University 2019/20 intake: Gearing up to graduation (for some but not all)

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Oh no @Benjispruce4 - that’s awful 😡 DS has just submitted his last summative (diss was submitted a month or more ago) - just two online exams to go.

How can the lecturers think a marking strike is acceptable?

@Benjispruce4 Dd feels so sorry for all those affected. She has a percentage of one module that may be affected and so thinks she’ll be ok.
Dd was fuming when she saw the latest tweet from the leader of the ucu organising the marking strikes that may stop her friends graduating - this leader certainly doesn’t seem that bothered about the students (or the lecturers).

DD’s diss is due in 2 weeks. Does anyone know if universities will outsource marking?

Ds not communicating as much as some DC on here, his supervisor for his dissertation seems good but very much an active strike supporter.
He has some exams coming up that are 24 hours online. I know this as he has asked for my support for this: funding Uber Eats so he doesn't need to waste time cooking😀
I know he is staying in London so no no picking up his stuff. However Dc2 is also in London and needs to move out middle of June and has not yet found further accommodation

Just checked the Uni of Nottingham’s website re the effects of strike action and found this information.
So - good news in terms of graduation and being able to move on regardless of how the strike action may affect marking .

That sounds reassuring @blametheparents . I did a bit of a search too and found that Durham last threatened a marking strike on No November 2014 but it was called off when uni bosses negotiate so I’m hoping the same happens. Apparently there have been some pay increases already. The Student Union have said they do not support the strike this time which is a change from their stance on previous action.

*negotiated

There are similar reassurances on DU website, thankfully. Still, they deserve to have their hard work evaluated in the usual way.

www.ucu.org.uk/article/12256/UCU-members-back-marking-boycott-in-pension-dispute#.YnKl1iRNe_o.twitter

Hm, lets wait and see...

The 2 options Dd said may happen is that students graduate on time but without a classification or that they graduate later when presumably their modules have finally been marked. Either way is stressful.

Do you mean a delay to the actual ceremony? DD was saying quite a few parents have booked flights as they live abroad. Surely they won’t do that!

Yes delay the ceremony. These were statements that were circulating several weeks ago. I told Dd I thought it was pressure tactics by the UCU. But it seems to be being repeated by the latest announcements. DD’s department email was phrased ‘graduation will go ahead’ other departments email was phrased something like ‘we will try to make graduation go ahead’. They had the ‘try’ word in it. Really stressful for students to read.

DS’s job offer is dependent upon a 1st or a 2:1 classification.
Let’s hope that either the universities do give a grade classification, or employers are somewhat lenient (though they have absolutely no obligation to be so).

The marking strike at DD’s u

Let’s start again….

the marking strike at DD’s Uni was called off pretty sharpish after a settlement. I fear UCU see this as a quick way to get what they want, with zero consideration of the impact on students and wider practical implications re jobs etc

Yes I agree, but if the universities had listened earlier I guess they wouldn’t feel the need. They must’ve known this was a possibility. So unfair on the students and particularly this cohort.

Hi everyone, all quiet on the thread front. Hope all is well. DD’s diss is due in this week and she can’t wait so that she can enjoy the apres degree fun.
After she’s booked a restaurant for graduation celebration, her college have last week announced that there is a drinks reception and a 3 course dinner for students and guests, students FOC. Great but a bit late to announce after most people have made other arrangements.
No further word on strikes at the moment and very much hoping all will be well.🙏

@Benjispruce4 I bet she can’t wait - DS still has a 24hr online exam to do at the end of May, but is having a breather this weekend! We are booked in for a grad reception/meal in The Stag 😁the night before his graduation, but we will need to be up at the crack for his 9am ceremony 😫and then early lunch/brunch!

DD had a friend visiting this weekend and went to a Eurovision party last night. She has been working hard revising for exams, but will have a couple of days off when she goes to see a band that she has wanted to see forever on Thursday - a gig that was postponed twice.

Then back to serious revision and four exams. It has been a hard slog for her since Christmas, and she doesn't finish until 10th June, whch seems much later than everyone else.

DD half way through her exams, has a 6 day break till the next one so was out Eurovision-ing last night! All of hers are 24 hour window online but, like last year, she does the essay(s) in one go rather than have it hanging over her head the next day which I think is sensible for her (a bit of a worrier).

DS's final performance was on Monday - was really good. All done now. That's it. Fingers crossed that his dissertation was ok.

DD has just submitted her diss. That’s it for her. DD2 started exam leave today for her A levels- first paper on Monday.

Doesn't she have to do a presentation on her dissertation @Benjispruce4? DD had to do a dissertation, a 10 minute Powerpoint presentation on it followed by a Q and A session and still has exams to do. Her third year has been very tough.

@RampantIvy it’s not very standardised is it even between university departments. Dd had a presentation and report on her initial ideas and research, followed by the paper then another presentation in front of 2 examiners and Q&A session. She has no exams this year - all the modules are essay and seminar based.

I'm sure your DD will excel @ZandathePanda. I hope her younger sister can get through her exams unscathed. I know it has been difficult for her