Following the update email from the University of Birmingham, this petition calls for a no-detriment policy for students who are heavily impacted by remote learning following the new national restrictions. The petition calls for the University of Birmingham to follow the University of Sussex, who acknowledge the constant difficulties faced by students at this time. https://thetab.com/uk/sussex/2021/01/05/sussex-vcs-email-states-the-university-has-decided-to-develop-a-no-detriment-policy-45621

The petition ask for the consideration that Kathy Armour (Pro-Vice-chancellor of Education) displayed when responding to a similar petition by fellow student Gracie Grant nine months ago. The petition would like to display solitude and appreciation for not only fellow students but to the staff who have undoubtedly faced difficulties as a result of this pandemic. 

The email update followed news of the national lockdown assurring students that they "will continue to be flexible and understanding if you encounter difficulties". The petition asks the university to consider major difficulties that have been and are still currently impacting students now, such as: Inaccessibility to a suitable environment, health and family complications and caring responsibilities. Additionally, remote learning is not a feasible learning experience for all students as it not only generalises learning without the consideration of different student needs but does not match equivalent standards that students are paying full price for, yet we are still required to submit and produce work to a similar standard to a time before Covid-19. 

Lack of acknowledgement from the government and assumed compatibility to remote learning leaves student's needs and wellbeing out of the equation, with the expectation to continue producing the same quality of work, again this is not realistic for all students. Which is why the petition asks for a no-detriment policy for students who are facing these challenges. 

Please sign this petition !