A policy of no detriment has been implemented at Southampton, Exeter and Edinburgh University, meaning student’s final grades for the 2019-20 cannot be lower than their current weighted average. Unmarked assignments and summer assessments are to be graded with a lower-end cap in place to ensure students are not disadvantaged by ongoing disruption to their studies.This policy applies to students at all stages of their degree (not just third years).

This policy is a fair way to mitigate the negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic will inevitably be having on student’s academic success. Without it, many student’s final grades will suffer due to the pandemic. Whether this is through personal illness, caring for relatives or housemates, restricted access to resources and suitable study spaces, not having access to a personal computer or reliable internet source, child care responsibilities, or the sheer anxiety of not knowing how the University intends to carry out final assessments when they are just around the corner, all students are likely to be disadvantaged in some way.

To date, three universities have taken the initiative to implement a formal method of mitigation, with many more campaigning to follow suit. Goldsmiths needs to join this small number of progressive institutions and stand up for the success of students - students that have worked hard for the duration of their degree, only to be facing the very real prospect of falling short of their potential at the last hurdle through no fault of their own. Similarly, future final grades of 1st and 2nd year students will be impacted by affected grades from the current academic year.

Sign the petition for Goldsmiths to protect its students by adopting the no detriment policy!