcome new members from the Kingston University community to our LGBT+ networks. Students who identify as LGBT+ can join the student Society and staff, queer or not, can join the Stand Tall Think Big Network.
Do one thing
From protests to picnics, parties to poetry – Check Coming Out, London's new year-round go-to guide for queer events. If staying in is more your thing, take a look at the Kingston LGBT Forum community blog.
July 2021
Join a network
This month we are celebrating friendship in honour of the UN International Day of Friendship on the 30 July. The day aims to promote solidarity and mutual understanding.
At Kingston University we are proud of the enrichment opportunities that we offer our students, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills and meet new friends.
The Union of Kingston Students offer several active societies related to culture, faith, academia, arts, activities, liberation and campaigns.
Do one thing this month
Show love and kindness and call a friend!
August 2021
Commute smart
We want all our students to feel comfortable on campus regardless of where they live and we are serious about providing support for our commuter students.
We have a free inter-site bus service with free Wi-Fi and live timetable updates on the KU mobile app and electric bikes for travelling between campuses. There are study areas (pre-bookable), social spaces, faith facilities, cafes and microwaves available for all students.
Do one thing this month
Have a rest and recharge!
Previous months and past events
September 2020
Be a rainbow
'Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud' – Maya Angelou
Being a rainbow means recognising yourself as an aid, empowering yourself to give and opening yourself to enjoy doing it, without expecting anything in return. You can:
- challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions and improve our learning environment.
- learn more and promote equality with your thoughts, words and actions.
Our sector-leading work includes the Inclusive Curriculum Framework, BAME Awarding Gap, Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter Mark.
Our Network of Equality Champions deliver projects to help shape an inclusive learning environment. We are currently planning a cultural diversity cookbook and challenging the imagery on our campuses.
Do one thing
Read something thought-provoking such as 'Queenie' by Candice Carty-Williams, 'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides, 'Typed Words, Loud Voices' by Amy Sequenzia and others or 2020 Big Read winner, 'Airhead' by Emily Maitlis.
October 2020
Let's talk about race
This month we are proud to celebrate Black History Month and the value of our diversity at Kingston. But Black History is more than just one month of the year. It is not just about the past but also how history influences our present and future. As well as celebrating Black History it is important to continue to learn, reflect and ask difficult questions.
Students and staff can join the conversation by signing up to the Black History Month reading groups and other live events: check My Kingston, Staff Space and the Union of Kingston Students for details.
Do one thing
Watch David Olusoga' series of short films exploring critical moments in Black British history.
Support
Everyone studying or working at Kingston University should be treated with dignity and respect. As such, racial harassment of any kind is not tolerated. Students and staff can access confidential support via the Harassment Contact Scheme. Our student wellbeing team can also provide guidance.
November 2020
Open your mind
'Whoever you are, wherever you are from and whatever your world view, religion or faith, we believe you belong here and are part of our university community' – Faith and Spirituality at Kingston University.
Each year, Inter Faith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday and provides a focal point, together with the wider community, to open up inter faith activity and increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. On Remembrance Day we all come together to commemorate those who have died as a result of war or genocide.
Our Faith and Spirituality team works in partnership with the local faith communities to offer spiritual care to all students and staff.
Do one thing
Check out our faith facilities, Facebook page and all upcoming Faith and Spirituality events.
December 2020
Think accessibility
This month we celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. The University plays a significant role in identifying and tackling barriers such as inaccessibility, hidden impairments, marginalisation and discrimination.
The Disability and Mental Health Advisers within Student Wellbeing at Kingston University coordinate support, reasonable adjustments and advice on inclusive practice.
All our campus maps show inclusive facilities to complement the existing Access Able guides.
Do one thing
Read our students' stories, where our students share their experiences and top tips on how they have overcome difficult situations.
January 2021
Celebrate 15 years of KU Cares
This month we are celebrating 15 years of KU Cares support for students.
Our award winning team has been providing a comprehensive package of support for students who have experience of local authority care, are estranged from their families, are young adult carers, and also our KU Sanctuary Scholars.
This month we mark Young Carers Awareness Day to put a spotlight on the challenges faced by young adult carers at university.
Do one thing
Read award-winning book "My name is Leon" by Kit de Waal. This book was chosen as the Kingston University Big Read in 2017.
February 2021
Educate out prejudice
LGBT History Month focuses on the celebration and recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT+) and culture. The theme this year is "Body, Mind, Spirit". Visit the LGBT History Month website to find out more.
We welcome new members from the Kingston University community to our LGBT+ networks. Students who identify as LGBT+ can join the student Society and staff, queer or not, can join the Stand Tall Think Big Network.
Do one thing
March 2021
Build a gender equal world
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Each one of us can help create a gender equal world and individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions.
In March the Global Festival also returns with a week-long series of events run by the Union of Kingston Students that celebrates diversity and internationalism.
Do one thing
Watch this International Women's Day rap from their theme last year, Each for Equal.
April 2021
Take control of your health
Taking care of ourselves emotionally, physically, and mentally can really affect our happiness, our levels of stress and how we study and work. Stress can affect our bodies, thoughts and behaviours; being able to recognise common symptoms can help us manage them.
World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7th April. If you would like to learn more about how to improve your health and wellbeing we have an online library of practical guides available to all.
Do one thing this month
Invest in your health and explore some new healthy habits.