Sheffield Hallam students call on university to introduce 'no detriment' policy for summer grades

The petition appeared after other institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Exeter, adopted the policy which means that students’ grades will not be negatively impacted by any exams or assignments taken during the Covid-19 outbreak providing a pass grade is achieved.

It has gathered over 2,300 signatures so far, after launching on Saturday, and has also been sent to Chris Husbands, the Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.

The petition calls for Sheffield Hallam to implement the ‘no detriment’ policy given the “unprecedented and challenging” conditions brought about by a combination of the University and College Union (UCU) strikes, in which students missed out on around 14 days of teaching in February and March, and the disruption caused by the coronavirus.

It said: “A no detriment policy acts as a 'safety net' to ensure students obtain at least their average grade so far in the year, or with a better grade depending on results in summer exams or assignments, so long as they secure at least 40 per cent.

“This will ensure that students’ performance to date is not adversely affected by the conditions caused by UCU strikes and COVID-19. It ensures those who may perform better in final semester assignments or exams remain able to boost their final grades whilst maintaining motivation to study to improve their degree classification.

“Many of the country's leading universities, such as Edinburgh, St Andrews and Exeter, have already implemented a no detriment policy.

“In turn, they have provided reassurance to students who are adversely impacted that grades will be a reflection of students' overall performance and capabilities rather than of the impacts of UCU strikes and Covid-19.”

Commenting on the petition, student Kenan Hobson said: “My third year has been affected drastically by the strikes and Covid-19. I feel like Hallam have not provided enough support on the matter and expect all assignments to be submitted with NO guidance.”

Another student, Gabby Willis, said: “Due to my mental health, staff strikes and Covid-19, I have now missed the entirety of my final year, bar a handful of seminars and lectures that I managed to attend before becoming too ill. I need to graduate this year - remaining in Sheffield is not an option for me and I’ve been a student at SHU for six years now.

“In the first and second years of my degree I achieved a first overall - assurance that if I am unable to complete work - or it is significantly affected by the current situation - I will still achieve a 2:1 is the least I deserve for the years of hard work I’ve put in on two degree courses, and as an active member of the university community.

“Many other students are in a similar boat to mine, or worse, and the university needs to implement extra measures to support us in this unprecedented time.”

A Sheffield Hallam University spokesperson said: “This unprecedented situation is a challenge for our student community and we understand concerns about how studies are being impacted.

“Whilst we are taking action to ensure that studies can continue safely, we want to reassure students that the university is committed to no student being academically disadvantaged as a result.

“We encourage students with concerns to talk to their course leaders and academic support advisors.

“Our dedicated wellbeing support services are available remotely, we have a regularly updated advice page at shu.ac.uk/coronavirus, and the university has opened a help centre for any coronavirus related enquiries.”