*This petition has been adapted from similar petitions circling other universities.*

As per the government guidance, students are encouraged to continue to attended university.

Amidst the first wave of the pandemic, all students were granted a safety net policy which alleviated much worry and stress. With the pandemic increasing in strength and with the UK being in lockdown once again, the stress upon students is matched if not greater than that experienced in the last academic year.

With reduced library capacity and hours and sports activities drawn to a halt following tier 4, the work-life balance of students is next to none. Students have no choice but to to study and live in one place with little releases for their mental well-being. This places immense stress on students to achieve to the best of their abilities upon such unprecedented times.

Additionally, some students who cannot return to university due to restrictions may have to study in incompatible conditions to perform at an adequate or previously achieved level.

Being expected to perform to the same level as to that prior to covid without a safety net is unjust. Particularly when 19/20 students were granted one for just one semester of interruption. This year we students are having to adapt our learning (which has not been easy), lifestyle, coping mechanisms and reassurances not just for one term but for the whole year. This will definitely have an affect on student mental health and ability to perform.

On top of the learning obstacles, many students are still and will still be directly affected by the pandemic, if not affecting them, affecting their loved ones which comes with much uncertainty and anxiety further hindering ability to perform well.

In this current academic year, the university has not done enough to support students, with a lack of proper teaching and support and failing to recognise that the issues of last year persist now MORE than ever. 

Whilst safety and signposting has become a normal part of life, the university has neglected to offer the students any respite to workload .It is time the University acted to protect the welfare of their student body.

A safety net would alleviate much pressure and allow a proper, unhindered assessment of our achievements by allowing us to maintain the grades we obtained in a covid-free world.

By signing this petition we are asking for the introduction of a safety net policy, previously instated in order to bring fairer results for students this year. We are asking for fairness, no more than what was given for the 2019/2020 academic year. Is this too much to ask for?