We got No Detriment!!
I hope your return to learning has been okay and that you’re enjoying yourself as much as you reasonably can right now. Another two weeks have passed since my last update and so here’s another update on what I’ve been doing to represent your educational interests.
We got No Detriment!!
I hope your return to learning has been okay and that you’re enjoying yourself as much as you reasonably can right now. Another two weeks have passed since my last update and so here’s another update on what I’ve been doing to represent your educational interests.
Too long didn’t read
- No Detriment
- This both passed and we launched our campaign “No Detriment, No Bullshit”
- Exams are online
- Continued work on late submissions/extensions
- Referendum work progressing well – update coming next week with more details
- Many groups and committees (including the big boy Senate)
- Education Instagram continuing to grow and share important information
Overview
So the biggest thing in the last two weeks is that we got No Detriment back! We have been working with the University on this new No Detriment policy for the last few months and I’m really happy to be able to announce that on Wednesday we passed the No Detriment policy through University Senate. Here’s what I told University Senate about No Detriment.
And we’ve done a breakdown of what the No Detriment policy means – and you can watch that here.
Other than that, we got it officially that all exams will be online to provide you with certainty during this period. We Sabbatical Officers did an Instagram Live last week where we answered your questions and we’re looking at doing another one of these soon. We’ve also had conversations with the University about extending the late submission deadline and will be continuing to have these conversations in the coming weeks.
Policies
Both policies passed by Parliament in the recent past were accepted without discussion at the Trustee Board. Discussions have been started about writing a policy on strikes for next Parliament as well as amending the No Confidence procedure.
Big Plan
I had a great couple of catch ups with Alex and Adrian to discuss next steps for our respective Big Plan projects and so we are hoping to make some progress on these. We’ll be doing proper updates on these in the coming weeks, however with WiFi – the big update is that we are getting involved in the tender process for Accommodation WiFi which is great news!
Referendum
We were hoping to get an update out today about the referendum work, however sadly because of a sign-off issue we’re having to get the update out next week. In short, however, our letter has gone to government, we’ve got a template letter which we would love for you to send to your MP. The more voices we have pressuring our Members of Parliament to make change, the more effective this campaign will be. But, an update will be coming very soon on the referendum!
No Detriment
As mentioned in the overview, WE GOT NO DETRIMENT! This is a fantastic outcome and something I’m hugely proud that we achieved. We’ve done a breakdown on what this means and you will have an email from the University in your inbox talking about No Detriment. Let me say again, this is fantastic. No Detriment is a group of safety nets that are designed to ensure that as students, you’re not disadvantaged because of the pandemic. I’d highly recommend watching our video breaking down what No Detriment means and the different parts of No Detriment – it’s only a minute and should give you all the basic information you need about No Detriment!
Extensions
We have been working with the University and departments to ensure that they are flexible and understanding when it comes to deadlines. We are working with the University to try and extend the late submission deadline and we are hopeful that we can get some movement on this, however it will not be an immediate decision.
Committee/groups
This fortnight I sat on Research Committee, Senate, Trustee Board, Bounce Back Education Steering Group, Published Student Information Working Group, Emergency Student Parliament and Student Parliament. A relatively busy fortnight but that’s the role of VP Education!
Regular Meetings
I continued to have my regular meetings where I have raised student concerns to the University and continue to represent your academic interests. Also had my regular meetings with the Sabbs and other SU staff/
Other
We’ve continued to grow the SU Reps Instagram and on the Instagram is some information about changes that you might not be aware of, so don’t forget to check it out and drop a follow. We also welcomed back the full Education Team – it’s great to have them back!
If you’ve any questions, always feel free to email me – VPEducation@essex.ac.uk
Next two weeks
- Look at the Exams Campaign
- Meet with PVCE about Late Submission Deadline
- Meeting to discuss LEAP and Listen Again
- Academic Quality and Standards Committee (AQSC)
- Best Practice guide for supervisors meeting
- WiFi Everywhere Stakeholders
- Big Plan Moving Forward Planning
- Preparation for Tender meeting for Accommodation WiFi
- Bounce Back Education Steering Group