Action Tracker

1.1 The University and KSU to increase signposting and promotion of the University’s wellbeing support services for students.

1.2 The University and KSU to foster a supportive environment that prioritises student wellbeing and directing students to the necessary support before a crisis arises.

1.3 The University and KSU to continue providing free social events for students.

1.4 KSU to enhance the provision of free period products for students.

Ongoing

1.5 The University to maintain the current funding support programme with the following enhancements:

• Support for students' transportation costs, including those on compulsory placements.

• Support for accommodation and energy costs, including introducing a university guarantor service to support Home students from low incoming backgrounds and international students.

• Bursaries for student groups that are more likely to be affected by the rising cost of living.

• Support for Kingston School of Art students to afford art supplies and materials.

1.6 The University and KSU to collaborate to promote and create student job opportunities.

1.7 The University to increase awareness of and collaborate to improve access to the KingsGate Student Pantry and other food pantries around Kingston.

1.8 The University to investigate new initiatives to support students to afford food, such as redistribution of surplus edible food from campus to students, and regular free breakfasts or low cost meal options through ‘grab and go’ or vending machine provision.

1.9 KSU to facilitate consultations with students regarding catering facility and provision on campus.

1.10 The University to collaborate with KSU to assess the space use of the student kitchen and social space at the Penrhyn Road campus, scoping the need to expand facilities at other campuses.

1.11 The University to reassess the attendance policy to be more understanding of the students’ real life experiences.

1.12 The University to minimise changes to timetables and the cancellation of classes to support commuter students, student parents, student carers, and students who work alongside their study.

1.13 The University to review online teaching provisions to support student parents, student carers, and students with disability.

1.14 The University to work with faculties with the goal of condensing on campus teaching.

1.15 KSU to carry out a more detailed study to further identify the needs of the student groups that are more likely to be affected by the rising cost of living: Black students, female students, disabled students, International students, student works, carers, PG students, HSSCE students.

Ongoing

(Black Student Experience report published in summer 2025. Another research project will commence in November 2025).

1.16 KSU to advocate for raising the amount of maintenance loans for UK undergraduate and postgraduate students and the stipends for doctoral students who receive the UK Research and Innovation studentships, to match the Minimum Income Standard (MIS).

1.17 There needs to be a review of UK Visas and Immigration guidelines for international students on the cost of education and living in the UK, with enhanced provisions for students from countries whose currencies may substantially change in value mid-year.

1.18 A review with the goal to increase the number of hours international students can work with a Student Visa.

2.1 Publish a guidebook for Black students that includes signposting to relevant services and activities at Kingston University (e.g., academic rep system) and Kingston upon Thames (e.g., Black beauty shops, Afro-Caribbean restaurants).

Ongoing

(KSU Inclusion Booklet is published. KSU will continue updating the booklet and possibly expanding the section specifically for Black students.)

2.2 Deliver tailored communications with relevant information for Black students. These communications include KSU newsletters, social media posts, as well as open forums for Black students facilitated by KSU. This includes ensuring clarity on the support available to Black students, such as bursaries/grants, extra-curricular opportunities, and academic support.

2.3 Collaborate with Black-led student societies and provide appropriate resources to improve the delivery of events for Black students and events that showcase Black cultures and identities, across all four campuses throughout the academic year.

2.4 Encourage Black-led student societies to develop a community of Black students to develop a sense of belonging and mutual support. This community should be hosted by KSU and the KU BAME Staff Network to enable students to have ownership of this space.

2.5 Improve the provision of Afro-Caribbean food across all campuses and KU events.

2.6 Implement cultural competency training for all staff and students at Kingston University, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.

2.7 Increase Black student engagement in the Inclusive Curriculum Consultant programme, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.

2.8 Improve programmes to prepare Black students for university, including tutoring, study groups, and other academic support programs to bridge academic preparation gaps and succeed in their coursework, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.

2.9 Enhance wellbeing support for Black students, including efforts to reduce stigma about help seeking behaviours and mental health difficulties, and improve training for wellbeing staff to understand the specific challenges faced by Black students, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.

2.10 Ensure all courses have the opportunity to recruit Black students to become Course Reps, and that all Black students who become Course Reps feel empowered to raise academic feedback to relevant KU committees.

2.11 Deliver a programme to support Black students in improving their career and professional development, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.

2.12 KSU Advice Service to establish an outreach and support plan to enhance the accessibility of the Service to Black students.

2.13 Improving staff diversity at Kingston University, including wellbeing staff, as outlined in KU’s Race Equality Charter.