The CDE of University Life (2019/20 cohort) - assignments, flat-hunting, Halloween and the end of their first term fast approaching

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread - Obvs the end of term is looming sooner for some than for others? I guess the Oxbridge posse will finish by the end of November or just into December?

DS cross they have a new lecturer who has decided on groups of 20 for projects he says she has misunderstood the brief to start with and the size of the group will end in tears.

DS2 not impressed about the strike, although I think has some empathy with the "why". I do wonder with the Office for Students having its full statutory powers whether there might be some real pressure for Uni's affected to do something? 8 days "lost" - so if 30 academic weeks about 5% of the year, not far off £500 in tuition fees, plus 6% (is it that still?) interest compounded over three years. I can see the logic for a full proportionate credit against the student loan for the tuition fees for that period.

Talking about group work going wrong, on DD’s course they had a lab where they worked in groups of three to produce a chemical solution.

At the end of the task one lad accidentally threw away his group’s solution and rinsed the flask. The group remonstrated with the technician saying they had followed the right steps and should have some marks. The tech insisted that the task was marked on the content of the solution so they could be awarded no marks.

It was their first lab and first group task, about four weeks into term. Quite a strain on new friendships but hopefully in time will be funny and I imagine the lad being called “Chuck,” or “Rinse.” 😁

Dd sent a FAQ sheet about the strike. From what I remember, it seems some of the money they don’t pay striking lecturers goes to the student union to decide what to do. Apparently you can also fill out a form and appeal to the vice-chancellor stating your case on an individual basis.

What has your DD been told about the strikes Zanda? DD hasn't said anything.

There was an email entitled ‘Industrial Action - update’. There’s links to several pages on it.

@DrMadelineMaxwell does your DC have very few lectures or finishes term early? Strike is only 8 days so should have a week or two before breaking up?

Info on strikes at York is eight days of strike action from Monday 25 to Friday 29 November and Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 December 2019 (inclusive)
York finishes on 6th December for Christmas. She has no lectures on a Friday anyway. So she's finished now for Christmas and goes back on 6th Jan.

My DD is a procrastinator too. I just don’t ask anymore. She’s managed to get where she is, always getting top grades so who am I to argue. It’s a lot easier when you don’t have to witness the procrastination so don’t ask!
DD breaks up 13/12. -13/1

I don't ask about DD's timescales either. When she had her first huge essay to hand in she was terrified that it would be too late, so she handed it in two days before the deadline. Her fear of doing badly is constructive here.

Re the strike, some departments will be more affected than others. I doubt whether the students in mine will notice much effect (provided they cross the picket line) since most of my colleagues are not taking part. So students can’t assume everything is cancelled. Other departments where union membership is high may effectively close down. My advice to students is that this is a perfect time to do the consolidation work that has been squeezed out of the term so far. Go back through lecture notes and revise. This is their chance to do the additional reading as well as the essential. This will strengthen their learning and they will benefit in the future. If they know what topics are being missed do some reading on them, good experience of independent learning. Academics don’t want to harm the students’ learning but, unfortunately, every other approach has been rejected or ignored.

DS was really well organised for Alevels, but his social life was put on a low burner. However he is now partying like it's 1999 and now has 4 essays to be done by next Friday. However he says that as there's no lectures because of the strike.... I foresee some stress ahead

DD is very interested in doing a year abroad, they have to perform well during the first year to be considered, so she needs to be on the ball.

Her uni is one on the list for strike action, but she hasn't heard. Her last lecture is 10 Dec and she's already booked the 600+ journey back, so won't be amused if she has to hang around at uni.

I'm very annoyed about the response of senior management at my university to the strike. Our union asked that they would spread the deductions from pay over a few months like other unis, but they have refused to do this. This will have a significant effect particularly on junior staff, whose position is one of the main issues we are striking about.

They have also refused to put the money withheld from lecturers' pay into the student hardship fund, which is what is being done in other places. They are clearly determined to play hardball, which just confirms all of the reasons for striking.

Ah, typed too soon. DD just told me they have strike action next week. She has exams in two weeks time, so is going to use the time for revision.

DD says they miss one lecture during the strike. Other lecturers are striking, but have said that they'll come in to do the lectures which is nice of them. She thinks the humanities are worse effected.

I think she's signed on a house today.
Three weeks ago she sounded really despondent about next year housing and felt everyone was organised and in groups except her; and now they're sorted and by the sound of it very happy, and very suited.
Hope that brings hope to all the others with accommodation worries.

Did someone else's DC at Durham get to see a GP after being told they hadn't registered? DS rang Claypath today to be told he hadn't registered despite having filled in forms and sent them off....
I have told him to go and find out what to do, but I'm not holding my breath

Well, as far as I know DD hasn’t used a GP yet and last time I asked her, she had no idea who it was despite filling out all forms so there’s obviously a problem somewhere that they don’t get a confirmation of registration email or similar.

Her last lecture is 10 Dec and she's already booked the 600+ journey back, so won't be amused if she has to hang around at uni.

Why would she need to stay around because of the strike?

My DS doesn't finish until 20th. He wasn't aware of whether his lectures were affected by strike action when I asked him yesterday. Typical!

DS finishes with a 12.5 hour shift on 23rd Dec.
That's nursing for you.

@chemenger I assume what was meant that if the strike goes ahead the student could come home early but has already bought their train ticket.

@Serin, all power to your DS - nurses do a great job.

Well re the GP, the receptionist DS spoke to have him a number but he didn't write it down so Googling last night brought up a possible number to call.
He is not good at self-care. And has 4 essays due in next Fri

@bigTillyMint DS also at Durham. He eventually , after weeks of nagging,rang for a doctors appointment yesterday but was told he will be registered with the university medical centre rather than Claypath, which was the number he called, even though they are both the same practice. It has been like trying to get blood out of a stone getting him to call so this is very frustrating Agree some sort of confirmation email would have been good.

@Tinseltrauma, aha! That's what I surmised from Dr Google. It seemed to be open for appointments today, but not to call? Like getting blood out of a stone with my DS too - I will badger him again on Monday morning as he needs to get his meds never mind the bad chest!