By Gavin Mackintosh-
University final year students in the Uk will be left in uncertainty about their final degree results this summer, including some who could attend graduation ceremonies only to be told later that they have failed.
Over 100,000 final-year undergraduates are believed to be affected by the marking and assessment boycott at 145 universities, part of the pay dispute between the University and College Union (UCU) and employers that has strained relations between staff, students and management.
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UCU members have refused to mark final exams, dissertations and coursework since April, most universities are issuing provisional results or certificates to allow students to graduate on time. Students have been told that their class of degree will be issued only when the assessments are completed in several months.
The fall out from the dispute is affecting Cambridge University highly, where a handful of former students write for this publication, with some having siblings still at the university facing the disruptions.
Final year students studying History, Geography , English, Humanities and Social sciences, will be left in the dark as to their results, without any provisional grades. issued to them.
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Law students will mostly be left hanging, with some told they will receive provisional marks in October.
Cambridge University history student, Mark Jones 20, said: ”I think the whole situation is a travesty. Many of us feel unlucky to be amongst the set forced to go through the summer in suspense of our results. The big question is what will happen to those of us who wish to start a Master’s degree in September? Will we be allowed to start based on average of our grades so far, or predicted outcomes? This is simply not right. Issues of pay dispute is for the university to sort out. Students don’t pay fees to face this kind of disruption.
”Any consequences as a result of this mess will result in people claiming some of their fess back, The whole situation is a right mess”.
English student Sharon Myles, 21, said: ” having gone through the disruption of the pandemics, it is unfortunate to have to go through this rubbish within two years. The universities and the union need to sort their mess out, Fee paying students should not have to go through this. This is on top of the fact we will still be expected to repay back loans. The situation stinks”
Dr Anthony Freeling, Cambridge’s interim vice-chancellor, said in a memo to colleagues that half of the university’s final-year undergraduates and up to 90% of postgraduate students on taught courses were affected, as he warned that: “Students could still be waiting for degrees well into the next academic year.”
Only this week, The University of Edinburgh this week told 2,000 affected students they could take part in the graduation ceremony and receive a degree scroll on stage, but added: “In a very small number of cases, students with delayed degree awards who have attended a graduation celebration may be found to not be eligible for an award once marks are returned after the boycott is over.
“In these rare cases, we will contact the student with details of opportunities to repeat a year or resit the relevant exams and assessments.”
The ongoing industrial dispute between the University and College Union (UCU) and university employers has led to significant disruptions, including marking boycotts, in 145 universities. One of the major consequences of these disruptions is the delay in graduating and receiving final results for students.
Graduating delays can have adverse effects on students’ academic progression. Delayed results can impede the ability to secure job opportunities, pursue further studies, or meet professional requirements. Students may face uncertainty and frustration, with their future plans hanging in the balance.
The stress and anxiety associated with prolonged uncertainty can negatively impact students’ mental health. Uncertain graduation dates and a lack of clarity regarding academic progress can lead to increased levels of anxiety, affecting overall well-being and potentially hindering their ability to perform academically.
Students may face financial repercussions due to graduation delays. These can include increased living expenses, deferred employment opportunities, or the need to extend housing contracts or student loans. Such financial burdens can add strain to students already grappling with the disruption caused by the industrial dispute.
The impact of graduating delays can vary depending on individual circumstances. Some students may have immediate plans or commitments that rely on timely graduation, while others may have more flexibility. Factors such as career aspirations, visa requirements, or personal circumstances can significantly influence the level of disruption experienced.
The perceived significance of the disruption also varies among students. Some may consider it a minor inconvenience, while others may view it as a significant setback. The overall impact hinges on how students individually value the timely completion of their studies and the subsequent transition into their chosen careers or further education.
Many academics are concerned that the cumulative effects of disruptions caused by the industrial dispute can compound the impact on students. Multiple instances of delayed coursework, missed teaching sessions, and prolonged uncertainty can erode trust and confidence in the educational experience and exacerbate the disruption.
The UCU plays a central role in the industrial dispute and may be held accountable for the disruptions caused by the marking boycotts. Critics argue that such actions can disproportionately affect students and that alternative means of protest should be explored to minimize the impact on their education.
University employers also bear responsibility for the disruptions. Critics argue that inadequate negotiations and failure to address staff concerns may have contributed to the escalation of the dispute and subsequent disruptions. Some argue that employers should prioritize the welfare of students and seek timely resolutions to minimize the impact on their education.
Researcher and educator, Joshua Hopwood said: ”The responsibility for the disruptions caused by the industrial dispute also falls on university management and governance structures. Critics argue that ineffective communication, failure to engage in meaningful dialogue, and a lack of proactive measures to prevent or mitigate disruptions have strained relations between staff, students, and management.
”It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in open and meaningful dialogue to reach a resolution. Negotiation processes should prioritize the interests of students and seek to minimize disruptions while addressing the concerns of staff. Transparent and
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