Inclusion calendar 2024/25
Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion at Kingston University
Kingston University is committed to creating an equal and inclusive learning environment where we can celebrate our individual diversity and feel confident to challenge inequality. This calendar features religious festivals, awareness days and key equality, diversity and inclusion campaigns. Use the calendar to help plan events and initiatives in an inclusive way.
Special dates and events have been chosen to represent the diversity of our community and is not an exhaustive list. Religious festivals are highlighted so that students can ask for reasonable study adjustments to meet their religious commitments.
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 2024 to August 2025.
- Links to My Kingston and StaffSpace are internal and available for students and staff only.
Browse the calendar by month
September 2024
A Culture of Welcome
In September we welcome new and returning students. At Kingston we believe strongly in a culture of respect and that life at university is more than your degree. We are working on becoming a University of Sanctuary, where all students feel safe, welcome and able to pursue their right to education.
University of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of universities welcoming people seeking sanctuary into higher education.
Read more about the University of Sanctuary.
October 2024
Black History Month
Black History Month is a time for us to reflect, celebrate and champion the rich history and legacy of Black people both past and present. Although Black history and the significant achievements and contributions of people from the African Diaspora to society should be acknowledged all year round, Black History Month serves as an opportunity to directly draw attention to this and to challenge the systems that allow racial inequality to exist in our society.
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.'
View Kingston's BHM programme.
November 2024
Faith and Spirituality
Each year, Inter Faith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday. It 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.
Check out our faith facilities and all upcoming Faith and Spirituality events.
December 2024
Disability Awareness
The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities occurs on each year on 3 December. The awareness day advocates for world leaders to increase their commitment, solidarity, financing and action for people with disabilities. It's important we do the same at Kingston.
Around 15% of students at Kingston declare a disability. Various teams are available to support you throughout your studies.
The Disability and Mental Health Advisers at KU work with students who have diagnosed health conditions, disability, Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) and mental health conditions.
Explore the Student Wellbeing Hub for more support and information on eligibility.
January 2025
Mindful Movement
Moving our bodies can have a positive impact on our mind. The Sports and Active Lifestyles Team offers a range of recreational sports, activities, and volunteering to help support your wellbeing. Facilities can be found on and off main campuses, and various programmes are open to students who are talented athletes and keen to coach.
Kingston Students' Union also supports the running of 30 sports clubs. Joining a club is a great way to stay active and meet new friends!
Learn more about Sports and Active Lifestyles.
February 2025
LGBT+ History Month
LGBT History Month celebrates and recognises all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The campaign claims the community's past, celebrates the present and advocates for future change. 2025 will mark the 20-year anniversary of UK LGBT+ History Month.
Join our LGBTQIA+ and Allies Society or LGBT+ Staff Network.
March 2025
Women's History Month
Kingston University celebrates Women's History Month and International Women's Day (IWD) by sharing inspirational stories and the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the institution. Each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
In March we also mark University Mental Health Day, a day for the nation to talk about student mental health and making this a university priority.
Read more about the IWD 2024 campaign #InspireInclusion.
April 2025
Climate Awareness and Communities
Sustainability and climate awareness are of increasing importance at Kingston. There are intrinsic links between the environment, climate action and inclusion. Since the 1800s, human actions have been the primary cause of climate change, with the Global North being responsible for 92% of all excess global emissions.*
Changes in global temperatures and the subsequent increase in climate events cause the displacement of millions of people, flooding and famine, and are impacting economically poor and politically powerless communities.
April allows us to reflect and act on climate awareness and its effect on communities by marking Earth Day on 22 April.
Read about the history of Earth Day and this year's campaign theme, OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.
*Source: Jason Hickel and Our World in Data
May 2025
Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Kingston celebrates its diverse community all year round through the Cultural Diversity event programme and various awareness days and months highlighted in the Inclusion Calendar. Each May, we acknowledge UNESCO's Cultural Diversity Day, and the need for intercultural dialogue, peace and united sustainable development.
Browse the Cultural Diversity event programme.
June 2025
KU Cares
This month we focus on KU Cares' support for students. The KU Cares team provides a comprehensive package of support for students who have experience of local authority care, are estranged from their families, or are asylum seekers with Sanctuary Scholarships.
This month, Kingston marks Refugee Week, which spotlights the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Last year we ran various events centred around the campaign theme of 'Our Home', as a feeling or state of mind, building community and the intersection of the climate crisis and migration.
Find out more about KU Cares eligibility and support.
July 2025
Diversify Your Networks
In line with the UN International Day of Friendship on 30 July, we encourage this month you to join a network or society that you are passionate about. Kingston Students' Union offers several active societies related to culture, faith, academia, arts, activities, liberation and campaigns.
July also marks South Asian Heritage Month, a time for our KU community to reflect on identity, community, gender, faith and family. SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities.
Make a friend in a new network or society!
August 2025
Feel Safe and Respected
The University does not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct and takes all allegations extremely seriously. If you witness or experience unwanted behaviour let the University know via Report+Support, either anonymously or with contact details to enable a member of staff to support you.
You can also talk to someone confidentially about the options available to you via the Harassment Contact Scheme. Keep yourself and others safe on campus and access the right support if you need it.
Familiarise yourself with Report and Support.