These are difficult and unfamiliar times. Never has the modern, globalised world been held by a single event to the extent to which we are facing now. In this period of mass disruption, we UAL students are each fighting our own battles. We are anxious about the uncertainty of the future, for the well being of ourselves and our loved ones. We are worried about not being able to make our best work and lacking the right platforms of representation. For all of us, we have lost the conditions to create work safely and effectively. 

The introduction of virtual learning is a welcomed supplementary tool to enrich students and to maintain the sense of community we have built together. However, it cannot and must not be a substitute for quality, hands-on teaching and learning that we have come to expect from the long-standing heritage that precedes all the colleges in UAL. Despite it being an approach adopted by other universities, going virtual contradicts the very spirit of the studio culture and craftsmanship that is imbued into all UAL courses. Put bluntly, it does not reflect why we chose to invest in a UAL education. 

Furthermore, it does not address the impact this outbreak has on those who suffer the current crisis disproportionately— those with mental health illnesses or disabilities, who are immunocompromised or in the high-risk group, low-income, people of colour, LGBTQ+ or international/overseas. Creative adaptability, while being crucial, is also myopic if assumed that every student will be able to adapt equally, if at all. 

UAL studio spaces and specialist workshops are integral to the development of practise-based courses and are also a safe environment for students to express themselves. Especially for students who have returned to families or live in environments that are not conducive or safe for their creative work. Beyond the loss of access to a safe environment and specialist resources, we also suffer the loss of opportunities and experiences unique to the city of London. The value of accessing these facilities which we rely on heavily for our personal and professional development and prospects are irreplaceable.

To that, we stand in solidarity with our fellow creatives in the following petition:

1. Grace Period for Safe Recovery
   
   The effects of this pandemic are far-reaching and all-consuming. For individuals whose projects/concepts must be adapted to digital submission, it is only fair that students are given a grace period for safe recovery and adjustment to new working routines. Each course should extend any upcoming deadlines, determined on a case-by-case basis by course leaders. With this security of time, students will be better equipped to produce work for their course and themselves. 
   
   
2. Guarantee of a Physical Degree Show
   
   A degree show, exhibition, and other similar events held in each course is a platform for students to exhibit their outcomes to the industry. For many, this is our first opportunity to showcase work to an international audience in a highly-competitive environment. The effects are beyond networking opportunities; many students’ work requires direct physical and social interaction, which cannot be replicated digitally.
   
   Each course shall be guaranteed a physical degree show in a form best for the course, should the students choose so. This will be held at a date deemed safe according to government guidelines. *Off-site shows can be held to avoid campus disruptions if subsidised by UAL.
   
   
3. Options for Students Against Virtual Completion of their Course
   
   As students are affected differently depending on their current circumstances, we are in favour of a selection of responses to accommodate them individually.
   
   a. Extension of Course and Tier 4 Visa
   
   The pandemic has resulted in an environment that is not conducive to authentic productivity and creativity. A course extension replacing the duration of lost studio time is vital in replenishing students with time for practical work with specialist resources. Students who choose this option resume physical classes after the Grace Period with provisions set out for them to remain and complete their degree. Example: If students lose one month of studio time, the end of course date will be delayed one month plus a grace period for safe return. Sponsorship for Tier 4 visas would also be extended to accommodate new end of course dates.
   
   *A course extension would require UAL to negotiate for all Tier 4 student visas to be given the respective extension as well from the Home Office.
   
   b. Deferment 
   
   Many of us have been pressured by circumstances to return to our families (some in other countries), and may not be able to return due to travel restrictions should there be an extension of the course. We must also take into consideration those who have been rendered financially incapable of continuing their studies by this pandemic, but wish to in the future. While the forecast in time of writing predicts an interruption of 3 months, many feel that disruptions may continue even longer. 
   
   Deferring allows us to complete our courses at a later date with the next class, appropriate to our schedule and needs. Students deferring must be given the assurance of support by UAL when returning to complete their course. This option will provide us an ease of mind that our creative education will be ready for us, when we are for them.
   
   c. Full or Partial Compensation of Term
   
   Should the current action taken by the university be non-negotiable, we strongly feel that the transition to online teaching is not of equal value to the tuition fees paid for physical learning and use of facilities. This is especially prevalent among the Tier 4 international students, who pay double fees compared to Home and EU students.
   
   If the university is adamant in continuing the learning experience on virtual platforms, we demand that tuition fees be refunded, either from the beginning of the last attended term, or in its entirety.

By many accounts, the aftermath of this pandemic will see the collapse of various industries and a global recession. We may be graduating into non-existent job markets and into an economic landscape akin to that ensuing a forest fire: barren and in desperate need of recovery. It is therefore imperative as the first wave of creatives that we go better equipped than ever to revitalise and to rebuild communities and societies. 

The uncertainties that lie ahead, however ready we might assume ourselves to face, will require us all to rise beyond the limits of our capabilities. We urge UAL to stand with their students in this moment of great importance and need. With the full support of UAL, we can emerge stronger and ever more resilient. 

Thank you.