The Covid 19 pandemic has lead to a lockdown where the library, amongst other university buildings, is closed. This has drastically depleted the resources that are available to university students.

Furthermore, although we are classed as full-time students, most of us have been forced to return home for the duration of the lockdown period. During this time, we are all facing different challenges including:

·       Being considered as key workers in our part-time jobs.

·       Supporting elderly relatives, homeschooling our younger family members and generally helping those who are ill or in need.

·        Not having suitable working conditions at home or access to sufficient technology.

Frankly, in our third and most critical year, we have been substantially disadvantaged by two University and College Union strikes and then the further cancellation of face-to-face teaching and the unavailability of critical resources.

We would like a clear explanation of what plans have been made for special considerations when marking our work. Taking into account the lack of resources and the strain of quarantine on our mental wellbeing.

For example, both Exeter and Southampton University (amongst others) have adopted a ‘no detriment’ policy. They have calculated all the students yearly average based on the marks they currently have available and have agreed not to mark a student below that result. We are suggesting that this is a reasonable solution given the current unprecedented circumstances.