Over 6,000 people urge Sheffield Hallam to introduce ‘no detriment’ policy as criticism of current approach grows

More than 6,000 people have signed a petition calling on Sheffield Hallam to introduce a ‘no detriment’ policy as the criticism of the university’s current approach grows.
A public service advert about Coronavirus outbreak on Fargate in Sheffield City CentreA public service advert about Coronavirus outbreak on Fargate in Sheffield City Centre
A public service advert about Coronavirus outbreak on Fargate in Sheffield City Centre

Universities across the country have been closed since mid-March to accommodate government social distancing measures, and students are yet to receive concrete information, as to how this pandemic will affect their final grades.

Sheffield Hallam students launched an online petition asking the university to introduce a ‘no detriment’ policy – a ‘safety net’ to ensure they obtain at least their average grade so far in the year or better grade depending on results of summer exams or assignments given the disruption caused by Covid-19 and the University and College Union (UCU) strikes.

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The initial petition for a 'no detriment' policy was also directed to Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University Vice ChancellorThe initial petition for a 'no detriment' policy was also directed to Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University Vice Chancellor
The initial petition for a 'no detriment' policy was also directed to Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University Vice Chancellor
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Earlier this month, Sheffield Hallam University announced it would be adopting a ‘no detriment’ approach for summer grades and assessments, introducing a number of measures such as extensions and resits with no capped mark but students criticised the move for not providing the ‘safety net’ features like many other universities.

Campaigners are now continuing to add pressure on Sheffield Hallam University, and are urging bosses to rethink their current ‘no detriment’ approach calling it flimsy, hard to interpret, and inadequate for students' needs.

They have set up the #HallamSafetyNet campaign with support from the student representatives and officers of the Sheffield Hallam Students' Union, who are endorsing it as part of the Rep Committee.

Laith Jaafar, Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) Faculty Academic Rep for 2019/20 and the SSA College Officer Elect for 2020/21, said: “Students weren’t really happy with the approach that the university gave us.

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“We didn’t feel like it alleviated the stress and anxiety of having to do assignments in the current pandemic so we want to add to what the university has already done in their approach. What we think is missing the protection of our grades, we want the university to have a safety net.

“The argument is that it won’t be a true reflection of what we achieved before and our capability right now so why not at least, if we pass, let us get the grades we’ve achieved already in the module in semester one where we hadn’t been going through these difficult times.

“As long as we pass we’d get the mark we’d achieved or if we were to exceed that then we’d get that grade. At least then there is a net where you’d feel comfortable that your potential and capabilities so far are protected.”

Laith, who is a second year law student, added: “I have four assignments to do – two coursework which were due in this week but I took an extension for and then I’ve got two exams, which are completely new to us as they’re online exams.

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“We’re not used to this form of assessment, which is another thing, so it’s difficult for us to perform to our true capabilities since we’re all new to the process. It brings a lot of anxiety and stress to my mind.”

A Sheffield Hallam University spokesperson said: “We understand and recognise the impact that Covid-19 is having on our university community, therefore we are committed to ensuring there is no detriment to our students’ learning, how they are assessed, and their results, as a result of restrictions arising from Covid-19.

“We have introduced a range of measures to support students and ensure that no one is disadvantaged. For example, our approach to assessments will see previous grades taken into account, so marks can be increased if they are lower than expected or out of line with previous results.

“More information on this and other measures can be found on our advice page at shu.ac.uk/coronavirus.

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“We would urge any student with concerns to contact us through their course leader or our dedicated help centre on 0114 225 4555 or [email protected].”

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