Student expectations at the University of Kent

You are expected to take an active and independent role in your learning, both inside and outside of scheduled teaching. 

Your responsibilities

• Plan and manage your study time to balance your academic work with other commitments.  
• Prepare for your classes by completing required reading and preparatory activities.  
• Engage actively in your learning and proactively seek support and clarification where needed. Your lecturers will support you without judgement! 
• Make effective use of university resources (e.g. Moodle, library, skills support and Student Support and Wellbeing, when needed).  

What you can expect from us

• Well-structured, engaging courses and modules.
• Clear guidance on how to succeed in your modules.  
• Access to high-quality learning materials and resources.  
• Support in developing your academic, independent learning and wellbeing skills.  

Attending and engaging with your course is essential for your success and for building a strong learning community. 

Your responsibilities

• Attend all scheduled teaching sessions, assessments and Academic Adviser meetings. 
• Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate.  
• Contribute constructively to discussions and group work.  
• Use online materials and recordings to support – not replace – attendance. 
• Stay informed by checking Moodle, KentVision and your University email, normally daily during term time.  
• Inform Engagement Support if other commitments are affecting your attendance or engagement. Your Academic Adviser will also be able to support you if you feel you are struggling to engage with your studies.    

What you can expect from us

• Purposeful, inclusive and well-delivered teaching sessions.  
• Clear information about your timetable, sessions and expectations.  
• Access to teaching materials in advance of each week or topic to enable you to prepare and be ready for your classes. 
• A learning environment that supports your participation and engagement. 

Assessment supports your learning and helps you understand your progress. 

Your responsibilities

• Read and follow assessment guidance, marking criteria and deadlines on each module’s Moodle page carefully. 
• Be available for all assessment periods, including resit periods where relevant.  
• Plan your work to meet deadlines, taking account of other commitments.  
• Use formal processes (e.g. extensions or mitigation) if your circumstances affect your ability to submit on time.  
• Ensure all work is your own and meets academic integrity requirements, including adhering to any restrictions on the use of the use of AI.  
• Engage with feedback and use it to improve future work. This includes asking your lecturers for further support if you need it! 

What you can expect from us

• Clear and accessible assessment information and marking criteria.  
• Assessment that enables you to demonstrate what you have learned.  
• Constructive, relevant and timely feedback, normally within three weeks of submission during term time. 
• Communication if there are any changes or delays.  

We are a diverse community and expect all members to contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment. 

Your responsibilities

• Treat others with respect, fairness and consideration at all times.  
• Engage positively with different perspectives and experiences.  
• Communicate appropriately in all settings, including online.  
• Behave responsibly on and off campus.  
• Seek support when you need it, either from your Academic Adviser or from Student Support and Wellbeing. 
• Set up an Inclusive Learning Plan through Student Support and Wellbeing if required, to access specialist support with your studies. 

What you can expect from us

• An inclusive, supportive and respectful learning environment.  
• Teaching that reflects inclusive and accessible practices.  
• Consideration of your Inclusive Learning Plan, where applicable. 
• Fair and equitable treatment across your student experience.  
• Easy to access wellbeing and support services.  

Clear and respectful communication helps you access support and stay engaged with your studies. 

Your responsibilities

• Use official University channels (email, Moodle, Teams) for communication.  
• Check your University email regularly, normally daily during term time. 
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with staff and fellow students.  
• Let your Academic Adviser or Engagement Support know if circumstances are affecting your ability to engage or respond.  
• Allow reasonable time, generally up to three working days, for responses and use appropriate channels such as email or Teams for queries.   

What you can expect from us

• Clear, consistent and timely communication.  
• Responses to queries within a reasonable timeframe, normally within three working days unless otherwise stated. 
• Clearly advertised opportunities to seek support, e.g. office hours. 
• Professional and respectful communication at all times.  

Academic Advising supports your academic progress, development and wellbeing. 

Your responsibilities

• Attend and engage in scheduled Academic Adviser meetings, with a view to building a strong and supportive relationship with your Adviser.  
• Prepare for meetings and reflect on your progress and goals.  
• Be honest and open about any challenges that may be affecting your studies.  
• Request references with appropriate notice, as this may take your Academic Advisor up to two weeks to produce.   

What you can expect from us

• Regular, structured opportunities to meet with your Academic Adviser.  
• A supportive and confidential space to discuss your progress and circumstances.  
• Guidance on balancing your studies and other commitments.  
• Signposting to additional services where needed.   

Your feedback helps shape your course and the wider student experience. 

Your responsibilities

• Take part in feedback opportunities such as surveys and evaluations.  
• Provide feedback constructively and respectfully.  
• Raise concerns early, particularly where your experience is being affected.  
• Engage with student representatives and feedback channels.  

What you can expect from us

• Regular opportunities to share your views.  
• A culture where your feedback is valued and listened to.  
• Clear communication about how feedback has been used to drive change.  
• Ongoing improvements informed by student input.