The University aspires to provide an inclusive learning community and aims to work with all our students to achieve their goals.
The University has a range of networking opportunities, representation groups and support services dedicated to supporting our Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic students ensuring you feel welcome, included and part of the wider university community.
The Canterbury Christ Church Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Network
The Canterbury Christ Church Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Network provides a space for students to support each other throughout their studies, network, discuss challenges and promote race equality and diversity. It is also a place to hold events including webinars and signpost students to important information and services.
Members of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Network play an active role in shaping the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda including working as partners to develop curriculum, procedural changes and sitting on the University’s Closing Our Gap Strategy Group.
The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student network is open to all CCCU students that identify as a member of the Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic community.
CCCU Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Network aims
- Provide a supportive space for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students at CCCU
- Provide a network that builds a sense of belonging and community
- Collaborate with key services across the University to promote Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic interest
- Organise and host events that promote Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic interest and the University’s EDI agenda.
If you would like to join the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student network please complete this form.
If you are a not a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student and would like to be a Network Ally and support the work of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Network please email closingourgap@canterbury.ac.uk
Black History 365
This all year round programme is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions that the Black community make to our learning community and our society.
The Believe, Achieve, Mentor and Empower (BAME) Programme
The Believe, Achieve, Mentor and Empower (BAME) Programme has been uniquely designed for students that identify as Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic. The programme aims to improve the experience of Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic students, enhance learning, celebrate success and support collaboration.
The Believe, Achieve, Mentor and Empower programme will support students from a range of different cultural backgrounds to create a sense of community and mutual understanding. Under the Believe, Achieve, Mentor and Empower programme, where possible students will be matched up with mentors from similar cultural backgrounds.
Students' Union and the SU Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Officers
The Students' Union provides independent representation if you feel that you would be more comfortable talking to someone outside of the University, while Student Course Representatives are elected by you to give feedback on key issues affecting your student experience.
The Students’ Union Council is made up of 22 elected Officers who represent all of the cohorts across the University. There are two dedicated Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Officers to represent Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students.
More on the Students' Union Council.
Placement Initiative – Bridging the Gap to Leadership
Alongside the University of Brighton, we have embarked on an exciting collaborative leadership placement opportunity highlighting the urgent need to tackle issues around inequalities experienced by Black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic students whilst on placement in healthcare settings.
Check out the Padlet developed by students to support other students within health and social care placements.
Our 'Bridging the Gap to Leadership' project provides new placement initiatives.
Student Support and Wellbeing
Whether you are a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student seeking guidance to help you successfully continue with your studies, looking for a safe space to talk or need support with your mental health we are here to help. We have Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Counsellors and Mental Health Practitioners.
Visit the Student Support area of the student webpages for more details.
Supporting your career
Gradforce
If you are in your final year of study, GradForce can help fast-track your graduate career with their exclusive GetHired! employability programme and graduate jobs.
We have a particular focus on underrepresented groups within the university, including students from black heritage, to level the playing field and ensure that all students leave Christ Church with equal opportunity to graduate-level employment.
The 10,000 Black Interns Experience
This programme is designed to give Black or Black Heritage students a flying start at building your career. They match you with a paid internship in a sector of your interest, and support you with pre-internship training and development.
Applications are open from September – November for internships starting from May onwards.
Making a stand against racism
At Canterbury Christ Church we stand against racism. We believe that everyone has a right to a good quality education, in which diversity is celebrated. It is crucial that we all work together to tackle racism and promote racial equality. Find out how you can get involved in our IMatter campaign.
Report and Support
We believe that bullying, harassment and hate crime are never OK and we want you to feel confident that reporting of any incidents at Christ Church will be taken seriously.
If you have witnessed or experienced bullying, harassment or racism, we are here to support you.
All staff, students and visitors to our campus can report something either anonymously or with contact details via our online Report and Support tool. If you provide your name, one of our advisers will be in contact within 3 working days. Reports can be about an individual, a group of people or cultures.
Closing Our Gap
Through consultations with Staff and Students across the University, we have developed a Closing Our Gap Framework in which, we have identified 3 focus areas to help improve the student experience and academic success:
- Culture: The University is committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity in which our core values are reflected.
- Curriculum: The University is committed to developing diverse and inclusive curricula that are representative and reflective of the staff and student body.
- Community: The University is committed to developing a friendly, inclusive and professional community that fosters good relationships and a sense of belonging in which everyone is heard and respected.
Our Closing Our Gap Framework, sets out our commitments and a clear roadmap for positive and lasting change, provides the opportunity for us to work together as partners in learning and will be under constant review to ensure we are making progressive change.