Inclusion calendar 2022/23
Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion at Kingston University
We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive learning 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 diversity 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 might reasonably ask for adjustments to their study in order to meet their religious obligations.
Please note when using the calendar:
- 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.
- This calendar represents the University academic year and therefore runs in order from September 2022 to August 2023.
- Links to My Kingston and StaffSpace are internal and available for students and staff only.
Browse the calendar by month
September 2022
University of Sanctuary
As a university we are working towards becoming a University of Sanctuary. A University of Sanctuary is a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and able to pursue their right to education.
The award is given to Higher Education institutions that seek to foster a culture of awareness and inclusivity and can provide evidence of their commitment to developing initiatives that align with three core principles: learn, embed, and share.
Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of universities welcoming people seeking sanctuary into their communities, through facilitated access to higher education (HE), supporting local refugee communities, and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group in pursuing HE.
Do one thing
Read some of the short case studies in the University of Sanctuary resource pack.
October 2022
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.
The anti-racism pledge is a sector-wide commitment started by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Kingston University fully endorses the anti-racism pledge: 'Racism exists on our campuses and in our society. Call it what it is and reject it in all its forms. We stand united against racism.'
Do one thing
Watch David Olusoga' series of short films exploring critical moments in Black British history.
November 2022
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 2022
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 7 April. If you would like to learn more about how to improve your health and well-being we have an online library of practical guides available to all.
Do one thing
Invest in your health and explore some new healthy habits.
January 2023
Promote equality with your thoughts, words and actions
We all have a responsibility to be respectful to others and challenge poor behaviour.
You can:
- challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions and improve our learning environment.
- learn more and promote equality with your thoughts, words and actions.
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 2021 Big Read Winner, The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney by Okechukwu Nzelu.
February 2023
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 "Beyond the Lens". 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 2023
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 the 2020 campaign, Each for Equal.
April 2023
KU Cares
This month we focus on 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 Care Experienced History Month to celebrate and acknowledge the existence of care-experienced people and the history of care, to best understand the system as it is today.
Do one thing this month
Visit the Care Experienced History Month website for resources, lectures, and untold stories.
May 2023
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.
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 2023
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 2023
Advocate for action
This month we encourage you to join a network, society or support an awareness campaign that you are passionate about. The Union of Kingston Students offer several active societies related to culture, faith, academia, arts, activities, liberation and campaigns.
On 30 July, we celebrate the UN International Day of Friendship which 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.
Do one thing this month
Make a friend in a new network or society!
August 2023
Ask for help if you need it
We want everyone working and studying at Kingston University to have a positive experience where they are accepted as their authentic selves and treated with respect. We hope you do not need to, but if you experience or witness any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, report it.
The University has many ways to report unwanted behaviour, both formally and informally. Access the right support if you need it.
Do one thing this month
Read more about how you can be an ally in stopping violence against women and girls via White Ribbon