Many students are facing the challenge of a marking boycott.
We recognise that many students are facing the challenge of a marking boycott initiated by academic staff. While this can be a disruptive and concerning situation, it's important to remember that we are here to support and there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate its impact on your studies. Here are our top tips:
Stay Informed
Make sure to reach out to your academic staff and course reps to keep updated with current information and how it may affect you. The Union Advice Service help you navigate these discussions and suggest productive approaches to seek clarification on alternative assessment arrangements, obtain feedback, and address any concerns or challenges you may encounter.
Seek Guidance from the Advice Service
Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout the marking boycott. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with your questions, concerns, or uncertainties. We can advocate on your behalf and offer support and guidance during these times. Book an appointment with an advisor through our online booking form.
Understand Your Rights
It's important to understand your rights and what is expected of the University to limit the impact on you. The Quality Assurance Agency for HE has released guidance to ensure that you are not disadvantaged by the boycott. This includes, advising Universities to make arrangements to mark all final year students work, even if these need to marked on an extended timeline; exercising flexibility in deadlines and submission dates for assessments; maintaining effective communications with students; ensuring that any changes to assessment practices take account of the needs of disabled students to avoid creating additional barriers; and considering how many assessments have already been completed and whether students will be able to progress having met module or programme learning outcomes in previous assessments.
Take Care of Your Wellbeing
We recognise that the marking boycott can be a stressful time. Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing by practicing self-care, seeking support from friends and family, and utilising the wellbeing services at the University. Connect with fellow students facing the marking boycott to form support networks. Share experiences, exchange information, and collaborate on study strategies.
Incomplete transcripts
If you know that your transcripts will not be ready in time due to the marking boycott, request an explanatory note to share alongside your incomplete transcript. This should explain that your results are incomplete due to the boycott and not through any fault of your own. It should indicate whether your provisional grades are likely to remain the same, share any further achievements and If possible, an indication of when the confirmed results are expected to be available. This will be beneficial when looking for employment or for entry to postgraduate programmes.
Conclusion
The Union of Students is here to support you throughout the marking boycott. By staying informed, seeking guidance from our service, understanding your rights, communicating with lecturers and prioritising your well-being, you can navigate this situation with confidence. Remember, the Union is your ally, dedicated to ensuring your educational experience is protected and advocating for your rights during the marking boycott.