Read more about what we know about the planned UCU Marking and Assessment Boycott...
In a nutshell..
The UCU (the union that represents a large proportion of university teaching staff) has voted to begin a marking and assessment boycott (MAB) that officially began on Thursday 20th April. The UCU are asking all of it’s members to participate in this.
The MAB is part of a series of industrial action measures undertaken by UCU in relation to pensions and pay working conditions of it’s members.
So, what is an MAB.
An MAB is a refusal to contribute to summative assessment decisions. Summative assessment includes:
- Marking (in writing, on-line or verbally) including coursework and examination marking, assessment of field and lab work, exhibits, practical work, presentations and posters (basically anything that may lead to a mark that leads to progression or completion of a degree)
- Assessment related work. This relates to any work that leads to the processing or publishing of marks e.g. exam invigilation, processing of marks and exam related administration
- All levels and years could be affected. The UCU guidelines state the boycott should be implemented on all work including foundation degree, degree, masters and PHD study (including dissertations and vivas)
- Formative assessment. Assessment that doesn’t contribute towards an award (as in a degree) can be given so you may still receive general feedback from staff participating in the MAB.
What is the SU Stance?
The SU Parliament recently voted to implement a new policy on industrial action. Therefore, whilst we retain our support for the reasons for the industrial action, as an SU we do not support this method. Therefore, we will not be supporting the UCU in the marking and assessment boycott in its current state. You can read the policy in full here.
How will the university support me?
The university has written to all students to reassure them that they are confident that the marking and assessment boycott will not affect students’ ability to graduate or progress to the next year of their studies. Madeline Eacott the PVC Education has stated:
“Our focus is on ensuring that your results will be available to you as expected and, where you meet the requirements of your course, you are able to progress to the next stage of study or to graduate as expected.”
The Student Services Hub are offering in person, online and live chat meetings for any student who questions about the MAB.
Your SU has your back!
If you feel you have been affected by the marking and assessment boycott then don’t worry, we can help.
The SU Education Team is available to meet with you throughout this period and can offer support and links to your department. We will also be meeting regularly with the university to receive assurances that students are not being affected by this boycott. If you would like a chat then just drop us an email at sureps@essex.ac.uk and we will arrange a meet up.
If you have specific issues relating to academic offences or complaints during the assessment period our brilliant SU Advice Team are also available to meet either on zoom or in person to support you with specific issues you may be experiencing.
Keep focussing on you!
Our final piece of advice is to keep focussing on yourself! Crack on with revision and writing those essays. Your SU will be running a range of events during term 3 to help support you as well as tonnes of events to help you relax after a hard day’s revision. We’ve got your back!