The situation regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed very little since March. Students have faced significant disruption to their studies over the past nine months and many of us are struggling in these difficult times. Access to vital academic resources, such as the library, has been limited at best over the past two semesters, and will likely remain limited over the next semester. Many students face completing their dissertations and sitting their final exams in locations with limited access to technology and limited academic support. Many of us are also struggling with a variety of issues, ranging from mental health issues to financial stress, further impacting our ability to produce the quality assignments the university expects of us. 

We believe it is unfair and unrealistic to expect honours, ordinary degree or postgraduate students to continue to produce a high quality of work in these circumstances, especially in light of the new restrictions imposed by both the Scottish and U.K. governments. Therefore, we are asking that the university reinstates the ‘no detriment’ policy implemented for honours students in March 2020. A ‘no detriment’ policy would ensure that any passing grade in upcoming examinations can only positively impact a student’s overall grade, meaning that no student will be left behind due to the pandemic.