Oxford University Society

East Kent Branch

The Oxford University Society East Kent Branch enables Oxonians in this area to meet others and to participate in raising money to benefit present day undergraduates. All who have matriculated or engaged in academic work at the University of Oxford for at least a year are eligible for membership, which is free – see Membership.

Some years ago the OUS East Kent Branch, which is autonomous, introduced a scheme for raising funds for student bursaries for Oxford undergraduates, for which members are invited to make an annual contribution of £20 or more. Eligible students must either be resident in East Kent or have been at school here, be in their first or second year, and have the support of their tutor – see Grants for how to apply. In recent years we have been able to award several bursaries every year, of up to £750 each, helping with the cost of degree-related long vacation projects.

Our committee member Gail Swainston gave an enthusiastic talk about the scheme at the Alumni Conference in 2011 – see https://vimeo.com/26476006

The East Kent Branch also arranges social events such as outings, talks and parties, as well as an AGM and lunch – see Events. These events are self-funding and any surplus goes to augment the bursary fund. We also invite some of the students we have helped to come to one or other of these meetings to tell us how they have used their bursary – often absolutely fascinating, leaving older members with the feeling that there is hope for the world yet!

The OUS East Kent Branch is supported by Oxford’s Alumni Office, the official organisation for the 250,000-strong international alumni community. Oxford alumni can benefit from many opportunities: whether you want to stay abreast of the latest developments in your subject or college, master a new field, or benefit from careers advice, Oxford’s Alumni Office can help you. For more information visit  www.alumni.ox.ac.uk

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